Gothic cathedrals and churches in Europe. The most important gothic buildings and features in the world. Here are the famous gothic cathedrals and other must-see gothic churches.
Gothic architecture took its name from the “barbarian” architecture of the Goths, who buried the Roman Empire in history. These medieval buildings built between the 12th and 16th centuries; it stands out with rib vaults, pointed arches and flying buttresses. Gothic buildings first seen in Paris and its surroundings in France, then appear with eye-catching works in many important European countries such as Germany, Spain, England and Italy. In this article, we shared the most important gothic cathedrals and churches in Europe. Here are the famous gothic cathedrals we have chosen for you from all over Europe…
Note: Before you start to examine gothic cathedrals & churches, you can find the answers to the questions ‘What is gothic’, ‘When, where and how did gothic architecture emerge’, ‘What are the gothic architecture characteristics’ by clicking on the link below:
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Gothic Cathedrals in Europe
Cologne Cathedral, Germany
The construction of Cologne Cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, took about 600 years. The cathedral, which was started to be built in 1248, was abandoned to its fate in 1473 and remained that way for 350 years. This magnificent cathedral, which was started to be built again in 1840, adhering to its original design, was completed in 1880. Cologne Cathedral, which has the second highest tower built in the Gothic style, survived the Second World War, when the city of Cologne was completely destroyed by bombs, with minor damage. Cologne Cathedral, where the Archbishopric of Cologne is currently located, ranks first among the most important gothic cathedrals in the world.
Milan Cathedral, Italy
The world-famous Milan Cathedral, located in the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, is another magnificent work of gothic architecture, the construction of which took about 600 years. The semi-construction of the cathedral, which started in 1386, was completed in 1402, which could be considered a very short time (16 years) for that period. The cathedral, whose construction was interrupted due to economic inadequacies, took its final form in 1965. Milan Cathedral, the third largest cathedral in the world, has always managed to be the center of attention of tourists with its ornate gothic facade and impressive exterior consisting of many towers.
Florence Cathedral, Italy
Florence Cathedral, whose construction was completed in 1436 and dominating the silhouette of Florence, also known as the “Duomo”, has the largest brick dome ever built. How this famous dome was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, one of the famous Italian architects of the Renaissance period, still remains a mystery.
Notre Dame de Paris, France
It is possible to come across the words “Notre Dame”, which means “our mother” and “Virgin Mary” in French, in the names of many churches or cathedrals. One of them, Notre-Dame de Paris, is the most well-known and most important church in France – perhaps all of Europe – where gothic architecture began. The church, which was started to be built in 1163, was completed in 1345. The church underwent significant changes during the time of “Sun King Louis XIV” and his son “Louis XV”, one of the biggest admirers of baroque architecture.
Many of the religious images in the church were destroyed during the French Revolution. The church, which was damaged during the 2nd World War, underwent short-term restorations in various periods. The magnificent church was severely damaged in the last fire on April 15, 2019. Millions of euros have been donated from all over the world for the restoration of the nearly 850-year-old cathedral. According to the information given by the experts, we hope that the restoration of the cathedral, which will take 10-15 years, will return to its former glory as soon as possible.
Canterbury Cathedral, England
Dating back to the 6th century, Canterbury Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in England. Completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077, the cathedral suffered a major fire nearly 100 years later. As a result, the eastern side of the cathedral was rebuilt with gothic style. Archbishop Tomas Becket’s King. The cathedral, where he was killed by the knights sent by Henry, hosted an important historical event. The cathedral was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1988.
Notre Dame de Reims, France
Reims cathedral, also known as “Notre Dame de Reims”, which is the second most important cathedral in France with approximately 1,000,000 visitors a year, was built in the 13th century. Having hosted the coronations of many French kings for many years, the cathedral is an excellent example of the gothic style archietcture.
Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, France
The first Gothic architecture was designed by the French historian and architect Abbot Suger in 1122. Denis Basilica. Ancient ruins can still be seen in the basilica, which was built on the old Roman cemetery. At the same time, the basilica is home to the tombs of many kings who lived between the 10th and 18th centuries.
Salisbury Cathedral, England
Built between 1220-1258, Salisbury cathedral has the tallest church tower in England. The Gothic cathedral is also home to England’s largest cloister. Another feature of Salisbury cathedral is that it has one of the oldest working clocks in the world. The original copy of the Magna Carta (Great Edict of Freedom), signed in 1215, which is one of the important building blocks of the history of England and democracy, is also located in this cathedral.
Amiens Cathedral, France
Amiens cathedral, which was built between 1220 and 1270 and is famous for being the highest church in France, is one of the other important gothic cathedrals in the world.
Chartres Cathedral, France
Chartres cathedral, which was built in the late 12th century and is the best preserved gothic style cathedral in France, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.
Frankfurt Cathedral, Germany
The construction of this cathedral, which has the distinction of being the largest religious building in the city of Frankfurt, was completed in 1550. This gothic architecture example, which was a symbol of unity for Germany especially in the 19th century, continues to exist as one of the most important touristic spots of the city today.
Other Famous Gothic Churches
Other famous gothic churches included in our list of gothic architecture examples are:
Church of Our Lady in Bruges, Belgium
The Church of the Virgin Mary, which has a full command of the Belgian city of Bruges, has the second highest brick tower in the world at 115 meters high. The gothic church, which started in the 13th century and continued until the 15th century, is famous for hosting the white marble statue “Madonna and Child” made by Michelangelo. The statue, which was stolen by the French revolutionaries in 1794 and by the Nazis in 1944, managed to return to the home after both events.
The Black Church, Romania
The Black Church, built by the Germans, is located in Brasov, Romania. The construction of the church, which is used as a place of worship for Lutherans today, was completed in 1476.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Austria
Zagreb Cathedral, Croatia
Saint Vitus Cathedral, Czechia
Lincoln Cathedral, England
Wells Cathedral, England
Orvieto Cathedral, Italy
Westminster Abbey, England
Gothic Buildings in Europe
Gothic architecture appears in important buildings of different types as well as religious buildings. Here are some of the most important gothic buildings in Europe:
Old Town Bridge Tower, Czechia
One of the most famous gothic buildings is the tower of the famous Old Town Bridge bridge in Prague. Emperor of the period IV. Commissioned by Charles to architect Peter Parler, the tower was built between 1357 and 1380.
Leuven Town Hall, Belgium
Leuven Town Hall, the second important gothic building that managed to enter our list, except for religious buildings, was built between 1448-1469. This building, which gained fame with its exterior decorations and magnificent towers, received the value it deserved in the 19th century and underwent an important restoration. The structure, which survived the 1st World War without being damaged, was heavily damaged in the 2nd World War due to the bombs hitting it. Leuven City Hall, whose last restoration was completed in 1983, continues to serve today.
Belfort van Gent, Belgium
Monastery of Santa Maria de Vallbona, Spain
Bruges Town Hall, Belgium
Belfry of Bruges, Belgium
Brussels Town Hall, Belgium
If you have other famous gothic cathedrals & churches that you think should be included on our list, please share them with us in the comments. Don’t forget to visit our homepage for inspiration on different topics related to interior design & architecture! 🙂
