Notre-Dame de Paris Gothic Architecture

Timeline

1. 1291–1294Nave of Notre-Dame de Paris · ParisThe cathedral nave uses pointed arches and ribbed vaults; flying buttresses outside channel lateral thrust to external piers, allowing large windows in the walls—a model of the transition from Early to High Gothic.
2. 1294–1297North transept of Notre-Dame de Paris · ParisThe rose windows of the north transept and west façade assemble biblical narratives in colored glass; light filtering through the panes creates a sacred atmosphere, embodying the Gothic 'theology of light.'
3. 1297–1300Notre-Dame de Paris · ParisIn the late 13th century, radiating chapels around the apse continued to be added to meet the devotional donation needs of nobles and townspeople, further increasing the building's mass and decorative complexity.