The Gothic Cathedral Answer the following questions 1

The Gothic Cathedral

Answer the following questions. 1. • When did the revolution in architecture known as “Gothic” begin? At the end of the 12 th century. 2. When is a church called a “cathedral”? • When it contains a “cathedra” or a “throne” for the bishop. 3. Do you know what method was used to build Gothic cathedrals? • The so-called “operative geometry” was used to build cathedrals, which meant that the masons (= people who build using stones) made the plans on the site, i. e. on the place where the church was being built and during its building according to the weight and volumes of the stones employed. 4. What materials were employed? Timber, stone (the most common was lime stone), marble and glass.

5. What obstacles did the masons have to face? • Wind pressure, balance, mass abutment, i. e. how to support the sheer weight of this massive structure. The main features of Gothic architecture • Look at the floor plan of Salisbury Cathedral.

a. • b. • c. • What shape does it have? It has the shape of a cross or a crucifix. Do you know what it is called? It is called cruciform after the cross that Christ was hung on. Do you know what each arm is called? Each arm is called transept. 3. Look at the pictures and tick the features that belong to Gothic architecture. verticality of proportion massive, smooth walls pointed arches small windows huge windows great stained glass fan vault huge pinnacles round-headed arches high piers darkness light from the outside towering nave

4. · 5. Describe the light inside the cathedral. What atmosphere does it create? The light floods in from the outside and reflects the colours of the stained glass up to the columns. The atmosphere is both mystical and majestic. What did the high towers and pinnacles symbolise? They symbolised the stretching to the heavens, the tension to God.

The development of Gothic architecture in England Lots of cathedrals were built in the middle of 13 th century; Reasons for this Construction of new roads and bridges facilitating transport; Urban growth leading to the creation of different categories of labourers and craftsmen; 3. Increase in ecclesiastical income; 1. 2. English Gothic architecture 1. Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250): pointed arches (= archi a sesto acuto) quadripartite ribbed vaults (= volte a crociera) lancet windows (= finestre con arco a sesto acuto) clustered shafts of tall, narrow piers (pilastri a fascio) Lancet window = in Gothic architecture, a tall narrow window ending in a pointed arch. Shaft =the tall, cylindrical part of a column between the capital and the base.

English Gothic architecture 2. The “Decorated Period (1250 -1300) · · · 3. elaborately curved tracery wider windows, better lighting richly-coloured stained glass increased use of bricks naturalistic, curved carvings The “Perpendicular” Period (1350 -1400) � Strong vertical lines � Very large windows with elaborate tracery � Fan vaulting (=volte a ventaglio) � Hammerbeam roofs (tetti con travi a sbalzo)

English Gothic architecture 1. Early Gothic Period (1175 – 1250) Wells Cathedral The quadripartite vault of the nave The Nave

English Gothic architecture 2. The “Decorated Period (1250 -1300) Lichfield Cathedral The High Altar

Bath Abbey English Gothic architecture 3. The “Perpendicular” Period (1350 -1400) The original fan vaulted ceiling of the Choir

Arco Tudor arch Arco a tutto sesto/ Round arch Volta a crociera Arco a sesto acuto Lancet /Pointed arch clustered shafts of tall, narrow piers Pilastri a fascio Fan Vault, Volta a ventaglio