What is the oldest Gothic architecture in the world?
The Basilica Church of Saint-Denis is regarded as the first truly Gothic building, and marks the styles evolution out of Romanesque. He created a pointed arch, ribbed vault and flying buttresses that supported the large clerestory windows.
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Abbot Suger and St Denis Basilica. The Gothic style first appeared in France in the mid-12th century in an Abbey, St Denis Basilica, built by Abbot Suger (1081–1151).
Basilica of Saint Denis - FactsThe Basilica is considered the birthplace of Gothic architecture, as it was one of the first buildings to incorporate significant Gothic elements. It is the final resting place of French kings and queens, including famous figures such as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
While the signature Gothic style originated in France, the architectural movement spread across Europe, especially in Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain. Some of the best Gothic architecture examples can be seen in France, one of the earliest being the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris completed in 1144 CE.
Notable examples of early Gothic architecture in France include the ambulatory and facade of Saint-Denis Basilica; Sens Cathedral (1140); Laon Cathedral; Senlis Cathedral; (1160) and most famously Notre-Dame de Paris (begun 1160).
One of the earliest buildings to combine these elements into a coherent style was the abbey of Saint-Denis, Paris (c. 1135–44). The High Gothic years (c. 1250–1300), heralded by Chartres Cathedral, were dominated by France, especially with the development of the Rayonnant style.
A pointed arch, ogival arch, or Gothic arch is an arch with a pointed crown, whose two curving sides meet at a relatively sharp angle at the top of the arch. This architectural element was particularly important in Gothic architecture. The earliest use of a pointed arch dates back to bronze-age Nippur.
Notre-Dame de Paris is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Paris, located on the Île de la Cité. It is widely regarded as one of the finest monuments of Gothic French architecture. Its sculptures and stained glass contrast with the Romanesque style.