Discover published sets by community

Tracery refers to the decorative stonework elements that support the glass in a Gothic window. The elaborate patterns not only served a structural purpose but were also highly symbolic and artistic.

Located in France, Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO heritage site and an excellent example of French Gothic architecture. It's well-known for its stained glass and preserved medieval architecture.

Stained glass windows are a hallmark of Gothic churches. They often told biblical stories and let in light, which symbolized divine light. The expansive use of stained glass was made possible by structural innovations like flying buttresses.

The pointed arch is a defining characteristic of Gothic architecture. It allowed builders to create taller structures with more significant windows than the previous Romanesque style, leading to airier and more illuminated interiors.

A specific type of buttress typically found in Gothic cathedrals. Flying buttresses were used to support the walls from the outside, enabling the creation of expansive stained-glass windows because the walls did not need to be as thick.

Ribbed vaults are intersecting arched elements that form a skeletal frame for the ceiling. They distribute the weight of the roof more efficiently and allow for complex ceiling patterns, which became iconic in Gothic cathedrals.

Gargoyles are decorative waterspouts crafted in the form of grotesque creatures or humans that originated from Gothic architecture. They were used to divert rainwater away from the building's walls and foundations.

This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, was begun in 1163 and largely completed by the 13th century. It's renowned for its size, antiquity, and architectural interest, including its storied gargoyles and rose windows.

The rose window is a large circular window, often filled with intricate stained glass, that is iconic in Gothic architecture. They are typically located on the west front of the cathedral and are often dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Lancet windows are tall, narrow windows with a pointed arch at the top, characteristic of the early Gothic period. They contribute to the vertical emphasis of Gothic architecture and help light the interior space.

Gothic sculpture, which often adorned the portals of cathedrals, marked a shift from the stoic figures of Romanesque art to more natural and expressive forms. This new realism brought biblical characters vividly to life for the medieval viewer.