Architecture of Warsaw
Gothic architecture is represented in the majestic churches but also at the burgher houses and fortifications. The most significant buildings are St. John's Cathedral (14th century), the temple is a typical example of the so-called Masovian gothic style, St. Mary's Church (1411), a town house of Burbach family (14th century), Gunpowder Tower (after 1379) and the Royal Castle "Curia Maior" (1407–1410). The most notable examples of Renaissance architecture in the city are the house of Baryczko merchant family (1562), building called "The Negro" (early 17th century) and Salwator tenement (1632). The most interesting examples of mannerist architecture are the Royal Castle (1596–1619) and the Jesuit Church (1609–1626) at Old Town. Among the first structures of the early baroque the most important are St. Hyacinth's Church (1603–1639) and Zygmunt's Column (1644).
Church architecture
The Gothic era began in 12th-century France. It was first coined by historiographer Giorgio Vasari. The era began in north-eastern France and slowly spread throughout the rest of Europe. Multiple styles of Gothic architecture occurred, notably Rayonnant in the 13th century. A style known for its exaggerated geometrical features, making everything as astounding and eye-catching as possible. Shortly after an emerging style was born known as decorated gothic where these geometrical features were being applied to already complex structural forms. Nearing the end of the Gothic period the art style had transcended to being just churches attempting to align themselves with god. Residences, guilds, government buildings all adopted this new architectural style.[[Image: Bete Giyorgis Lalibela Ethiopia.jpg|thumb|[[Bete Giyorgis]] from above, one of the rock-hewn churches of [[Lalibela]]]]