Gothic Architecture - general overview-

As requested here's an article about Gothic Architecture ^_^ I took some info from web sites since I'm not an art expert and some facts are things I've studied at school :P

Gothic architecture is a style of architecture which flourished during the high and late medieval period. It evolved from Romanesque architecture and was succeeded by Renaissance architecture.

Originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture was known during the period as "the French Style" (Opus Francigenum), with the term Gothic first appearing during the latter part of the Renaissance as a stylistic insult since it was considered rude and barbaric. Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and parish churches of Europe. It is also the architecture of many castles, palaces, town halls, guild halls and universities.

You can distinguish a gothic cathedral or church from a romanic one by the shape first of all. Gothic monuments are tall with a lot of long "cracks" (I don't know if this is the right word :p)to make it look darker and imponent. Its characteristic features include the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the flying buttress.

The most beautiful gothic monuments were built in Germany,France and England..where the style movement started. The material used were mostly coarsed limestone, dark green marble and some time bricks.

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