Medieval and Gothic Architecture

I am so excited about our current explorations in class as we are looking at Medieval and Gothic architecture. I was set straight early on as to what Medieval and Gothic architecture is REALLY all about when I traveled to Poland and visited St. Mary's Basilica in Cracow (Mariacki Bazylika w Krakowie).

The Basilica has an extensive website with loads of wonderful pictures (from which I share a small collection). 

http://www.mariacki.com/mariacki_galerie.php

What it is today is a hodge-podge of architectural elements dating back to the late 13th century. Despite being within a walled city St. Mary's was damaged several times and suffered from fires as well as enemy occupations.

No dark and dreary here! St. Mary's is famous for its alterpiece by "the greatest sculptor of Gothic art" (http://www.krakow-info.com/oltarz.htm) Viet Stoss in the late 15th century.

The exterior tells the story of invasions, fires, changing aesthetics, and variety in building materials but the INTERIOR is STUNNING!!!

Even if you can't read the Polish - admittedly my own ability has diminished in the 15 years it has been since I first visited - you can see the history and faithful dedication to preservation that the people of Krakow have lavished on this lovely old cathedral.