Gothic in the architecture of France and England. Gothic art in France

The Birth of Gothic

Gothic originated in Northern France in the middle XII century. And reached its peak in the first half of the 13th century. Its emergence was due to the formation of the city as an independent political and economic force and the new needs of urban life; The rapid development of French Gothic was facilitated by the national upsurge associated with the beginning of the unification of the country.

Stone Gothic cathedrals, which received their classical form in France, became symbols of the centralized kingdom and the independence of growing cities. The interior is unusually high and spacious, illuminated by the colored light of stained glass windows: rows of slender pillars, the powerful rise of pointed pointed arches, the rapid rhythm of the arches of the upper gallery (triforium) give rise to a feeling of uncontrollable movement upward and forward, towards the altar; the contrast of the high, light main nave with the semi-dark side naves creates a picturesque richness of aspects, a feeling of the infinity of space.

The structural basis of the cathedral is a frame of pillars (in mature Gothic, taking the form of a bunch of columns) and pointed arches resting on them. The structure of the building consists of rectangular cells (grasses), delimited by 4 pillars and 4 arches, which, together with diagonally intersecting ribs (ribs), form the skeleton of a cross vault, filled with lightweight formwork. The lateral thrust of the vault is transmitted by connecting oblique arches (flying buttresses) to powerful external pillars (buttresses). The walls, freed from the load, were cut through with arched windows in the spaces between the pillars.

The removal of structural elements outside, neutralizing the expansion of the vault, made it possible to create a feeling of lightness and spatial freedom of the interior, the rapid ascension of its verticals, moderated by the inter-tier divisions. In turn, the naked structures surrounding the cathedral from the south, east and north (and not visible either in the interior or from the facade) impress with their visual expression of the action of tectonic forces and the power of their rhythm. The two-tower western facades of French cathedrals with three deep “perspective” portals and a patterned round window (“rose”) in the center combine upward aspiration with clarity and balance of divisions.

On the facades, pointed arches and architectural and plastic motifs vary endlessly - openwork pediments (vimpergi), turrets (vials), scrolls (krabbs), etc. Rows of statues on consoles in front of the columns of the portals and in the upper arched gallery, reliefs on the plinths and in The tympanums of the portals form an integral symbolic system, which includes characters and episodes of the Holy Scriptures, allegorical images. The entire decor is rhythmically organized and strictly subordinated to architectural divisions. This determines the tectonics and proportions of the statues, the solemnity of their poses, and the restraint of their gestures.

The best statues on the facades of cathedrals (Reims, Amiens, Strasbourg, transept portals in Chartres) are imbued with spiritual beauty, sincerity and humanity of feeling. Other parts of the building were also decorated with reliefs, statues, floral patterns, and images of fantastic animals (“chimeras”); characterized by an abundance of secular motifs (scenes of the work of artisans and peasants, grotesque and satirical images). The themes of the stained glass windows were also varied, the palette of which was dominated by red, blue and yellow tones.

France. Gothic in France

From the end of the 12th century. France becomes the center of European education. The University of Paris soon took one of the leading places in the scientific life of Europe. In the field of architecture and fine arts, France also plays a leading role. In the 13th century There are 300 workshops in Paris. The main customer of works of art is no longer the church, but cities, merchant guilds, guild corporations and the king. The main type of building, in turn, becomes not the monastery church, but the city cathedral.

Since the 14th century City and monastery churches of the hall type (with equal heights of naves), castle and palace chapels became increasingly important. All of them are small and simple in plan, but complex, sometimes curvilinear patterns of ribs spread along their arches ("mesh", "honeycomb", "star-shaped", etc.). The whimsical pattern of window frames, reminiscent of tongues of flame, is also characteristic of late (“flaming”) Gothic (the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, 1434-70).

Pierre Robin, 1434-1470) is the standard of late, or “flaming Gothic”. The western facade of the church is distinguished by carved doors by Jean Goujon with images of biblical scenes. Just behind the Church of St. Maclou is one of the main attractions of Rouen - the cemetery of Saint-Maclou - a rare example of medieval burials of plague victims.

The French Basilica of Saint-Denis (Basilique Saint-Denis) is a real work of architectural art, the pearl of France among cathedrals and the spiritual stronghold of the entire nation

The largest temple of the early Gothic period was Notre Dame Cathedral- The five-nave temple could accommodate up to 9,000 people. The design of Notre Dame Cathedral clearly shows the basic principles of Gothic architecture: the ribbed lancet vault of the central nave, 35 m high, lancet windows, flying buttresses. But all that remains of the ponderous Romanesque architecture are the massive surface of the walls, the squat pillars of the central nave, the predominance of horizontal divisions, heavy towers, and restrained sculptural decoration.

Chartres Cathedral(1194-1260) is an example of the transition to mature Gothic and the combination of facades from different periods. The “Royal Portal” of the western facade belongs to the first half of the 12th century, at the beginning of the 13th century. the southern tower was completed, the northern one was completed in the 14th century, the interior is Gothic.

A brilliant example of mature French Gothic - Cathedral in Reims(1212-1311). In the appearance of the Reims Cathedral one can see a desire for verticalism of all lines, which enhances literally a whole “forest” of pinnacles and wimpergs (even the “rose” on the facade has a pointed end). The entire western façade is entirely decorated with sculpture; the stone has acquired an openwork appearance, truly reminiscent of lace. Note, however, that unlike late Gothic, this “lace” does not hide the structure of the building.

Amiens Cathedral in the center of Picardy is one of the largest "classical" Gothic churches of the 13th century. The cathedral is distinguished by the integrity of its plan, the beauty of its three-tiered interior and, in particular, the wonderful collection of sculpture on the main façade and in the south transept.

By the middle of the 13th century. the scale of construction in France is weakening. At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries. the construction of cathedrals was experiencing a crisis: architectural forms became drier, decor became more abundant, statues acquired the same emphasized bend and standard sweetness. At the same time, new, diverse artistic forms that do not pretend to be universal arise; they reflected the growing self-awareness of the burghers, who sought to create their own culture, and the aristocracy of the feudal nobility, the increasing sophistication of court life. The last remarkable Gothic creation of this period is the chapel of Louis IX (in the heart of Paris, on the Ile de la Cité), the “holy chapel (chapel)” Saint Chapelle(1243-1248). Its builder is Pierre de Montreau. The single-nave chapel has two tiers: on the lower floor there is the chapel of the Mother of God, in the upper storage there is a reliquary with the crown of thorns of Christ.

Since the 14th century period begins late Gothic, in France it lasts two centuries (XIV-XV centuries). The 15th century in Gothic architecture is also called flaming gothic. In late Gothic art, a new emotional structure of images developed: mannered stylization and expression, exalted drama, and a predilection for scenes of suffering depicted with cruel naturalness. At the same time, secular paintings appeared (Palace of the Popes in Avignon, XIV-XV centuries), a portrait ("John the Good", circa 1360), and in miniatures of liturgical books and especially books of hours of noble persons ("Small Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry", circa 1380-85) there is a desire for the spiritualized humanity of images, for the transmission of life observations, space and volume. The best examples of French Gothic art include small ivory sculpture, silver reliquaries, Limoges champlevé enamel, tapestries and carved furniture. Late Gothic buildings are overloaded with decoration, complex decorative carvings and intricate patterns of ribs (Cathedral in Rouen, XIV-XV centuries).

Of the Gothic monasteries, it is especially famous Abbey of Mont Saint Michel near the border of Normandy and Brittany, located on a high cliff like an impregnable fortress.

Feudal castles at the end of the 13th century. were built only with the permission of the king, in the 14th century. this generally becomes the privilege of the king and his entourage; luxuriously decorated palaces appear in castle complexes. Castles are gradually turning into pleasure residences and hunting chateaus.

But urban construction (town halls, workshop buildings, residential buildings) is not decreasing. A private house (XV century) has been preserved - this mansion of the banker of King Charles VII Jacques Coeur in the city of Bourges.

Gothic is the heyday of monumental sculpture, in which the importance of statuary sculpture increases, although the figures are not free from the background of the wall. Increasingly, the figure is posed according to the so-called "gothic curve"(S-shaped pose, from the Latin letter “S”): medieval art gives its paraphrase to the Greek chiasmus. In relief, there is a tendency towards high relief - high relief. A certain canon of composition is developed, certain subjects are intended for certain places in the building. Thus, in the altar part scenes from the life of Christ are depicted, on the southern facade of the transept - the New Testament, on the northern - the Old, on the western facade there is always an image of the “Last Judgment” and the “end of the world”. An example of early Gothic is the sculpture of the western facade of Notre Dame Cathedral (1210-1225); the story of Mary, “The Passion of Christ”, “The Last Judgment”. The facades of the transept were decorated already in the High Gothic period.

IN Chartres Cathedral one can trace the evolution from early Gothic sculpture to the mature Gothic period. Thus, the western façade is decorated with pillar-shaped, vertically elongated, static figures standing in strictly frontal poses. Gradually the sculpture separates from the wall and acquires a rounded volume. But even with the constraint of the poses, with the laconicism of the forms, one is struck by the expressiveness of the plasticity, the restrained grandeur of the images, sometimes even the individualization of the appearance appears (St. Jerome, St. George, St. Martin of the portal of the southern facade of the transept). In Chartres, not only different artels, but different generations of craftsmen worked for many decades.

From the second half of the 13th century. The plasticity of the cathedrals becomes more dynamic, the figures become more mobile, the folds of clothing are conveyed in a complex play of chiaroscuro. The images are sometimes executed with true perfection, with admiration for the beauty of a person. It is no coincidence that, for example, Christ blessing on the western facade Amiens Cathedral called the beautiful God. In such scenes as the seasons and the signs of the zodiac, real-life observations increasingly make themselves felt (Amiens Cathedral).

The highest point of flowering of Gothic sculpture is the decoration Reims Cathedral. Joseph from the scene of the “Bringing to the Temple” and the angel from the “Annunciation” resemble secular people, full of earthly joys. In the images of Mary and Elizabeth (“Meeting of Mary with Elizabeth,” 1225-1240), echoes of ancient art are clear. Late Gothic sculpture, as well as the architecture of this time, is characterized by fragmentation and fragmentation of forms (for example, the so-called “Gilded Madonna” of the Amiens Cathedral, around 1270), but in it there is an undoubted interest in portrait images, which is generally not typical French medieval art.

Light and lace of French Gothic. Rouen Cathedral (inside)

Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris (Notre-Dame de Paris) is an architectural monument of early French Gothic in Paris on the island. Sieve. Five-nave basilica (1163-1257, length 130 m, width 108 m, interior height 32.5 m) with a transept and two flanking western towers (height 69 m). Stained glass (13th century), sculpture on the facades (c. 1165-1225) and in the choir (13-14th centuries).

Construction of the cathedral began in 1163, thanks to Maurice de Souley. It was under his leadership that the construction of a gigantic temple was launched: 5500 m 2. Construction lasted almost two centuries. Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes the evolution in Gothic architecture. Its towers, 69 meters high, the clarity of its lines, the design of the building in the shape of a cross, all this was an innovation for that era. The cathedral's 432 windows add extraordinary lightness to the entire architectural ensemble.

Notre-Dame d'Amien.

The largest Gothic cathedral in France. It occupies 7760 m2, the height of its vaults is 42.5 m, the height of the spire is 112 m. The cathedral was built in the 13th century in the period from 1220 to 1269, and is an example of the “golden age” of cathedrals. The cathedral was built in record time after a fire in 1218 on the site of a Romanesque church, which contributed to the creation of harmony and architectural unity of the building. Only the towers were completed at the end of the 14th century. The impressive proportions of the cathedral, its beauty, wealth, and its interior decoration evoke the admiration of numerous tourists. It is no coincidence that in 1981 the cathedral was recognized by UNESCO as one of the fifty most impressive architectural masterpieces of mankind.

Notre-Dame-de-Chartres.

Among the vast fields, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres appears like a mirage. This is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world, built in the mid-11th century. The cathedral was semi-destroyed in 1194 by a strong fire. Peasants from neighboring villages harnessed oxen to carts and carried huge blocks of stones for the reconstruction of the cathedral. Only in 1260 the cathedral was reconstructed and had one tower with a spire. Later, in 1513, a second tower appeared, serving as a bell tower.

Despite the external differences in the design of the tower, the cathedral is remarkable for the harmony of its interior. It is in this cathedral that one can trace the smooth transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. The cathedral is famous for its numerous sculptures; there are 4,000 statues depicting Jesus Christ surrounded by apostles and angels. But a special feature of the Cathedral in Chartres is the stained glass windows, where the predominant color is blue. All stained glass windows have survived to this day and were not damaged during the war. The giant rose window has 12 petals that spread out into 12 roses. The number 12 is symbolic, it means perfection. The rose window symbolizes the heavenly kingdom and God. Many famous French writers admire the beauty of the cathedral.

Notre-Dame-de-Reims.

Reims Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France. The cathedral in Reims is called the king of all cathedrals. It was built between 1211 and 1285 by five architects, who, following each other, nevertheless managed to preserve the architectural unity of the cathedral. Reims Cathedral is famous for the fact that 25 French kings were crowned here: from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825. The cathedral has 2,300 statues, which are displayed throughout the building. The 40 “Kings of Reims” statues reach 5 meters in height. They all glorify the Virgin Mary and the apostles.

Reims Cathedral also suffered from fires many times, the worst of which was during the bombing in 1914. Currently, the cathedral is under the protection of UNESCO.

At the beginning of the 13th century, this Roman Catholic cathedral was erected in the city of Bourges, the capital of the province of Berry. Built in the French Gothic style, Bourges Cathedral has stood as a site of religious significance since at least the third century, where the first Christians among the Gauls found protection in the Roman city of Avaricum. Today, the cathedral has a modern design and a magnificent façade with stunning intricate carvings and decorations. Surprisingly, much of the stained glass remains original, many of them depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments.

2. Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral is sometimes called the Rose Cathedral. The cathedral is built of sandstone, which gives it a pink hue. Despite the fact thatsignificant parts of it were built in the Romanesque style,he is consideredone of the best examples of high, or late,Gothic architecture. In the Strasbourg Cathedral Catholic church services are still ongoing, which you can attend.

The site on which Strasbourg Cathedral stands was originally occupied by a Roman temple, then by a Romanesque church, which was built in 1015 and then destroyed by fire. The present Cathedral was completed in 1284.

Unique and without analogues, the spire of Strasbourg Cathedral was the tallest in the Christian world for four centuries.

3. Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean

Aubterre-sur-Dronne is a small and picturesque town with traditional architecture and quaint houses in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The town itself is a unique attraction in France, but the center of attraction is without a doubt the Church of Saint-Jean, carved almost entirely from limestone into the rock. Built in the 7th century and greatly expanded in the 12th century, the church has a vaulted nave, a baptismal basin and dozens of ancient coffins.

4. Rouen Cathedral

Rouen Cathedral, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral V Rouen , Normandy. Rouen is sometimes called the city of a thousand spiers because it is home to many churches. However, one stands out above the rest: Rouen Cathedral. This huge, towering cathedral is the tallest in all of France.

Construction of the current building began in 12m century. On the ground on which the cathedral rises, the leader of the Vikings is buried , Rollo , founderDuchy of Normandy, he was baptized herein 915 and buried in 932.

5. Basilica of Sacre-Coeur

The Sacré-Coeur Basilica is one of the most famous churches in France, located in Paris, on the Montmartre hill, which is the highest point in Paris. It was built in the Roman-Byzantine style, and is very similar to the famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. One of the main features of the Sacre Coeur Basilica is the huge mosaic of Jesus. Triple arched portico,topped by two bronze equestrian statues of French national saints, Joan of Arc and King Louis IX Saint, designed by Hippolyte Lefebvre. The cathedral's bell is one of the heaviest in the world, weighing 19 tons. The dome offers an excellent panoramic view of Paris.

The site of the basilica is traditionally associated with the beheading of the city's patron saint, Saint Denis, in the 3rd century.

6. Notre Dame de la Garde

The port city of Marseille is home to the incredible Notre-Dame de la Garde. The cathedral was erected in honor of the patron saint of sailors. The Roman Catholic cathedral was built on the ruins of an ancient fortress in the 19th century, and it was created in the Byzantine Renaissance style. Inside the cathedral, you will be impressed by the statue of the Madonna and Child, as well as the impressive bell tower and stone vaults.

7. Mont Saint Michel Abbey

The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel owes its popularity among tourists to its location on the island. The island of Mont Saint-Michel is just half a mile off the coast near Normandy, making access limited. Still home to Benedictine monks, the abbey is surrounded by quaint streets, shops, cafes and museums dedicated to the island and its history.

With over 1.7 million visitors in 2014, the abbey is one ofthe most visited cultural sites in France. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

8. Reims Cathedral

More than 800 years ago, construction began on the Reims Cathedral, it replaced the old church, destroyed inresulting from a fire in 1211which was built on site basilicas , Where Clovis was baptizedBishop of Reimsin 496. Today, the cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and serves as a major landmark in the city of Reims. It was in this very cathedral that many French kings were crowned and records show that even Joan of Arc was present at one of these ceremonies in the 15th century. The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Reims.

9. Notre Dame de Paris

The most famous cathedral in France is Notre-Dame de Paris, which was built in the mid-12th century. during the reign of Louis VII.Notre Dame is the most popular monument in Paris and throughout France, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower, with more than 15 million tourists visiting the cathedral every year.

But the famous cathedral is also an active Catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point of Catholicism in France. The pearl of Parisian architecture, Notre-Dame de Paris was built in the Gothic style and boasts its incredible size. Its buttresses were among the first in the world, and many gargoyles were used not only for decoration, but also to support the columns.

Notre- Dame de Paris stands on the site of the first Christian church in Paris, the Basilica of SainteEtienne, who herselfwas built on the site of a RomanTemple of Jupiter .

10. Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic in architecture, Latin church located in Chartres 80 kilometers southwest of Paris. The construction of Chartres Cathedral began in the 11th century. This incredible building, built in the Gothic style, is considered one of the most important pieces of architecture in France. The colorful stained glass windows are well preserved, and two different spiers compete for tourists' attention. While the exterior is phenomenal, don't miss the relics inside, such as the dress Mary supposedly wore when she gave birth to Jesus.

The cathedral is in exceptionally good condition for its age. Most of the original stained glass windows remain intact, while only minor changes have been made to the architecture since the early 13th century. In in the appearance of the building is dominated by heavy buttresses , which allowed the architects to significantly increase the size of the window, The western part is dominated by two contrasting spiers 105 meters high.

He is listed World Heritage UNESCO, which calls Chartres Cathedral a "high point" French Gothic art" and "masterpiece".

“Stone lace”, “flaming”, “barbaric” - all these are epithets that reflect the appearance and essence of Gothic. If we talk about the style as such, it originated in the middle of the 12th century in the north of modern France - in the province of Ile de France, capturing the territories of modern Belgium and Switzerland.

France at one time became the cradle of more than just a new style. Gothic is a centuries-old era that defines the entire urban landscape of Europe. A Gothic building is not just an architectural unit, it is a work of art, a living organism, frozen dynamics.

Historical background

It spread throughout Europe with varying degrees of success. In the 13th century, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain and England came under the influence of Gothic. Later it came to Italy, where it did not receive such wide distribution, but was still able to adapt, becoming “Italian Gothic” after a significant transformation. At the end of the 14th century, Europe was captured by the so-called international Gothic, the crown of which was late, or “flaming” Gothic. It penetrated into the countries of Eastern Europe later and stayed there a little longer - until the 16th century.

The cathedral became the quintessence of Gothic art - it was a synthesis of architecture, sculpture and painting. Here everything strives upward, each element emphasizes the vertical - arches with a pointed top, narrow and high towers and columns, a facade with carved details and lancet windows with multi-color stained glass windows. And if we take into account the fact that the cathedral was the center of life in almost any European city, towering and dominating it, it will not be surprising the ease with which the minds of Christian sovereigns adopted the new style. Moreover, Gothic was presented as a symbol of monarchical power and divine providence.

The main difference between the Gothic cathedral and its Romanesque predecessors is the stable frame system, in which the structural role is played by cross-rib pointed vaults and pointed arches, which largely determine the internal and external appearance of the building. The structure of the building consists of rectangular cells (grasses), limited by 4 pillars and 4 arches, which, together with the arched ribs, form the skeleton of the cross vault. The lateral thrust of the main nave is transmitted with the help of flying buttresses to the outer pillars - buttresses. The walls, freed from the load, are cut through with arched windows in the spaces between the pillars.

Gothic cathedrals provide an example of complex interaction, the interpenetration of internal space and the external natural environment. This is facilitated by the huge window openings, the through carving of the tower tents, and the forest of buttresses topped with pinnacles. Carved stone decorations were also of great importance: cruciferous fleurons, stone thorns growing like flowers and leaves on the branches of the stone forest of buttresses, flying buttresses and tower spiers. And do not be confused by the abundant decoration - in Gothic there is no concept of “excessively decorative”.

Following the cathedral, the city itself stretched upward. Town halls with lavish decoration, often with a tower, began to be built in central squares (town hall in Saint-Quentin, 1351-1509).

Castles were transformed into majestic palaces with rich interior decoration (the papal palace complex in Avignon), and mansion-hotels of wealthy citizens were built.

We have plunged into theory enough - it’s time to move on to practice. I propose to turn your attention to the most striking monuments of Gothic architecture in France, widely known in narrow circles.

Chapel Sainte-Chapelle

The lower chapel was intended for courtiers, palace guards and servants. The royal family and those close to them prayed at the top. It was here that the relics were kept. The nave of the upper chapel is famous for its fully preserved stained glass windows, mainly from the 13th century, which have no analogues.

Abbey Church of Saint Denis

Cathedral of Chartres

The central part of the facade has retained a heavy Romanesque wall, into which three portals are embedded; a rose window appeared later. The southern tower, the so-called “old bell tower” (1145-65), is closer to the basic ideas of Gothic: the verticals of the buttresses are lifted by the powerful rise of an octagonal tent. After the fire of 1194, the building was rebuilt. The architects managed to give the vertical rods a feeling of free and spiritual lift. Notre Dame in Chartres is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe. Chartres is one of the few Gothic churches in France that has retained its glazing almost unchanged. This is the largest ensemble of stained glass windows from the 12th-13th centuries that has come down to us.

The stained glass windows, blind and almost colorless on the outside, revealed all their magic in the interior, when the sun's rays, penetrating through the colored glass, gave each color the greatest sonority.

The complexity of the development of the architectural theme is inherent in the western facade of the temple: individual motifs intertwine, contrast, and complement each other. It is permeated not only by vertical movement, but also is in a complex and dynamic interaction with the environment. Fantastically beautiful and high-quality pov blowjob in the first person performed by young beauties and mature mothers. Here is the best and highest quality selection of pov blowjob videos from the first person. Here you can regularly enjoy fresh portions of pov blowjob.

Just like in Reims, the cathedral in Chartres served as an example for architects, but the model was noticeably modified. The cathedral in Amiens is the largest among the Gothic churches in France and one of the largest in Europe.

The width of its naves reaches 33 m, the transept is stretched to 59 m, the vaults of the central nave are raised to a height of 42.3 m.

Centuries later, in the era of eclecticism, Gothic returned updated. Hence the name – neo-Gothic. Representatives of European countries in the 19th century challenged each other for the right to be called the ancestor. But historical justice turned out this way - neo-Gothic arose in England in the 40s of the 18th century. In Russia it was called pseudo-Gothic, since Gothic did not exist at all on the territory of Ancient Rus'. The demand for the new variation of the style was extremely insignificant - it was in demand only during the construction of churches of the Catholic community.

In Saratov, the most striking representative of the neo-Gothic style is the building of the Saratov State Conservatory. L.V. Sobinova.

It was erected in 1902 by the architect Alexander Yulievich Yagn and delights the eyes of residents and guests of the city to this day.

Northern France is the birthplace of Gothic, where this architectural style was called "Ogival", i.e. pointed arch style. The main building material of Gothic style is stone. Not only were massive pillars and thin, strong ribs of the vaults laid out of it, but also the richest sculptural decor of the facades, thin openwork window frames and “roses” (large light openings) were cut out. In the north they also used brick. Wide window openings are filled with colored stained glass. The main decoration of the interiors of Gothic cathedrals is the complex, sometimes bizarre design of the ribs of the vault.

The system of ribbed vaults made it possible to abandon massive walls, moving to a system of flying buttresses (outer ribs) and buttresses (supports protruding near the wall) outside the building. Gothic cathedrals in the dense buildings of the city most often revealed only one entrance façade, the western one, which was most lavishly decorated. Its tall towers served as a landmark showing the way to the cathedral in the cramped narrow streets. Gothic cathedrals took a long time to build. Therefore, some of them have towers of different heights and even different shapes. The most striking monuments of early Gothic are the cathedrals in Paris, Chartres and Bourges, and the best examples of classical Gothic are the cathedrals in Reims and Amiens.

One of the largest early Gothic buildings in France is (Notre Dame of Paris), built in the 12th-14th centuries. The towers of the cathedral are about 70 m high, but remained unfinished. The facades of the cathedral are replete with numerous sculptures - from the Fall to the Last Judgment. The huge rose window with a diameter of 13 m is decorated with colored stained glass windows with scenes from the Old Testament. The famous decorative elements of the cathedral are the sculptures of chimeras at the base of the towers. The cathedral is known in the Christian world for its unique relic – the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ.

City Chartres(Centre), located southwest of Paris, is famous for its cathedral - a “gothic miracle”, rebuilt in the 13th century. from a burnt Romanesque church. The Cathedral in Chartres is famous for its stained glass windows, which show not only scenes from the Old and New Testaments, but also everyday scenes from the lives of kings, knights, artisans and even peasants. The south tower of the cathedral (height 106 m) is considered one of the most beautiful church towers in Europe. The northern tower (height 113.5 m) is decorated with an elegant spire in the “flaming Gothic” style.

(Center) was built on the site of an old church at the end of the 12th - beginning of the 13th centuries. The side chapels were added already in the late Gothic era. The cathedral's sculptures and stained glass windows depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Last Judgment and the Apocalypse, angels, Saint Etienne and other saints make a strong impression.

(Champagne-Ardenne) - one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture, built from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The graceful architecture of the cathedral, its mesmerizing stained glass windows and pointed arches merge into a single harmonious ensemble. The interior of the cathedral is well lit through stained glass windows, and architectural details are decorated with floral patterns. Reims Cathedral is the traditional place of coronation of French kings.

(Picardy) in northern France is considered one of the largest “classical” Gothic buildings of the 13th century. However, the tent over the southern tower was completed already in the 14th century, and the northern tower was completed only at the beginning of the 15th century. The cathedral houses the head of John the Baptist, which, after the capture of Constantinople by the crusaders in 1204, “by the providence of God” ended up in Amiens. Thanks to successful architectural solutions, the cathedral seems to be directed upward. Its facades are richly decorated with bas-reliefs with scenes from the Old Testament and from the life of the Middle Ages - a total of 4.5 thousand figures! The interior decoration of the cathedral, on the contrary, is distinguished by modesty and unpretentiousness.

City of Avignon(Provence-Côte d'Azur), located on the Rhone River, was in the 14th century. The papal residence, for which it is often called the “city of popes.” During the reign of the French Popes, the Papal Palace was built - enormous in size, asymmetrical and gloomy. This building dominates the city and clearly contrasts with the houses inside the medieval walls. High walls with hidden narrow windows, powerful pointed arches and wide loopholes make the Papal Palace an impregnable fortress. In old Avignon, the Petit Palais and the Romanesque cathedral of Notre-Dame de Dome have been preserved.

In the era of mature Gothic, decoration begins to dominate. Vertical divisions become the main ones, and the design of the vaults becomes more complex. The desire for external effects is increasingly evident. Gothic cathedrals begin to resemble “frozen rain” or “petrified flame.” In the XIII-XV centuries. The chapel of the royal palace was built on the Ile de la Cité in Paris Sainte Chapelle(“Holy Chapel”) It was designed as a repository for relics taken from Constantinople in 1239. The chapel's lancet windows display a unique collection of stained glass windows, consisting of 1,134 biblical scenes. The openwork “rose” on the facade (XV century) is made in the “flaming Gothic” style. The Sainte-Chapelle spire is 75 m high.

Located on a rocky Gothic island (Basse Normandy), dedicated to the Archangel Michael, it is often called one of the “wonders of the world”. Benedictian monks founded an abbey here in the 11th century, the construction of which was completed only in the 16th century. The eastern chancel of the abbey was built in the “flaming Gothic” style. The vertical walls of the monastery, more like a fortress, look like a natural continuation of the rocky cliffs in the center of the island. The central part, 78 m high, resembles a fairy-tale castle. A small town has formed around the abbey, the only street of which rises serpentinely to the gates of the monastery. Actually, Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island only during high tides, which are among the highest on the planet. At low tide, the water surface of the Bay of Saint-Malo can only be seen from the observation decks of the monastery.

City Carcassonne(Languedoc-Roussillon) is the largest Gothic fortress in Europe, located at the crossroads of trade routes between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and Central. The city is surrounded by two rows of mighty fortress walls with 52 observation towers. In the city of Carcassonne, the narrow medieval streets and the Saint-Nazaire Cathedral with its impressive chimeras on the facade and stunning stained glass windows are of interest.

City Strasbourg(Alsace) has a medieval center located on the island Grand Ile River Ile, which has preserved the architecture and flavor of the Gothic period. Here, the tower of the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, built in the 12th-15th centuries, rises to a height of 142 m. made of pink sandstone. Nearby are four ancient churches and the Roan Palace (the former residence of bishops). In the western part of the island, the picturesque historical tanners' quarter of Petite France ("Little France") with cozy half-timbered houses decorated with fresh flowers has been preserved. Houses built in a special “Alsatian style” have peaked roofs with many dormers.

Wine region of Saint-Emilion(Aquitaine) is located on the banks of the Dordogne River, 50 km east of the city of Bordeaux. The name of this area is associated with the name of the monk Emilion, who lived in one of the surrounding caves. When he was recognized as a saint after his death, the cave was turned into a church carved into the rock. During the heyday of winemaking in the XI-XIV centuries. Numerous churches and monasteries were built in Saint-Emilion. This is one of the main red wine producing regions in France. Local wine varieties are characterized by a mild taste and can be stored for a long time.