Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture (or pointed architecture) is an architectural style that was particularly popular in Europe from the late 12th century to the 16th century, during the High and Late Middle Ages, surviving into the 17th and 18th centuries in some areas.
The defining design element of Gothic architecture is the pointed or ogival arch. The primary engineering innovation and one of the other characteristic design components is the flying buttress. The use of the pointed arch in turn led to the development of the pointed rib vault and flying buttresses, combined with elaborate tracery and stained glass windows.