Gothic architecture 

Practically every key characteristic of the Early English phase of mature Gothic architecture is present in this monastic foundation. The building is set within a spacious close and emphasizes length over height, featuring double transepts and a square east end. Notably, the principal entrance on the west front is relatively diminutive. More unusually, the west front is adorned with rich sculptures. Internally, one of the most remarkable features is the inverted “strainer” arches at the crossing, constructed in 1338 to support the central tower, showcasing the innovative engineering of the period.

Ely Cathedral is one of the most remarkable and striking cathedrals in England, renowned for its immense size and the diverse range of architectural styles it encompasses, spanning from 11th-century Norman to 14th-century Decorated Gothic. Its most distinctive and memorable feature is the eight-sided crossing at the junction of the nave and transepts, added between 1322 and 1340, which supports an equally exceptional wooden octagonal tower. The cathedral’s vast bulk is further accentuated by its central tower and the imposing tower over the west front, enhancing its dramatic presence on the landscape.

The magnificent medieval choir of Cologne Cathedral rises to an impressive height of 150 feet, with slender, soaring piers extending unbroken from the floor to the heavenly vaults above. The arcade and the vast glazed clerestory are nearly identical in proportions, and the extension of the clerestory windows behind a shallow passage above the arches of the nave and choir creates an almost continuous expanse of glass that stretches from the passageway to the vault. Constructed after 1248, the exterior of Cologne Cathedral positively revels in its extravagant use of flying buttresses, intricate tracery, pinnacles, and lofty gabled porticos, showcasing the grandeur and ambition of Gothic architecture.

Italian architecture notably resisted the Gothic development that occurred in northern France. Instead, it drew on echoes of antiquity and a robust tradition of Romanesque building, resulting in a style that is largely unique in Europe. Siena Cathedral, one of the largest and most prestigious medieval churches in Italy, exemplifies this architectural character. The west façade displays superficial similarities to contemporary French structures, featuring three portals, sculpted figures, and a central rose window. However, the overall design reflects a distinctly Italian approach, emphasizing the region’s rich architectural heritage.

In terms of size, its Latin-cross plan, and soaring internal height, Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the traditional burial place of the doges, clearly belongs to the northern Gothic tradition, as evidenced by its pointed arches, rib-vaulting, and high clerestory. However, in nearly every other aspect, the church is unmistakably a product of native Venetian traditions. The giant columns of the stark nave are widely spaced, which blurs the distinction between the nave and aisles, creating a unified internal space. Despite the building’s great height, this design emphasizes lateral dimensions as much as the longitudinal ones, showcasing the unique character of Venetian architecture.