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