The Gothic Cathedral
Answer the following questions.
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When did the revolution in architecture known as “Gothic” begin?
At the end of the 12th century.
2.
When is a church called a “cathedral”?
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When it contains a “cathedra” or a “throne” for the bishop.
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4.
Do you know what method was used to build Gothic cathedrals?
The so-called “operative geometry” was used to build
cathedrals, which meant that the masons (= people who build
using stones) made the plans on the site, i.e. on the place where
the church was being built and during its building according to
the weight and volumes of the stones employed.
What materials were employed?
Timber, stone (the most common was lime stone), marble and glass.
5. What obstacles did the masons have to face?
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Wind pressure, balance, mass abutment, i.e. how to
support the sheer weight of this massive structure.
The main features of Gothic architecture
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Look at the floor plan of Salisbury Cathedral.
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b.
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c.
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What shape does it have?
It has the shape of a cross or a crucifix.
Do you know what it is called?
It is called cruciform after the cross that Christ was hung on.
Do you know what each arm is called?
Each arm is called transept.
3.
Look at the pictures and tick the features that belong to Gothic
architecture.
verticality of proportion
massive, smooth walls
pointed arches
small windows
huge windows
great stained glass
fan vault
huge pinnacles
round-headed arches
high piers
darkness
light from the outside
towering nave
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4.
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5.
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Describe the light inside the cathedral. What
atmosphere does it create?
The light floods in from the outside and
reflects the colours of the stained glass up to
the columns. The atmosphere is both mystical
and majestic.
What did the high towers and pinnacles
symbolise?
They symbolised the stretching to the
heavens, the tension to God.
The development of Gothic architecture in England
Lots of cathedrals were built in the middle of 13th century;
1.
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1.
Reasons for this
Construction of new roads and bridges facilitating transport;
Urban growth leading to the creation of different categories of labourers and
craftsmen;
Increase in ecclesiastical income;
English Gothic architecture
Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250):
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pointed arches (= archi a sesto acuto)
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quadripartite ribbed vaults (= volte a crociera)
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lancet windows (= finestre con arco a sesto acuto)
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clustered shafts of tall, narrow piers (pilastri a fascio)
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Lancet window =
in Gothic architecture, a tall narrow window ending in
a pointed arch.
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Shaft =the tall, cylindrical part of a column between the
capital and the base.
English Gothic architecture
2.
The “Decorated Period (1250-1300)
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elaborately curved tracery
wider windows, better lighting
richly-coloured stained glass
increased use of bricks
naturalistic, curved carvings
The “Perpendicular” Period (1350-1400)
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Strong vertical lines
Very large windows with elaborate tracery
Fan vaulting (=volte a ventaglio)
Hammerbeam roofs (tetti con travi a sbalzo)
English Gothic architecture
1. Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250)
Wells Cathedral
The quadripartite vault of the nave
The Nave
English Gothic architecture
2. The “Decorated Period (1250-1300)
Lichfield Cathedral
The High Altar
Bath Abbey
English Gothic architecture
3. The “Perpendicular” Period (1350-1400)
The original fan vaulted ceiling of the Choir
Arco Tudor
Tudor arch
Arco a tutto sesto/ Round arch
Arco a sesto acuto
Lancet /Pointed arch
Volta a crociera
clustered shafts of tall, narrow piers
Pilastri a fascio
Fan Vault,
Volta a ventaglio