| Gothic architecture is a style that began in | | | | buildings have extensive glass windows, |
| France during the 12th century. It was | | | | sharply pointed spires, cluster columns, |
| particularly associated with cathedrals and | | | | flying buttresses, ribbed vaults, pointed |
| other churches. In Florence, Italy, the | | | | arches using the ogive shapes, and inventive |
| Gothic style became widespread in the 15th | | | | sculptural detail. Flying buttresses were |
| century AD. England could see a series of | | | | used as a means to support higher ceilings |
| Gothic revivals in the mid 19th century and | | | | and slender columns. |
| it spread across other parts of Europe. | | | | |
| Across America, in the 20th century, this | | | | Building materials used in Gothic |
| style was largely used for ecclesiastical and | | | | architecture are usually native stones. But |
| university structures. | | | | in Northern Germany, Scandinavia, and |
| | | | Northern Poland, where native stones were |
| Gothic style emphasizes the vertical plane | | | | unavailable, simplified provincial Gothic |
| and features largely skeletal stone | | | | churches were built out of bricks. Gothic |
| structures. Gothic architecture structures | | | | brick buildings were associated with |
| have large stained-glass windows that allow | | | | Hanseatic league, an alliance of trading |
| more light to pass through. These windows are | | | | cities of Northern Europe. There are over a |
| usually the point of focus to design other | | | | hundred brick Gothic castles across Northern |
| structures of the building. Usually, | | | | Poland built by the Teutonic Knights. |