The Gothic CathedralThe Gothic Cathedral

Answer the following questions.Answer the following questions.

Timber, stone (the most common was lime stone), marble and glass.Timber, stone (the most common was lime stone), marble and glass.

1.1. When did the revolution in architecture known as “Gothic” begin?When did the revolution in architecture known as “Gothic” begin?• At the end of the 12th century.At the end of the 12th century.

2.2. When is a church called a “cathedral”?When is a church called a “cathedral”?

• When it contains a “cathedra” or a “throne” for the bishop.When it contains a “cathedra” or a “throne” for the bishop.

3.3. Do you know what method was used to build Gothic cathedrals?Do you know what method was used to build Gothic cathedrals?

• The so-called “operative geometry” was used to build The so-called “operative geometry” was used to build cathedrals, which meant that the masons (= people who cathedrals, which meant that the masons (= people who

build build using stones) made the plans on the site, i.e. on the place using stones) made the plans on the site, i.e. on the place where where the church was being built and during its building the church was being built and during its building according to according to the weight and volumes of the stones employed. the weight and volumes of the stones employed.

4.4. What materials were employed?What materials were employed?

5.5. What obstacles did the masons have to face?What obstacles did the masons have to face?

• Wind pressure, balance, mass abutment, i.e. how to Wind pressure, balance, mass abutment, i.e. how to support the sheer weight of this massive structure.support the sheer weight of this massive structure.

The main features of Gothic architecture The main features of Gothic architecture • Look at the floor plan of Salisbury CathedralLook at the floor plan of Salisbury Cathedral..

a.a. What shape does it have?What shape does it have?• It has the shape of a cross or a crucifix.It has the shape of a cross or a crucifix.b.b. Do you know what it is called?Do you know what it is called?• It is called cruciform after the cross that Christ was hung on.It is called cruciform after the cross that Christ was hung on.c.c. Do you know what each arm is called? Do you know what each arm is called? • Each arm is called transept.Each arm is called transept.

3.3. Look at the pictures and tick the features that belong to Gothic Look at the pictures and tick the features that belong to Gothic architecture.architecture.

verticality of proportionverticality of proportion massive, smooth walls massive, smooth walls pointed archespointed arches small windowssmall windows huge windows huge windows great stained glassgreat stained glass fan vaultfan vault huge pinnacleshuge pinnacles round-headed archesround-headed arches high piershigh piers darknessdarkness light from the outsidelight from the outside towering nave towering nave

4.4. Describe the light inside the cathedral. What Describe the light inside the cathedral. What atmosphere does it create?atmosphere does it create?

The light floods in from the outside and The light floods in from the outside and reflects the colours of the stained glass up to reflects the colours of the stained glass up to the columns. The atmosphere is both mystical the columns. The atmosphere is both mystical and majestic.and majestic.

5.5. What did the high towers and pinnacles What did the high towers and pinnacles symbolise?symbolise?

They symbolised the stretching to the They symbolised the stretching to the heavens, the tension to God.heavens, the tension to God.

The development of Gothic architecture in England

Lots of cathedrals were built in the middle of 13th century;

Reasons for this1. Construction of new roads and bridges facilitating transport;2. Urban growth leading to the creation of different categories of labourers and

craftsmen;3. Increase in ecclesiastical income;

English Gothic architecture1. Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250):  pointed arches (= archi a sesto acuto) quadripartite ribbed vaults (= volte a crociera) lancet windows (= finestre con arco a sesto acuto) clustered shafts of tall, narrow piers (pilastri a fascio)

Lancet window =in Gothic architecture, a tall narrow window ending in a pointed arch.

Shaft =the tall, cylindrical part of a column between the capital and the base.

English Gothic architecture

2. The “Decorated Period (1250-1300)

elaborately curved tracery  wider windows, better lighting  richly-coloured stained glass  increased use of bricks  naturalistic, curved carvings

3. The “Perpendicular” Period (1350-1400)

Strong vertical lines  Very large windows with elaborate tracery  Fan vaulting (=volte a ventaglio) Hammerbeam roofs (tetti con travi a sbalzo)

English Gothic architecture1. Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250)

Wells Cathedral

The quadripartite vault of the nave  

The Nave

English Gothic architecture2. The “Decorated Period (1250-1300)

Lichfield Cathedral

The High Altar

English Gothic architecture3. The “Perpendicular” Period (1350-1400)Bath Abbey

The original fan vaulted ceiling of the Choir 

Arco a tutto sesto/ Round archArco a sesto acuto

Lancet /Pointed arch

Arco TudorTudor arch

Fan Vault, Volta a ventaglioVolta a crociera clustered shafts of tall,

narrow piers Pilastri a fascio