Gothic architecture

By Igor Ljubas
Content St. Vitus Cathedral, the Vienna Cathedral, Cathedral of Milan, the Notre Dame
cathedral, Sagrada Familia source: Wikipedia

St. Peter's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Paul Cathedral

Ivana Lateran, St. John's Cathedral in Seville Cathedral

St Vitus, Cologne Cathedral Source: http://www.wish.hr

Author: Marina Jaksic Photos: John kodk, Gothic

Cathedral source: http://nova-akropola.com

As Gothic architecture designate a European architecture peak and late age art of the Middle Ages which was built in the Gothic
style. As an architectural style themselves, created in the 12th century in central France, more precisely in the area of Ile de France
which includes the city of Paris and from there to as "French export product" spread in most countries of Western and Central
Europe and quickly spread to England, later on the Iberian peninsula, to Germany and other Western European countries. In Italy,
the Gothic created a special mix of Romanesque, antiquity and Byzantine style, came here a little later and replaced by
Renaissance architecture. Even at the beginning of the 16th century, primarily in Central Europe created are basically Gothic work.

Name of Gothic

The term "Gothic" was introduced by the Italian humanists who were wrongly linked to "Goths" whose art was considered barbaric and
this time are marked as "dark age" of the Middle Ages, a very Gothic art was considered "without a good taste." Some architects have
had a great appreciation for the importance of Gothic architecture (as Francesco Borromini) and their works, which are used Gothic
elements are sometimes erroneously were classified in the so-called. Baroque Gothic. Gothic is wider again been banned from
entering the 19th century, when the reconstructed Gothic work and in that time, Gothic was proclaimed in Germany for "German folk
style". In the 19th and 20th century appeared and artistic direction called Gothic Revival architecture that developed in England and
the United States and inspired the works of Gothic.

Generally the gothic art see article Gothic style .

The emergence of Gothic architecture

Gothic architecture was created by transformation, monumental and coming up with new architectural elements in poznoromanikoj
architecture in France in the area of Ile de France and while powered elements of Romanesque architecture of Normandy and
Burgundy, as well as distant areas. The most characteristic element of the pointed arch is taken from Sicily and the Arabs came vault.

Gothic architecture can be divided into the following periods:

Early Gothic architecture: around 1140 in Germany 1220th to 1520th

Architecture High gotike- 1200 in France, 1250 in Germany, 1350 in England
Architecture late gotike- of 1350th to 1550th
St. Vitus Cathedral, official Cathedral of St. Vitus, Wenceslaus and Wojciech ( saying. Katedrla
svatho Vita, Vclav and Vojtch)

the dominant buildings at the Prague castle. It is a three-aisled Gothic cathedral with three towers and to the Head Quarter Church
of the Prague archbishop. The modern building was built in several stages in the years 1344-1419, 1490-1510, 1556-1593. and
1873-1929 (western part). By the year 1997 was dedicated only St. Mind and therefore is used mainly for short labeling as "St. Vitus
Cathedral" as the common name.
Vienna Cathedral or Cathedral of St. Stepan ( nem. Stephansdom) the cathedral, which is located on St.. Stepan in Vienna . It was
built in the Romanesque and Gothic style on the ruins of the former two churches, of which the first was built in 1147. Because the
roof vivid color has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Vienna. but it burned in 1258, so that from it today remain the
only visible traces on the west facade.

The great Gothic nave was built from 1304th to 1450th, a Gothic tower and turrets in the south transept completed 1433rd
Cathedral of Milan ( ital. Duomo di Milano) the cathedral of Milan, Lombardy, northern Italy. The seat of the
Archbishopric of Milan.

Cathedral is known worldwide for its importance in promoting the Christian faith, for its role in establishing the Catholic traditions
of worship, and beautiful Gothic architecture .

Built from the late 14th to mid-19th century (and, somehow, never completed, since the works and today continues), the cathedral of
Milan is one of the largest churches in the world, the second largest in Italy (since it is increased only Basilica of Saint Peter in
Rome), and the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world, after the Cathedral in Seville, Spain.

Internal height of the central nave of the cathedral surpassed only Cathedral Bove which is located in France .
Notre Dame the cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in the Gothic style on the river Seine (franc. La Seine).

History

The construction of the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris begins 1163 , During Bishop Mauritius, and was completed only in 1345 .
as the first masterpiece of Gothic art. The question is why is the first Gothic cathedral built in Saint-Denis And not directly in the
capital Paris . We should know that Paris in the second half 12th century emerged as the capital, while in the first half of Saint-Denis
was significant. Only when the impact of government Capetian dynasty significantly expanded, was focused to power in Paris.
Sagrada Familia ( Catalan / Spanish: La Sagrada Famlia) or Holy family the church building located in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain,
a masterpiece of Antoni Gaudi.

Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic basilica built in Gothic style. The church was started to build the architect Francesc de Paula del
Villar ( Francesc de Paula del Villar) to 1882. The project took over and completely changed Gaudi. At that time, the location where it
began construction of a 1.5 km away from Barcelona.

Gaudi worked on the project 40 years, of which the last 15 worked exclusively on this project.

Gaudi died 1926 . year, and the church's work continued to the present day. According to current estimates should be completed
by 2028. Most Gaudi sketches and projects of the church was destroyed during Spanish Civil War .

Sagrada Familia is listed on UNESCO list world heritage .

According to the Spanish newspaper, Sagrada Familia is with 2.26 million visitors in 2004, the most visited tourist
attraction
in Spain in front of Madrid's Prado Museum and granadinske the Alhambra, the Moorish royal palace.

In 2010 he completed the interior of the church, followed by the 7 November of the same year, Pope Benedict XVI dedicated this
place of worship, proclaiming the lower basilica (basilica minor).
Cathedral of St. Peter (Rome)
Perhaps one of the most important cathedral church of St. Vatican. Petra. It is named after one of the twelve apostles and the first
bishop of Rome. The particular Cathedral is one of the most important in the Christian world, and belongs to the period of classical
Renaissance. It is worth noting that many artists were involved in its creation such as Michelangelo, Donato Bramante and
Gianlorenzo Bernini. The most prominent building in Rome, and today is a popular center for pilgrims and tourists.
Cathedral of St. Paul's (London)

One of the most famous of the English church is also the first cathedral of the English Protestant (Anglican) church. It was built the
famous architect Christopher Wren, and officially belongs to the Baroque period. This is also the second longest church in the
world, and its height is 141, 10
m.
Cathedral Ivana Lateran (the Most Holy Savior)

One more Roman cathedral pointed out as special among other churches. Significant is the reason for it is the official ecclesiastical
seat of the Bishop of Rome and the Pope. It is noteworthy that this is the most important cathedral of the other four cathedral of Rome
and first in importance. We would like to say a mother and head of all churches of Rome and the whole world.
St. John's cathedral in Seville (Spain)

The biggest Gothic cathedral and the third largest in the world is the famous St. John's Cathedral in Seville. It is pointed out in that
because it has a simple architecture, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and it is buried Christopher Columbus. It has great historical value,
and since 1996 under the protection of UNESCO.
Cathedral of St. Vitus (Czech Republic)

Another significant European cathedrals is located in the capital of the Czech Republic (Prague). It is very important for the citizens of the Czech
Republic and has a special historical value. Its construction began in the early 14th century, and it had crowned Czech regions and queens.
Cologne Cathedral (Germany)

Catholic church St. Peter and the Virgin Mary the Roman Catholic Church in Germany. Its construction began in the early 13th
century and lasted about 600 years. It also is under UNESCO protection, and today is an important tourist destination for many
visitors from all over the world .
gothic cathedral
Gothic art appeared suddenly, like a flash of light after centuries of darkness of the Middle Ages and in just a few years
reached a peak in a variety of new elements without previous development stages. The intriguing is how the builders,
which is still not known where they collected their knowledge, in just a century have raised hundreds of perfectly
conceived and executed captivating cathedral.

Gothic cathedrals unique synthesis of mathematical and astronomical knowledge, architectural, artistic and craft skills
inspired the deepest religious feelings. From the very beginning they elude attempts to be fully interpret. Its
underground crypts, mysterious labyrinths, magnificent portals, columns and arches illuminated the magical light of
stained-glass windows, allow meeting of man with himself, directing him to eternity.

SIGNIFICANCE Gothic

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the vast majority of cultural values of antiquity was destroyed in the wars in amazingly
short time, and scientific, artistic and philosophical developments are almost totally forgotten. Europe was plunged into the
Middle Ages from which it was very difficult to rise for several reasons. In small, each constantly warring statelets people
lived in feudal isolation, in misery and ignorance, decimated by wars and various epidemics. Few roads, built back in the
Roman period, were poorly maintained and very insecure because of predatory groups. The only heirs knowledge were
closed, people inaccessible monasteries. Picture of the world reduced to the Old Testament dogma, and Earth became flat
plate around which revolves the whole world. Due to these circumstances, the emergence of Gothic cathedrals in France in
mid-December. century was extremely important, not only because of the originality of style but because of the impact on all
social aspects.

Gothic cathedral have begun to climb to the sky in St. Denis and Sens (1140's), and then followed in Laon and Paris
(1160's). The peak occurs in the early Gothic Chartres and Bourges (1190's), and the crown are Reims Cathedral, Le
Mans (1210's), Amiens and Beauvais (1220.-
1240).

While each is unique, all of them connects the same canon and the same idea, which extends from the crypt depth
through elegant pillars and pointed arches to the tower and blooms in the stained glass windows and rosettes. How the
idea was strong, evidenced by the fact that instantly spread throughout the Christian West and almost unchanged maintain
a century, affecting more and the following three.

Who were the initiators of this idea? Where'd they get that courage to engage in the production of many complex structures
hitherto unimaginable dimensions? With what funds have been built when cities at that time did not have enough even for ordinary
defensive fortifications? Where so many masters of the craft and to the transfer of knowledge when we know that at the same time
build and twenty places? What a powerful vision encouraged people to start and participate in something whose end will not
experience? And perhaps most importantly, why and love whom ever started all this combustible construction?
The answers to most questions are covered in a veil of history and become puzzles that periodically stir up public opinion. Is it
just a coincidence that just before the rapid development of Gothic influence expanded order of the Templars? It is known that
the Knights Templar returned inspiration from the Holy Land, once again bringing to Europe many lost knowledge of antiquity,
Egypt and the East, which are guarded by then very advanced Arabs.

Gothic religious architecture

Gothic art is not derived from the Romanesque, as is often seen, but as a new form independently evolved the same
time. Thanks to the rediscovery of mathematics and sacred arithmetic, architecture is enriched with the knowledge that
not only facilitate the performance of the building, but it is also enriched by symbolic elements.

Basic mathematical key Gothic cathedral makes us unique is the golden ratio or golden ratio, a main feature stylish
Gothic form is a pointed arch. Luke is connected each range in the Cathedral, from the smallest to the largest window
arches of the vault. As a result, tension stone blocks united in the construction of the cathedral makes her perfectly
refined musical instrument that resounds internal harmony. Pointed vault has a strong psychological effect on the man,
acting so that it "rises" view of the horizontal world of everyday life to the sublime, heavenly. Besides the pointed arch,
gothic style celebrated another distinctive architectural solution, so-called. buttresses, via which the pressure forces
transmitted to massive dome outer support columns. This allowed raising the ceiling of the cathedral to the exceptional
height, without massive inner pillars, and the performance of walls dominated beautifully decorated windows.

Horizontal plan Gothic cathedrals consists of three basic geometric shapes: circle, square and rectangle, indicating the three
important stages of the passage of pilgrims towards the altar. The circle continues to entrance area of the Cathedral and takes
the form of a labyrinth; square is characterized by four major arms, at the intersection, and behind it is a rectangle, the location of
the former altar. Vertical also composed three plans - from the crypt, which represents the underworld, the main ship
corresponding to the country, to the vault that is a symbolic image of the sky. According to the canons of religious architecture,
just these archetypal elements make a building the temple.

The main feature of Gothic cathedrals is the orientation of the main part of the temple toward the east and sunrise point at the moment
of consecration.

No less important characteristic of Gothic cathedrals is related to their location and schedule. They were erected in holy
places - the ancient places of pilgrimage from pre-Christian times. Mostly these are particularly prominent places in nature
such as hills, springs, rivers or islands which make them a natural sanctuary. One of the unsolved mysteries related to the
deployment of the earliest Gothic cathedrals dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Notre Dame together form a set of points on a map that reproduce on Earth arrangement of stars in the constellation
Virgo.
In addition to all the masterpieces of sculptural art, surprising and their number. Each of the cathedral is surrounded by
hundreds of statues and thousands of perfectly carved relief. As it is the most modest apprentice, driven by inspiring power
of community, carved like the famous giant of the Renaissance. Us after all this time it may be instructive example of how
the power of prayer made the hands of the noble initiative, because such miracles can not be achieved nor gold nor
coercion. It is no coincidence and that the sculptures originally housed only the outside of the cathedral, and their
understanding of learning depends on the observer.

Gothic cathedral mainly have three portals - west, north and south, each with three entrances.

The west portal is a point of entry to the cathedral. A place where the pilgrim should leave the world, he might
encounter with the sacred. Therefore relief above the central door shows Christ at the moment of the Ascension, clearly
indicating that up to eternal death comes only temporary. The meanings of the relief with the Zodiac signs and
representations like alchemical methods are lost.

The north portal is the darkest part of the cathedral. Shown are the Old Testament events, the coming of Christ, his birth, a
manifestation against the shepherds and Adoration of the Magi.

The pictures on the southern portal glorify Christ with the Apostles. The martyrs and confessors of the faith shown standing over
their trials. The most striking is a representation of Christ standing over monsters, ie. Above all dualities and contradictions, and
also connects and supports the kingdom of heaven. In his hand he holds a closed book, emphasizing the value of experienced
knowledge and loving.

INTERIOR

Each Gothic cathedral in its depth hidden crypt, underground world, but not in the sense of hell, but the seat of invisible
forces associated with the mystery of the resurrection. The crypts are mainly celebrated the Virgin Mary in the guise of the
Black Madonna made of dark wood. Her miraculous and healing power often and were reasonably pilgrimage. In the
earliest times of the crypt are used as a baptistery.

The interior of the cathedral represents a place of realization of "earthly life", a place of residence for a short life span.
Man moves through the horizontal plan on top of the crypt, but below the vault, and first encounters a maze - a symbol of
inner wanderings. Pilgrims are sometimes passed him on their knees. Reached the center of the man actually comes to
your own center.

Stained-glass windows, one of the jewels of Gothic art, replaced the painted walls of Romanesque churches walls of light, creating
an indescribable impression. Masters glaziers are internally performed what they do outside of stonemasons and sculptors. Glasses
of different colors and geometric shapes created are not only different biblical views, but rosettes mandalikih form representations of
the zodiac, but the important events of the French history. Stained-glass windows scatter the unique light of the sun in a myriad of
colors, suggesting that behind the visible unity of the crowd hiding. The magic of light transferred to the world the message. Old
stained-glass windows are possessed the quality and color palette that today can not replicate the way that how they were made
Gothic masters. The glass was treated as it is
omitting a certain amount of light. As a result, in the interior of Gothic cathedrals is equal to the amount of light in
the middle of the day and in the half-light of dusk.

The vault of the sky Cathedral, reminiscent of the inverted ark.

Mediatory role as the cathedral temple crystallized at the point of intersection of the longitudinal and transverse ship.
This is the most important place in the Gothic cathedrals because they combine horizontal and vertical axis. This is the
place fixed time and space, a place of ascension. Come to this place is a major pilgrim.

Rarely have you ever repeated a similar optimism and collective participation in the construction of religious buildings that
existed in the then impoverished and backward, France. Apparently the initiators of the idea and builders achieve their
intention to build the cathedral launch people, from the poorest to the richest, so that through their participation discovered
or restore a basic sense of religion. Because re-ligar means "after-tie", "united", and signifies the eternal human need to
connect with themselves, with others and with God. And really, what better way for it by working together that resulted in a
temple erected to the glory of God?

Author: Attila Barta