Gothic Cathedrals Expansion on Early Catholism

St. Stephen's Cathedral

1160

More commonly known by the German title Stephansdom, its first structure was started in in 1137 and built by 1160! But major reconstruction and expansion has last until 1511, and repair and restoration projects continue until present day. Its most appreciable quality is its diamond pattern tile roof last added in 1952. It is the most valuable and religious building in Vienna. Wikipedia Image Source

Chartres Cathedral

1220

The building began in 1145. The Chartres Cathedral has a French Gothic style using colossal stained glass windows, high arched ceilings, and flying buttresses.There is a unity of architecture and decoration and with the result of research of the first Gothic era, its boundless impact on the art of Middle Age Christianity, this cathedral appears as a crucial landmark in the history of medieval architecture. UNESCO Image Source

Notre Dame Cathedral

1265

The glorious Notre-Dame de Paris began construction in 1163, it is notable for its magnitude, antiquity, and architectural interest. Notre-Dame Cathedral endured damage and deterioration through the centuries, after the French Revolution Napoleon freed the cathedral from possible demolition, then crowned himself emperor of France inside the cathedral in 1804. Britannica Image Source

Reims Cathedral

1275

This Roman Catholic cathedral in France replaces an old church destroyed in a fire in 1211. Built on the location of the basilica where Clovis I was baptized by Saint Remi, bishop of Reims in 496. The seat of the Archdiocese of Reims, the cathedral was where the kings of France were crowned. The cathedral is a primary tourist spot, and receives about one million travelers each year. Wikipedia Image Source

Florence Cathedral

1436

Santa Maria del Fiore begun in 1296, it is the third largest church on the earth and was the largest church in Europe when it was finished in the fifteenth century. It is 153 meters long, 90 meters broad, and 90 meters tall. It is the final cathedral built in Florence, it was devoted to Santa Maria del Fiore, the Virgin of the Flower, in 1412, the symbol of the city of Florence. Museumflorence Image Source

York Minster Cathedral

1472

The York Minster took over 250 years to build when it begun in 1220. Travelers can ascend to the top of the highest point reaching 71 meters and look down to the panoramic views of the city below to see the Vale of York. There are numerous 'minsters' in England, the title "York" dates back from the Anglo-Saxon period explaining a settlement of clergy obliged to maintain the daily office of prayer. Yorkpm Image Source

Seville Cathedral

1528

This is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Its building lasted over a century beginning in 1401. It is said that when the designs were drawn up, church elders stated, "Let us build a church so beautiful and so magnificent that those who see it finished will think we are mad." The cathedral also houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus which is a central interest for sightseers. Andalucia Image Source

Burgos Cathedral

1567

Construction on the cathedral began in 1221. It exhibits the progression of Gothic style, with the history of Gothic art demonstrated in its exquisite architecture and rare collection of art, including paintings, choir stalls, reredos, tombs, and stained-glass windows. The three-story elevation, the vaulting, and the tracery of the windows are closely associated to present-day models of the north of France. UNESCO Image Source

Cologne Cathedral

1880

In German Kölner Dom began being built in 1248, the development took phases and over seven centuries many builders were encouraged by the same conviction to finish the cathedral. It was once the tallest building on earth at 516 feet. It is devoted to Saints Peter and Mary and is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne. It is Germany's most visited landmark captivating over 20,000 guests a day. UNESCO Image Source

Milan Cathedral

1965

The second largest Catholic cathedral in the world is the Duomo di Milano. It was developed steadily over nearly six centuries beginning in 1386. Displaying design components from a number of styles, it's an enchanting cathedral unlike any other. Many archaeologists believed that the location of Duomo was a holy Roman site for centuries before the arrival of Christianity. Study Image Source