By:
Brandon Shafer
Italian Architecture
Gothic
Gothic architecture made it's appearence in Italy in the 12th century, coming from their neighbor, France. Gothic architecture in Italy evolved differently from where it originated in Burgundy. This style of architecture was mainly represented in ecclesiastical buildings such as cathedrals and even small churches. Another reason that this style of architecture is based in religious buildings is the rise in power and wealth of the Catholic Church at this time, giving them the funds to build impressive and richly styled structures. Individual city states in Northern Italy also became wealthy due to flourishing trade, similar to that of the Hansiatic League in the Northern Holy Roman Empire. Most of the surviving examples of Gothic architecture remain in cathedrals, which give clear examples of the popular style.
History:
Background
Height:
Styles
Height, though not technically a style, was very important to the architects of the time. Since most of the gothic buildings were ecclesiastical, they wanted to rech to the heavens. Ceilings went hundreds of feet in the air, with spires reaching up even further.
Light and Windows:
The contrast from Romanesque windows to Gothic windows was extreme. Massive stained glass windows became a staple of the Gothic buildings as people wanted to let the light shine in, believing that it was divine.
Fresco:
Along with the rich stained glass windows, there were frescos, which were mostly unique to Italy. Church walls were covered in these large masterpieces, usually representing a religious imageand stressing the power of the church
Possibly, the most famous Gothic cathedral in Italy, the Milan Cathedral represents the time period very well. It's large spires, reaching to the heavens and many windows, letting in the light, show the ecclesiastical style of the time.
This basilica, though maybe not as majestic as other buildings from this time, still shows Gothic style. The massive ceilings and windows on the side show it reaching to the sky, like other Gothic churches and the windows make the place very bright.
This Abbey in Northern Italy has a few aspects of Gothic and Romanesque features, showing the transition into the Gothic time period with the sky-scraping tower and frescoes inside.
This basilica shows Gothic characteristics on the outside, such as the skyward spires and towers, but the frescoes and unnecessarily high ceilings inside show the true reason that this is a building of the Gothic period.