10+ Gothic Cities and Towns in Europe Architectural Lovers Must Visit

Last Updated on 11th May 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Between ornate arches to intricately carved buildings which rise high into the sky to buildings which have a history that would fill the space of several novels, there’s no shortage of stunning Gothic cities in Europe that architecture lovers will soon fall in love with. So read on to discover the best Gothic architectural gems of medieval Europe…

What is Gothic architecture?

The Gothic style (contrary to what we know as ‘goth’ today) is an architectural design that emerged in northern France in the mid-12th century and became widespread within Europe until the 16th century. Some of its defining characteristics are its graceful pointed arches, flying buttresses (such as those seen on Notre Dame in Paris), and stained glass windows.

The origins of the Gothic style can be traced back to the French abbot and adviser to kings Louis VI and VII, Abbot Suger. Suger oversaw the construction of the Basilica of St Denis, using architectural techniques to reflect his vision of what he felt religious spaces should look like, filled with light and ceilings that stretch into the sky ‘soaring into the heavens’.

The Basilica of St Denis is regarded as the first truly Gothic building, and eventually this would inspire the architectural style of medieval buildings to spread throughout, creating beautiful Gothic cities in Europe.

Best Gothic cities in Europe

Barcelona, Spain

Situated in the Catalonia region of Spain, the city of Barcelona is perhaps best associated with Gaudi. The perfect blend of modern and Gothic influenced architecture runs through the streets of Barcelona thanks to Antoni Gaudi, with people from all over the world visiting the Spanish city with the sole purpose of seeing his works!

Guadi spent most of his life in Barcelona and let his passions of religion, nature and architecture inspire his distinctive masterpieces which have gone on to shape the way of thinking about architecture for a whole generation.

Sagrada Familia, one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks and arguably one of Gaudi’s most ambitious works, is a beautiful display of Gothic architecture.

The largest and tallest (yet currently unfinished) church in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia is bold with its complexity of twisted towers, flying buttresses and arches so rich with detail that you could be looking at just the exterior stonework alone, for hours.

With construction having started in 1882, there have been many delays to the building of the basilica; the death of Guadi, the Spanish civil war and the Covid 2020 pandeminc all played a part in halting the progress of the project. However, there are hopes that, after a wait of more than 140 years, it will finally be finished in 2026.

Elsewhere in the city, one of the most charming areas to visit is Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or Barri Gòtic, a corner of the city that draws you in with its labyrinth-like narrow streets, small squares and intricate architectural features, encompassing some of the oldest parts of the city.

It is said that this spot is where the Romans laid claim to the land and built their first settlement, Barcino, hence the intrigue to the history. A lot of the Gothic architecture seen in the quarter nowadays was built in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Easy to walk around (and also get lost in), you can enjoy finding small treasures in the Barri Gòtic neighbourhood, like the 13 white geese of St Eulalia that reside in the gardens of the Cathedral of Barcelona (another Gothic architectural wonder of the city!)

Where to see Gothic architecture in Barcelona

Barcelona has a fairly large number of Gothic style places. Here are some of our top picks (some of which are included in our guide to 3 days in Barcelona):

• Plaça Reial, a vibrant square in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona.
• Santa Maria del Pi, a 15th century Gothic Church.
• Casa Vicens Guadi, considered to be one of Guadi’s first major projects.
• Park Guell, a park of gardens and architectural elements located on Carmel Hill.

Burgos, Spain

Burgos, is a city in Spain’s autonomous community of Castille and Leon. It is one of the main stops of the Camino Santiago (the famous pilgrim route of northern Spain) and home to a Gothic gem, Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa María, better known as Burgos Cathedral.

Construction of this magnificent cathedral began in 1221 and lasted until 1567. The ecclesiastical building was actually built on a site of an old Romaneqsue church, but this former church had become too small for the needs of the city and was demolished to make room for a larger replacement.

As the pure Gothic style was not yet well known in Spain, the Cathedral played an integral role in the spread of Gothic architecture style from its origin, northern France. Burgos Cathedral is a depiction of creative genius, many architects, sculptors and craftsmen worked to build this incredibly detailed and impressive structure.

The facade of steeply pointed spires are both spectacular in their visual culminations as well as the symbolism they hold of the heavenly aspirations of medieval men. What with its chapels, cloister, annexes and stained glass windows, Burgos Cathedral bears testimony to the true style of Gothic architecture.

Due to its importance and influence on architecture and the visual arts, Burgos Cathedral was in fact included on the World Heritage List in November, 1984 (meaning it is considered an outstanding landmark and is legally protected by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific or other forms of significance).

Burgos Cathedral is open for visitors all-year-round, these times vary on the season but you can purchase tickets via their official website.

Cambridge, UK

Cambridge is a gloriously green city, abundant with beautiful old buildings, and is mostly well known worldwide for its prestigious University of Cambridge, dating back to 1209 (which makes it one of the oldest universities in Europe).

King’s College Chapel is considered an architectural masterpiece, constructed in Perpendicular Gothic style, which was the third and final stage of English Gothic architecture developed in the Late Middle Ages.

English Gothic architecture, developed from the original style introduced in France, to have many of its own attributes. For example, English Gothic cathedrals tended to emphasise the length of the building rather than the height.

Something truly unique to King’s College Chapel is its 26 medieval stained glass windows, so valuable that the windows were removed during the Second World War to keep them safe from harm!

Cologne, Germany

Undoubtedly the most famous Gothic building in Cologne (known in German as Köln) is, The Cathedral of Saint Peter, Cologne Cathedral.

Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe and features immense twin spires that reach 515ft tall, in fact, apart from the telecommunications tower, nothing in the area is higher than the cathedral!

Cologne Cathedral became a World Heritage Site in 1996 and has been a tourist hotspot for over 800 years, one of the major draws for visitors is The Shrine of The Three Kings or Tomb of The Three Magi. The large gilded and decorated golden reliquary behind the high altar is believed to contain the bones of Three Wise Men who visited Jesus after his birth bearing gifts.

Regarded as one of the greatest expressions of German Gothic architecture, Cologne cathedral has captured the hearts of many and remains as an iconic artistic masterpiece. For more Köln inspiration, check out our suggestions on how to spend the perfect one day in Cologne.

Edinburgh, UK

Walking through Edinburgh feels like a fairytale, and this fact is only heightened by its magnificent historical buildings, mysterious alleyways, and impressive Gothic architecture.

Standing proudly on Princes Street as the second largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world is the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200ft tall and has viewing platforms you can reach by a series of spiral staircases, giving you a panoramic view of Edinburgh City; and framed within the Victorian Gothic monument sits Scott himself, carved in marble.

Another famous landmark to the city is the High Kirk of Edinburgh, better known as St Giles Cathedral. ‘Kirk’ is the Scottish word for church, and St Giles is known to be the ‘Mother Kirk’ of Scotland, with over 900 years of history this beautiful Gothic style building can be found on The Royal Mile.

There are so many places within Edinburgh city that the list could keep going, but one to note that is just a short bus ride or drive away is the beautiful 15th century Gothic church, Rosslyn Chapel, which is located in the little village of Roslin.

Some people may recognise the chapel as a key location in the film The Da Vinci Code as the mysterious symbolism and exquisitely carved stone served as a pivotal setting in the films plot. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Where to see Gothic architecture in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is filled with the Gothic style, so here are a few more recommended places to visit:

• Tolbooth Kirk, its Gothic spire is the highest point in central Edinburgh, renamed as ‘The Hub’ and now used as Edinburgh’s International Festival ticket office.
• Observatory House, dating back to 1776 and on top of Calton Hill, it has been restored and used as an artist retreat.
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery, a neo-gothic building in red sandstone.

Florence, Italy

Truly a city of the past, Florence is bursting with a rich variety of architectural styles and is known as Firenze in Italian.

The architecture of Florence is particularly dominated by the Renaissance art movement, however when Gothic style gained popularity and spread throughout European cities, it is possible to see its influence on many major landmarks within the city.

Santa Maria Del Fiore, Florence Cathedral is an iconic symbol in Florence and one of the largest churches in Europe, it is known by locals as The Duomo. Construction of the cathedral began in 1296 and upon its completion in 1436, it became the world’s largest church able to accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers!

Santa Croce is another great example of the Gothic architecture Florence has to offer. This beautiful basilica consisting of 16 chapels and home to over 4,000 artworks from the 13th century through to the 20th, is an art lovers paradise. One particular standout work is the Santa Croce Crucifix, created by the famous sculptor Donatello.

Possibly one of the most important Gothic churches in Florence is Santa Maria Novella, with its architecture and art being a focal source of inspiration for generations of Renaissance masters.

Santa Maria Novella was designed by two Dominican friars in 1221, after 80 years of building it would become the first great basilica in Florence and remain as a treasure trove of history and art for years to come. For more Florence inspiration, check out our suggestions for how to spend 3 days in Florence.

London, UK

The Gothic Revival was a conscious movement that started in England, bringing back the medieval Gothic forms, and by the end of the 19th Century London became the core of this architectural style.

Westminster Abbey, one of the UK’s most famous churches, noted for its royal coronations, weddings and burials, has almost every Gothic element of design. The abbey is abundant with arches, vaulted ribbed ceilings, stained glass windows and it has the highest Gothic vault in England.

Another major landmark nearby is Westminster Palace, more well known as the meeting place for the UK’s parliament. The palace was designed by the architect Charles Barry, who revived the Perpendicular Gothic style to create the striking and stunning intricate design of the building.

Perhaps the earliest documented revival of Gothic architecture was seen in Strawberry Hill: the eccentric home of English writer Horace Walpole. Strawberry Hill House was Walpole’s vision of a ‘little Gothic castle’ with its gleaming white walls and Gothic pinnacles, it became a key contributing factor to the revival of Gothic architecture around Europe thereafter.

Milan, Italy

The Northern Italian city of Milan (known in Italian as Milano) is home to an impressive structure that took nearly 600 years to build, the Duomo di Milano.

Milan’s Cathedral stands proudly in the main city square, Piazza del Duomo and you’ll often see shots of it on social media surrounded by swarms of pigeons! This magnificent architectural work of art began in 1386 when the style of Gothic cathedrals had reached its peak.

Over six centuries this cathedral has seen thousands of artists, sculptors and specialised workers involved in its construction.

Beside the fact that Milan’s Duomo is mesmerising, you can find yourself completely captivated by the copious amount of sculptures; entirely covered in Candoglia marble, the Duomo is adorned with 3,400 sculptures both on its facade and inside.

If you get the chance to, I also recommend heading onto the Duomo rooftop terrace for an extra close look at the architectural details of the church’s exterior.

Paris, France

Being the birthplace of the Gothic, Pairs is one of the easiest cities in Europe in which to experience some of the world’s most recognised monuments of Gothic French architectural style.

A leading example of one of the most famous Gothic medieval cathedrals is Notre-Dame Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral was innovative in the influence of flying buttresses in Gothic architecture, with design allowing for bigger windows and lots more light to flood into the building.

Notre-Dame has been around for over 860 years and to this day it remains to be both the physical and spiritual heart of the French capital. After the terrible fire of April 2019, the cathedral is set to open once more to the public at the end of 2024.

Another Gothic gem of architecture that’s important to highlight is the royal chapel, Sainte-Chapelle. Commissioned by Louis IX in 1238, this beautiful chapel was built in the Gothic style to house Louis’ collection of Passion Relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns.

Because of its purpose to house these relics, Sainte-Chapelle became a highpoint in technical achievements for Gothic architecture as the structure was required to be tall, open and spacious, while also having windows which would let in enough light to illuminate the relics.

Of course Gothic architecture in Paris can’t be discussed without talking about the Basilica of St Denis, as mentioned in the previously, the first church completed in the Gothic style.

Considered the cradle of gothic art, this medieval basilica is the final resting place of kings in France and inspired centuries of the development of Gothic Style and building techniques.

Prague, Czechia

It may appear from this article that Gothic architecture was solely for the purpose of sacred and religious spaces. However, this isn’t at all the case in Prague, which is brimming with architectural sites that put it high on the list as one of the best Gothic cities in Europe.

The historic jewel and most famous bridge in Prague is the Charles Bridge (Karluv most) that crosses the Vlatava River. The bridge has three gate towers, with two being one end as it was left from the previous bridge that it was rebuilt upon. These towers are built in the Gothic style with tall pointed archways as entry points to the bridge.

The Stone Bell House is an art gallery, and one of the most impressive buildings in Prague’s Old Town. Named after the stone bell embedded on the corner of the building, you are able to trace Gothic influence from the facade of the house right through to the inside with its intricate stone carvings, ribbed vaulting and Gothic archways.

A space with so much history in its architectural design, yet balanced with the hosting of contemporary art exhibitions is the perfect draw for anyone visiting Prague!

One of the largest ancient castles in the world and dating back to 880 AD stands Prague Castle, a Gothic glory that has easily found its way onto the World Heritage List. This is also where you’ll find some of the most dazzling views of Prague.

In the 14th century parts of the palace were rebuilt and strengthened in the Gothic style. Within the castle, located in the courtyard is St. Vitus Cathedral, another prominent example of Gothic architecture and one of the country’s most important churches.

Where to see more Gothic architecture in Prague

Abundant with architecture, here are just a few more places to add to your list to visit:

• Church of Our Lady before Tyn, a Gothic church and dominant feature of the Old Town
• Narodni Muzeum, the National Museum guiding you through the history of the Czech.
• Old Royal Palace, the interior of one of the oldest parts of Prague Castle.

Siena, Italy

Painted across the Tuscan hills lies the city of Siena, known as ‘Italy’s medieval heart and soul’. As if stepping back in time, Siena is the perfect place to revel in some of the best Gothic and Classical architecture in all of Europe.

Just a short train ride away from Florence, the city of Siena is greatly overlooked for its role in European art and architecture. Siena Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece that rises into the sky, with three doors at the front facade each framed with high pointed arches.

The beautiful and intricately carved cathedral is made of black and white marble, symbolic of the civic coat of arms of Siena.

Torre del Mangia the tower that is located in the city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, is a perfect example of Gothic secular architecture. If you climb 500 steps you can reach the top of the tower and view the rolling hills of Tuscany!

Seville, Spain

Famous for its architectural beauty, Seville (known as Sevilla in Spanish) is home to one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world, The Cathedral of St Mary of the See, better known as Seville Cathedral.

Seville Cathedral stands remarkable in its grandeur and design, with its complex structure consisting of around 80 chapels and 15 doors.

Aside from its beautiful appearance, it’s important to note that Seville Cathedral is a ‘Christianised mosque’ thus stands as a structure that reveals the complexities and turbulent history of political power in Seville, Spain.

It was in 1401 that city leaders decided to replace the mosque with a cathedral for Christians, which would be built in the Gothic style and show off the city’s wealth. Parts of the mosque have been preserved within the cathedral, so when you visit you’re able to view a blend of two architectural styles. For more inspiration, check out our suggestions for how to spend one day in Seville.

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