What is Gothic cathedrals?
{{Very long|date=January 2025}}[[Image:Koelner Dom Innenraum.jpg |thumb |220px |The inside of [[Cologne Cathedral]], which is one of the largest cathedrals built in Gothic style in the world. It was not finished until the 1800s.]]'''Gothic cathedrals''' are important examples of gothic architecture. Gothic architecture was a way of planning and designing buildings that began in Western [[Europe]] in the Late [[Middle Ages]]. ==Overview== Gothic architecture grew out of [[Romanesque architecture]], in [[France]] in the 12th century. The architecture spread across [[Europe]] and lasted until the 16th century when [[Renaissance architecture]] became popular in the Renaissance Period. The Renaissance Period took place in the 13th century to the 17th century. Before that, most cathedrals were built in Gothic styles. The single most notable feature of Gothic [[architecture]] is the pointed [[arch]]. The image on the right shows this feature from the inside of a late [[medieval]] Gothic cathedral. This is the main difference from Romanesque architecture which has rounded arches. Romanesque Architecture took place before the Gothic. It was very popular and used by many Catholics. Other features are the ribbed [[vault]], flying [[buttress]], and windows with patterns of stone lace called [[tracery]]. Many of the great [[Cathedral|cathedrals]], [[Abbey|abbeys]] and [[Church (building)|churches]] of Europe are Gothic architecture. It is also the architecture of many [[Castle|castles]] and [[Palace|palaces]]. It is also found in some [[Town hall|town halls]], [[University#History|universities]] and some [[House|houses]]. Most remains of this particular era were built in Gothic styles. Many church buildings of the time still stand. Even some of the smallest Gothic churches are often grandiose, while many of the larger Gothic churches and cathedrals are thought to be priceless works of art. Many are listed in the [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|UNESCO]] as [[World Heritage Site|World