gothic
European architecture of the late Middle Ages with light stone frameworks, vertical detailing, and extensive tracery.
Gothic design has an extremely pronounced vertical emphasis, reflecting its religious purpose by pointing towards the heavens; therefore steeples, finials, pediments, vaults, and arches are sharply pointed at the top. Columns are divided into small lobes, giving the impression of clusters of very light, narrow columns.
The style spread throughout Europe, remaining current for about 300 years. Major public buildings like town halls and universities adapted the style, but it is still best known for churches and cathedrals. Because of the enormous skill and effort required in gothic construction, many projects using the style remained unfinished or unbuilt for many years, some being finished as late as the 19th century. Anything closely matching this style designed after 1800 is classified as neo-gothic.
Approximate Dates: 1140 to 1500