The Gothic style of architecture actually has nothing to do with the Goths. The term was originally coined after the Gothic period ended, as a derogatory reference by Giorgio Vasari in the 1530s, meaning that this architecture style was “rude and barbaric.” During its heyday, Gothic architecture flourished; parts of Europe are home to many huge cathedrals and public buildings that still stand in tribute to the beauty and grandeur of the style.

Basic Style
If you find yourself in the French countryside, you won't have any trouble spotting the Gothic buildings, since they tower over everything else in the landscape. New approaches to engineering enabled architects to create buildings that were large and airy. The key to this construction was the arch.

Arches had been a feature of buildings since the Greek and Roman eras. This form allowed heavy weight to be supported while providing usable space beneath. During the early Renaissance, architects discovered that a pointed arch, supported externally by a buttress, could eliminate the need for internal supports. Buildings could now reach several stories in height, with open space inside. The arches provide support for the roof, with walls serving to connect the arches. Since the walls didn't need to carry most of the roof's weight, designers were free to add elaborate windows throughout buildings.

The pointed arches that are the main feature of Gothic architecture arise from architectural need. The Gothic arch works on the same principal as a house of cards; the weight of two sides pushing against each other keeps everything in place. Arches found over windows are slightly curved, and meet at a point above the center of the window. 

Letting in Light
Gothic vaulted windows were designed to let in plenty of light, making the insides of the structures bright and artistic inside and out. Vertical, pointed arching windows are featured widely around the entire building. Many churches feature elaborate stained glass windows, which allow light and color to create a warm feel inside. This was a big change from the dim, Romanesque cathedrals.

Stained glass can often be found along the side walls of Gothic churches, and a large, circular pattern of stained glass is often a prominent feature in the rear wall, behind the altar. Most often, these stained-glass panels illustrate stories and events from the Bible. In a time when literacy was not widespread, this provided a way for the faithful to see the stories they heard. Excellent examples of stained glass can be found at Notre Dame in Paris. Chartres, in northern France, is celebrated throughout Europe for its stained glass.

Large Construction
Pointed arches, the addition of flying buttresses to hold the weight of the larger ceilings and ribbed vaults allowed for those designing the Gothic churches to make them bigger. The church in the Middle Ages was a wealthy institution, and grand, elaborate designs were a way to show the church's wealth and power. Some cathedrals took more than 100 years to complete.

Early Gothic Architecture
From 1150 to 1400 in France and England, Gothic architecture was the most popular and appreciated form for church structures. Credited with originating the style was Abbot Suger, who designed the Benedictine abby church of St. Denis in France. In England, the Canterbury Cathedral is an early example of how Gothic architecture spread through Europe. High, vaulted ceilings inside gave a magnificent and elegant feel to churches and other places of worship.

Government buildings were also influenced by Gothic styles, having pointed archways and columns as features. Some Gothic churches also featured gargoyles and sculptures as part of the buttress designs, or standing atop the corners of the buildings. Some of these statues can still be seen today, although many churches removed them in the 1500s as public tastes changed.