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