Gothic Architecture began at the end of the 12th century and lasted just over two hundred years. There are distinct architectural features of a true Gothic church, which not only added aesthetically to the churches, but were great structural innovations as well. The three main features of a gothic cathedral are: a pointed arch, ribbed vaults, and the flying buttress.
The first feature of a gothic church is the pointed arch. This is the point where the top of the column meets. Having the column meet at an angle compared to it curving, added strength because the weight by the columns could be distributed evenly. Fewer columns would need to be added to help support a building of the same size or even larger.
The second feature was the advancement of the vaults; these were placed inside the cathedral. The purpose was to disperse the weight of the columns along the ceiling. In Gothic cathedrals rib vaults replaced the once single pointed vaults, which increased the strength and beauty of the cathedral.
The Third feature was the advancement of the buttress. A flying buttress took the place regular buttress. Flying buttress helped in supporting the thrust of the vaults. This external feature is a good example of functional meeting beauty.
The whole structure of the Gothic cathedral was to feel light and airy. The cathedrals became taller, stretching towards heaven.
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