Gothic cathedrals are not religious buildings associated with the ancient Goths, but rather cathedrals constructed using the Gothic architectural style. Just like how Vandalism has no connection to the Vandals, Gothic architecture has no connection to the Goths.
It is in fact a style that emerged in 12th-century France, evolving from the Romanesque style and originally referred to as the “French Style”.
This architectural style gradually spread throughout Western Europe, evolving until the 16th century, when it became absorbed into Renaissance art.
It was only at this point that it acquired the term “Gothic”, albeit with negative connotations due to the perceived rudeness and barbarism associated with the Goths. The Gothic style is characterized by its emphasis on height and light.
Achieving this aesthetic involved the development of certain architectural elements such as clustered columns, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
Although Gothic architecture can be found in various castles, palaces, and town halls, it is the magnificent cathedrals of Europe that truly showcase the beauty of this architectural style.
10. York Minster

York Minster, located in the historic city of York, stands as a majestic Gothic cathedral that commands the attention of anyone looking towards the skyline. Alongside Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, it is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe.
This architectural masterpiece showcases the evolution of Gothic design in England, encompassing all the significant stages of its development. Construction of the cathedral commenced around 1230 and concluded in 1472.
Notably, the cathedral boasts the “Great East Window,” an awe-inspiring display of medieval stained glass that holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind worldwide.
9. Reims Cathedral

The Reims Cathedral holds great significance as it served as the official coronation church for many French kings. Its construction took place on the very grounds where Clovis, the first king of the Franks, was baptized by Saint Remi, the bishop of Reims, back in AD 496.
The cathedral took several centuries to complete, with the addition of the majestic west front taking place during the 14th century before the end of the 13th century.
8. Milan Cathedral

The Duomo di Milano, an incredibly grand and intricate Gothic cathedral situated in the main square of Milan, holds significant renown as one of Europe’s most iconic structures. With its colossal size, it ranks among the largest Gothic cathedrals worldwide.
The construction of this renowned cathedral commenced in 1386, guided by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, who adopted a Late Gothic architectural style that leaned more towards French influences rather than Italian.
It would take a remarkable five centuries for this magnificent cathedral to reach its completion.
7. Santa Maria del Fiore

The Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, a magnificent cathedral and iconic symbol of Florence, was started in 1296 and finished in 1436 using the Gothic architectural style.
Adorned with polychrome marble panels in shades of green and pink, encircled by white borders, the exterior of this basilica is truly a sight to behold. Considered one of the largest churches in Italy, this majestic structure boasted the world’s largest dome until recent times.
Even now, it stands tall as the largest brick dome ever built.
6. Burgos Cathedral

The Burgos Cathedral, located in Burgos, is a magnificent medieval structure that pays tribute to the Virgin Mary. Its enormous size and exquisite Gothic architectural designs have made it an iconic landmark.
The construction of this awe-inspiring cathedral commenced in 1221 but faced a prolonged pause for nearly two centuries. Finally, in 1567, the endeavor was successfully finalized.
Notably, in 1919, the cathedral was chosen as the final resting place for the renowned Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, widely known as “El Cid,” as well as his wife, Doña Jimena.
5. Chartres Cathedral

The Chartres Cathedral, situated in the town of Chartres near Paris, appears surprisingly grand considering the small size of its surroundings.
Notably, this cathedral stands out as an exceptional representation of the French High Gothic style, retaining its original charm impressively well.
It is remarkable that the majority of the stunning stained glass windows have survived intact throughout the ages, while only minor alterations have been made to its architectural structure since the early 13th century.
4. Seville Cathedral

Seville’s medieval cathedral stands proudly where a magnificent Almohad Mosque once existed.
Constructed with the intention of showcasing the city’s strength and prosperity after the Reconquista, this architectural masterpiece surpassed the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia upon its completion in the 16th century.
Today, it remains the largest Gothic cathedral globally, and the third-largest church overall.
The cathedral’s builders ingeniously incorporated various elements from the original mosque, including the renowned Giralda – a minaret cleverly transformed into a remarkable bell tower.
3. Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris, situated in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, is a truly magnificent Catholic cathedral. Its construction began in 1163 and, after several decades of dedication, it was predominantly finished by approximately 1345.
This iconic French Gothic cathedral stands as a remarkable testament to the excellence of French Gothic architecture, showcasing extraordinary sculptures and captivating stained glass.
Unfortunately, during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution in the 1790s, numerous valuable sculptures and priceless treasures housed within it suffered severe damage or were completely destroyed.
Adding to its historical significance, the esteemed Napoleon Bonaparte received his coronation as Emperor within the hallowed halls of Notre Dame on December 2, 1804.
2. St Stephen’s Cathedral

Located in the center of Vienna, St Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom) is not only a testament to the city’s resilience but also a cherished symbol of its freedom.
This magnificent Gothic cathedral has withstood countless wars throughout history, standing proudly atop the remnants of two older churches. Originally conceived by Rudolf IV, Duke of Austria, in the 14th century, its construction spanned years of dedication and craftsmanship.
However, it wasn’t until 1952 that the cathedral obtained its remarkable diamond-patterned tile roof, which has become one of its most distinguishable features.
1. Cologne Cathedral

Cologne Cathedral, also known as Kölner Dom, is undoubtedly the most remarkable Gothic cathedral in Germany. It has held the status of Cologne’s iconic landmark for many centuries.
Once proudly reigning as the tallest edifice on the planet, it still boasts the most expansive facade ever constructed.
This renowned cathedral proudly stands on the very ground where a Roman temple existed in the 4th century, and subsequently, a church was commissioned by Maternus, Cologne’s inaugural Christian bishop.
The ambitious project to build the present-day Gothic church commenced in 1248, enduring numerous delays and obstacles throughout an astounding span of over 600 years before reaching completion.
Its consecration is attributed to Saint Peter and the Virgin Mary, and it continues to be the central location for the Catholic Archbishop of Cologne.