Gothic style originates in France, where in the 12th century it replaced Romanesque. Later, it covered the whole of Western Europe, until the Renaissance, four centuries later, pushed it out. The Gothic style can be traced in all medieval works of art: painting, stained glass, book miniatures, frescoes and sculptures. But he showed his greatness most fully in church architecture. The Gothic cathedral of that era is notable for its ornate façade, columns, multicolored stained glass windows, pointed arches, and characteristic narrow and tall towers. The walls and roofs are decorated with exquisitely executed sculptures of mythical creatures. The most majestic Gothic monuments can be found in the territories of two European countries - France and Spain.
Barcelona's Gothic Quarter
This is the oldest part of the legendary city and the most popular tourist area in Barcelona. To visit here and not visit the pearl of the quarter - the Gothic Cathedral (XIII-XV centuries) - is blasphemy.
Walking through the winding streets of the quarter,you can see the remains of the Roman wall, the Basilica of La Merce, the ruins of the Palace of Octavian Augustus, the 14th century Gothic church of Santa Maria del Pi and the Royal Palace, from where the county dynasty of Barcelona and the kings of Aragon ruled their subjects. After seeing the ancient buildings, you can stroll through the Royal Square and St. James's Square. After tiresome, but such interesting excursions, guests of the city head to the art cabaret "Four Cats". It is famous not only for its history, but also for its world-famous visitors. Pablo Picasso and his friend Antonio Gaudi, Rusiñol, Isaac Albeniz, Ramon Casas and Gonzalez liked to come here.
Gothic cathedrals of France
The cathedrals of Chartres, Amiens, Angers, Reims and, of course, Paris are recognized as the most significant works of medieval architectural art in France. Historians believe that the very first Gothic building was the church of Saint-Denis. Her project was created by Abbot Suger. During its construction, many supports and internal walls were removed. This made the church more graceful compared to the Romanesque religious buildings sometimes referred to as "God's fortresses."
The Gothic Cathedral of Chartres, located 90 km from Paris, was built on the site of an older church, the property of which - the Holy Shroud of the Virgin Mary, kept since 876 - passed into the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Chartres. Tourists visit the world-famous Reims Cathedral for two main reasons. Firstly, it is a representative of the high Gothic style from the time of its highest heyday, and secondly,this is the place where almost all French monarchs have been crowned for many centuries. The majestic Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris needs no introduction. Victor Hugo glorified him all over the world with his work "Notre Dame Cathedral" in the first half of the century before last. The Temple of Reason, as it was given the name during the French Revolution, was built over several centuries. Every year it is visited by 14 million people. Many of them strive to visit one of the main shrines of Christians around the world - the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ, which has been kept in the cathedral since August 18, 1239.
