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Gothic cathedrals are not religious buildings of the ancient Goths but rather churches constructed in Gothic architecture. This architectural style emerged in France from the Romanesque style during the 12th century and was referred to as the 'French Style.' This architectural approach is most vividly showcased in the design of ancient churches across Europe. Join Mytour to explore 10 outstanding Gothic architectural masterpieces during your journey to Europe with affordable international travel options, including flights to Italy, France, or Germany!
Gothic styles emphasize verticality and light in architecture. This effect is achieved through the development of specific architectural features such as clustered columns, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. Although this architecture is used in many castles, palaces, and town halls, only the magnificent cathedrals of Europe truly exemplify the beauty of Gothic architecture.
1. St. Stephen's Cathedral
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Stephansdom), located in the heart of Vienna, has survived numerous wars and now stands as a symbol of the city's freedom. This Gothic cathedral was built on the ruins of two earlier churches and was largely initiated by Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria, in the 14th century. Its most recognizable feature, the diamond-patterned tile roof, was only added in 1952.
2. Burgos Cathedral
Burgos Cathedral is a medieval church in Burgos, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This religious structure is renowned for its vast size and unique Gothic architecture. Construction of Burgos Cathedral began in 1221, and after a lengthy period of nearly two centuries, it was finally completed in 1567. In 1919, the cathedral became the burial site of Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar ("El Cid") and his wife, Doña Jimena.
3. Reims Cathedral
Reims Cathedral served as the coronation site for many French kings. The cathedral's architecture was constructed on the grounds of an older church where Clovis was baptized by Saint Remi, the bishop of Reims, in 496 AD. The cathedral was completed by the end of the 13th century, with its western facade added in the 14th century.
4. Milan Cathedral
An exceptionally large and intricate Gothic cathedral located in the main square of Milan, Italy, the Duomo di Milano is one of the most famous buildings in Europe. It is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world. Construction began in 1386 under Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo in a Late Gothic style more typical of France than Italy. It took five centuries to complete this iconic structure.
5. Seville Cathedral
Built on the site of a grand Almohad mosque, Seville's medieval cathedral stands as a testament to the city's power and wealth. It remains the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy and the third-largest in the world. The builders incorporated columns and elements from the mosque, most notably the Giralda bell tower, which was converted from a minaret.
6. York Minster
One of the two largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe (alongside Cologne Cathedral in Germany), York Minster dominates the skyline of the ancient city of York. It showcases all the major stages of Gothic architectural development in England. Construction of the current building began around 1230 and was completed in 1472. The 'Great East Window' inside the cathedral is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world.
7. Notre Dame de Paris
Notre Dame de Paris is a stunning Catholic cathedral located in the fourth arrondissement of Paris. Construction began in 1163, and the cathedral was largely completed by 1345. As one of the most famous French Gothic cathedrals, Notre Dame is a magnificent example of French Gothic architecture, sculpture, and stained glass. During the French Revolution in the 1790s, many of its sculptures and treasures were damaged or destroyed.
8. Cologne Cathedral
One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Germany, Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) has been the city's most iconic landmark for centuries. Once the tallest building in the world, it still boasts the largest facade of any church. Construction of this Gothic masterpiece began in 1248 and took over 600 years to complete. Dedicated to Saints Peter and Mary, it serves as the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne.
9. Santa Maria del Fiore
Construction of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore began in 1296 in the Gothic style and was completed in 1436. This stunning cathedral is a symbol of Florence, adorned with polychrome marble panels in shades of green and pink bordered by white. It is one of Italy's largest churches, and until modern times, its dome was the largest in the world. It remains the biggest brick dome ever constructed.
10. Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral is located in Chartres, a town near Paris that seems too small to house such a grand structure. Not only is the cathedral one of the finest examples of High Gothic French architecture, but its design has remained almost entirely intact. Most of the original stained-glass windows have survived, and the architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century.
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