GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

HEILIGENKREUZ ABBEY. HEILIGENKREUZ,

LOWER AUSTRIA. 1133

Embodied in its Romanesque and Gothic components, the Heiligenkreuz

Abbey is a classic example of the continuity of the European

monastic tradition. The typical features of this monastery complex—

including its cloister and living quarters, interiors and furniture–

reflect the Gothic architectural history of Austria during the

medieval times.

MARIA AM GESTADE. VIENNA, AUSTRIA. 1394

Maria Am Gestade was originally a wooden structure constructed

by the boatsmen of Austria. In 1394, this wooden building was

restructured into a perfectly shaped Gothic beauty, remarkable for

its steep ground, narrowness, and pretty stained glass at the back of its

Gothic altar. This building was used by Napoleon as a storehouse for his

weapons and stall for his horses in 1850.

ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL. VIENNA, AUSTRIA. 1137

Considered as the most eminent Gothic edifice in the whole of Vienna,

St. Stephen’s Cathedral is where most of Vienna’s art treasures lie. Its

Gothic style is apparent in its pulpit, red marble sepulcher, and its

Gothic-winged altar that was completed in 1447.

CHURCH OF ST. MICHAEL. SYNKAVICHY, BELARUS.

16TH CENTURY

Built during the 16th century, the Church of St. Michael in Synavichy,

Belarus is one of the first fortified churches in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

This three-nave, four-pillar structure was built during the time of Queen Bona

and largely features characteristics of Gothic architecture.

BELFRY OF GHENT. GHENT, BELGIUM. 1313

Known as the tallest belfry in existence today, the Belfry of Ghent is one

of the three medieval towers overlooking the old city of Ghent, Belgium.

It was designed by master mason Jan van Haelst and was completed in

1380, almost seven decades since its construction. This edifice is

remarkable for the primary bell in its tower.

Church of Our Lady of Bruges. Bruges, Belgium. 13th century

Known as the “high spot” of medieval art in Bruges, the 122-meter

brick steeple of Our Lady of Burges dominates the skyline of the city.

It houses a wealth of art collections in Belgium, including the “Madonna

and Child” by Michelangelo and the ceremonial tombs of

Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.

LEUVEN TOWN HALL. LEUVEN, BELGIUM. 1448

One of the most popular Gothic town halls around the world,

the Leuven Town Hall in Belgium is known for its harmonious dimensions

and for the rich decoration of its walls. The architect behind the Gothic look

of this building was Mathijs de Layens.

ST. NICHOLAS’ CHURCH. GHENT, BELGIUM. 13TH CENTURY

One of the most beautiful and oldest churches in Ghent, St. Nicholas’

Church is also known as the Sint-Niklasskerk in Flemish. This ecclesiastical

edifice is located near the Belfry Tower in the historical centre of Ghent

and was built on the basis of Scheldt Gothic architecture.

ZAGREB CATHEDRAL. KAPTOL, CROATIA.1093

Remarkable for its ground plan and slender cross-ribbed arches

within three polygonal apses with narrow windows, Zagreb Cathedral

is considered as the most impressive and monumental Gothic-style

sacral building in the southeast of the Alps. Its features reflect the

introduction of Gothic style to Croatia as well as the

internationalization of art.