Pinnacles & Arches: A Love Letter to Gothic Architecture
Twenty sites, one enduring style.
Gothic architecture has always amazed me—and it was one of the main reasons I fell in love with architecture photography in the first place. Its spires and ability to bring stone to life continue to fill me with awe.
It is a remarkably diverse and adaptable style—each region shaped the Gothic in its own way, blending local tradition into it. From the Eastern-influenced Gothic of Venice the overly ornate façades of Brabantine Gothic.
Over the last couple months, I’ve gone on a few quests—from Burgos to Dublin, and especially through Belgium and France—capturing everything from cathedrals to town halls.
This is a visual journey through the pinnacles of the medieval world. This is my love letter to Gothic architecture.
1. The Town Hall of Leuven
Built between 1439 and 1469 in the Brabantine Gothic style, the town hall is frequently described as one of the most beautiful in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. The level of craftsmanship required to bring stone to life on this scale is staggering.
Each corbel beneath the statues is adorned with biblical passages carved intricately in stone. There are 235 statues(236 before 2019, when Leopold II was removed).
These figures are split in three symbolic sections:
The lowest section is dedicated to illustrious locals—think artists, scholars and mayors.
The middle level is reserved for patron saints.
The uppermost level features the dukes of Brabant and kings of Belgium.
Every part of this building tells a story.
2. Saint Peter’s Church, Leuven
Saint Peter’s Church is Leuven’s largest and most important church. Construction began in 1425—the same year the University was founded—but it was never fully realised.
It was originally designed to be the tallest building in the world at the time of construction at a staggering 170m. Today, it stands at less than a third of its intended height.
Though it is not the most visually striking church from the outside, its strength lies in its interior. The white limestone and tall vaults create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you can also find part of the scale model for the planned tower, along with paintings and sculptures by Flemish and Brabantian masters.
3. Our Lady of the Chapel, Brussels
Located just a short walk from the city centre, the Church of Our Lady of the Chapel is one of Brussels’ oldest and most quietly impressive churches.
It was built outside the first walls of Brussels between 1210 to 1405. Originally built in a transitional Romanesque-Gothic style, it has since received a couple of expansions and upgrades over time.
This church has some incredible stained-glass windows and like many other churches in Belgium, you will find beautiful paintings—often by unknown artists—and incredibly intricate wooden pulpits, confessionals and choir stalls. These places reward the slow, quiet visitors.
4. Our Lady of the Victories at the Sablon, Brussels
This church was commissioned by the city’s crossbowmen’s guild in the 15th century, and it is one of the finest examples of late Brabantine Gothic architecture, alongside the Town Halls of Leuven and Brussels, as well as the Cathedral of Antwerp.
Like other Brabantine churches, it is characterised by its use of white limestone and tall, symmetrical lines to create grandeur. The tall stained glass windows fill the interior with colour and light, and the carved stone and wood details throughout are incredibly refined.
The church has long been associated with the nobility of Brussels, and that legacy still lingers in the way light filters through the space.
5. The Town Hall of Brussels
Standing tall in the heart of the Grand Place, Brussels' Town Hall is one of the most iconic examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture.
It was built between 1401 and 1455. Its richly decorated façade is lined with statues of nobles, saints and allegorical figures—much like its cousin in Leuven. The arrow-looking spire is topped with a statue of Saint Michael, giving the building an almost cathedral-like presence.
If you stand directly in front of the main gate, you’ll notice something strange: the left and right wings don’t match, and the central gate doesn’t align with the tower.
Locals love to tell the story of an architect who, upon returning to Brussels to inspect the finalised structure and realizing these "mistakes," climbed to the top of the tower, drank a bottle of liquor, and jumped to his death. In truth, the asymmetry comes from the building being constructed in three separate phases.
6. The Town Hall of Mechelen
Between Brussels and Antwerp lies the unassuming city of Mechelen—a quiet and quaint place, but once a political and cultural centre in the Low Countries.
This is the less-known of the three Brabantine Gothic(yes, again…) town halls in Belgium, but it is no less deserving of admiration. It was built in stages between the 14th and 16th centuries, its layered history is clearly visible in the façade.
The leftmost section is the Brabantine Gothic wing, dating to the 15th century. The central portion is Early Gothic, recognisable by its more restrained and sober appearance. The rightmost section combined a lower Early Gothic base and an upper Renaissance addition—topped with a classic Flemish Gable.
Intricate stone carvings wind across the façade like thorned vines, and the building’s clean symmetry gives it a quiet elegance.
7. Saint Rumbold’s Cathedral, Mechelen
Just around the corner from the Town Hall is Mechelen’s imposing Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Rumbold.
Its construction began in the 13th century, and while the Cathedral itself was finished, its massive tower was never finished. Originally, it was planned to reach around 160m, though some locals will say that number is closer to 180. It currently stops just short of 100m—giving it a distinctive silhouette that dominates the city’s skyline. The church’s grandeur reflects the religious heritage of city, and to this day it remains the centre of Belgium’s only archbishopric.
If you climb the tower on a clear day you might just be able to spot Antwerp and its industrial harbour, Brussels and its Atomium, or even Leuven in the distance.
Like other Brabantine churches, the interior features soaring vaults, beautifully carved choir stalls, and an incredible collection of religious art. The atmosphere here is more solemn than showy, but its sense of scale and peace leaves a lasting impression.
8. The Cathedral of Antwerp
This is the final Brabantine Gothic addition on this list—I can already hear the sighs of relief: finally.
Antwerp’s cathedral is one of the most impressive and iconic structures from the Middle Ages in the Low countries—and it’s also the tallest.
Its construction lasted around 170 years, from 1352 to 1521, though the second of its planned twin spires was never completed. Its single finished tower rises to a height of 123 meters above the city, making it the tallest church in the Benelux and a defining feature of Antwerp’s skyline.
Inside, the cathedral houses several major works by Rubens, including The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross. But even without the art, the cathedral’s height, symmetry and atmosphere make it worth the visit.
That being said, I have never actually been inside. The entry costs €12, and every time I’ve visited, the people I was with didn’t feel like paying the(admittedly steep) fee.
9. Saint Nicholas’ Church, Ghent
Now we move on to a different Gothic Variant: Scheldt Gothic.
Located just off the bustling Korenmarkt, Saint Nicholas’ Church is one the oldest landmarks in Ghent. This church was built in the early 1200s, it’s possibly the best example of Scheldt Gothic—a regional variant named after the nearby river, known for its use of blue-gray stone form the Tournai region and its fairy-tale appearance.
Due to its Early Gothic origins, Saint Nicholas’ is less ornate and more compact than the later Brabantine Gothic, but no less impressive. Its massive tower once served as a belfry before the new one was constructed—you can spot the ‘new’ belfry in the first photo.
The church’s strength lies in its proportions and simplicity.
10. The Collegiate of Our Lady, Dinant
Few churches in Belgium are as instantly recognizable as the Collegiate of Our Lady in Dinant.
This iconic church is set between the cliffs and the Meuse River, overlooked by a massive citadel. The structure we see today dates to the 13th century after the original Romanesque church was destroyed in a landslide. Its most distinct feature is the bulbous bell tower—a later Baroque addition, which had to be rebuilt after the town’s destruction during World War I.
While it does not easily fit into a specific Gothic category like Scheldt or Brabantine, its dramatic setting, scale and silhouette make it one of Belgium’s most memorable churches.
Halfway There!
Thanks for following along this far! We've wandered through some of the most iconic Gothic landmarks in Belgium—from the lace-like façades of Leuven and Brussels to the quiet grace of Ghent and the dramatic cliffs of Dinant.
Now, we move south. Across the border into France, the birthplace of the Gothic. Here we can find Gothic in its purest essence.
Let’s continue.
11. The Cathedral of St. Andrews of Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s cathedral is one of the grandest expressions of Gothic architecture in Southern France.
The structure we see today was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and reflects the soaring verticality of French Gothic—tall vaults, sharp spires, a long nave and a rich façade.
One of its most striking features is the Tour Pey-Berland, a unattached bell tower built in the 15th century in order to prevent the bells’ powerful vibrations from damaging the cathedral. The tower now serves as a lookout point, dominating the skyline of the city and offering sweeping views of the surrounding rooftops.
During my last visit the interior was being renovated and covered in scaffolding—as most things in France seem to be lately. I did manage to sneak a shot of its interior, though.
12. The Grosse Cloche, Bordeaux
The Great Bell—more commonly known as the Grosse Cloche—is one of the oldest belfries in France and of of Bordeaux’s most iconic landmarks.
Built in the 15th century on the remains of a medieval gate that was part of the city’s old ramparts, it served as the bell tower of the old city hall—and even a prison at some point. Its name refers to the 7800kg bell housed inside, which was historically used to signal celebrations, curfews, and fires. Today, it only rings on special occasions to minimise damage.
This monument is sometimes all called the Gate of Saint Eligius, after the small church attached to it, and as the Gate of Saint James, since it is one of the stops on the Way of Saint James.
Its pointed roofs, arched passage, and central clock give it the appearance of something from a storybook. Though much smaller in scale than the cathedrals and churches that came before, it’s no less rich in character.
13. Porte Cailhau, Bordeaux
Just a few short minutes’ walk from the Grosse Cloche stands another well-preserved remnant of Bordeaux’s medieval fortifications: Porte Cailhau.
Built in 1495, this gate was once the main entrance to the city from the bustling riverside docks. It was dedicated to King Charles VIII to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Fornovo. Part gateway, part triumphal arch, it blends Gothic elegance with military function beautifully.
Its spire-like turrets, arched entrance, and narrow windows give it the look of a miniature fortress pulled from a fairytale. Today, it feels more decorative than defensive—but in the late 15th century, it was an important symbol of civic pride and royal allegiance.
14. The Dordogne
Moving a bit to the east, we find ourselves in the Dordogne—a region where medieval architecture feels inseparable from the landscape.
Here, fortresses rise above winding rivers, hilltop churches overlook sleepy villages, and fortified bastides dot the countryside. The region was heavily shaped by the Hundred Years’ War, and many of its castles, villages and churches date from that era of shifting borders and rival powers. Bastides—fortified towns—were often founded to ensure a permanent source of influence in a region that changed hands more than once.
It’s hard to pick a single building—Dordogne is more of a mood than a single monument. So here are a couple places that stuck with me:
Château de Beynac
Built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac. It received multiple additions and renovations well into the 17th century.
Château de Biron
Construction started in the 12th century, it experienced many expansions and improvements in the Renaissance period. This is the largest castle in Aquitaine.
Bastide of Monpazier
Founded in the late 13th century, commissioned by Edward I of England. It remains incredibly well preserved.
Église Saint‑Laurent‑et‑Saint‑Front, Beaumont‑du‑Périgord
Construction began around 1272 also on order of Edward I. It was completed in the early 14th century.
15. Pont Valentré, Cahors
This fortified bridge in Cahors is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in France.
Due to rising tensions between France and England and intensification of the wars to the West—which would go on to develop into the Hundred Years’ War—the city’s consuls decided to expand its fortifications. Construction of the bridge began in 1308 and took nearly 70 years to complete. With its three fortified towers, six pointed arches, and defensive walkways, Pont Valentré feels more like a castle stretched across the Lot River than just a crossing.
This bridge sometimes goes by another name: Devil’s Bridge. Legend goes that the foreman in charge of construction, exasperated by the slowness of the workers, signed a pact with the Devil. The terms of this contracted stated that if Satan carried out all of the orders, the foreman would have to give his soul as payment.
However, trying to escape eternity in hell, the foreman tells the Devil to go fetch water from a nearby spring using a sieve—a naturally impossible task. Realizing he’d been tricked, the Devil sent an imp every night to remove the final stone from the central tower—now known as the Devil’s Tower—forcing the masons to replace it each morning.
During a major restoration in 1879, architect Paul Gout added a small statue of the imp to the tower—so that if the Devil ever returned to check on his revenge, he would be fooled into thinking the imp’s sabotage was still in progress.
16. The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia, Albi
Few Gothic buildings defy expectations like the Cathedral of Sainte-Cécile in Albi.
Construction began in 1282 and continued well into the early 16th century. Built entirely of brick, the cathedral was designed to commemorate the victory of the Albigensian Crusade—a brutal campaign launched by Pope Innocent III against the Cathars, a dualist Christian sect from Occitania. Sainte-Cécile stands as a towering symbol of Catholic dominance in the region—its very existence a statement of wealth, power, and religious authority.
It’s built in the Southern French Gothic style—a style characterised by its fortress-like appearance. But step inside and the contrast is breathtaking. The interior is covered in vivid frescoes from floor to ceiling. Painted between 1509 and 1513, the frescoes cover nearly every surface, making it one of the largest and best-preserved ensembles of medieval painted decoration in France.
17. The Covent of the Jacobins, Toulouse
Tucked in the heart of Toulouse, the Convent of the Jacobins is one of the most distinctive Gothic buildings in southern France.
Built between 1230 and 1350, it was the headquarters of the Dominican order in the region—known locally as the Jacobins. It’s a prime example of Southern French Gothic, constructed entirely in red brick, with a clean, restrained exterior that feels more monastic than monumental.
While the outside is sober, the inside is full of subtle grace. The church interior is known for its elegant vaulted ceiling—particularly the famous "palm tree" column in the apse—but even without that view, the cloister and chapter house radiate peace. Its cloister is a wonderful place to visit if you are in Toulouse, it features chapels, a dining hall, a garden and most of all, you have the opportunity to experience what life was like for the monks that lived here.
The red brick glows in the sunlight, and the architecture invites silence more than spectacle.
18. The Cathedral of Bayonne
Bayonne’s cathedral is one of the most overlooked Gothic churches in France, but it deserves more attention.
Construction began in the 13th century and continued over several centuries, which explains its mix of Gothic styles. The pointed arches, tall spires, and ribbed vaults reflect classic French Gothic design, but on a smaller, more restrained scale than the northern cathedrals.
The church sits on one of the main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, and the quiet, reflective atmosphere inside feels shaped by that history. One of its most impressive features is the cloister—one of the largest in France—offering a peaceful space just steps from the city streets.
On my most recent visit, the day began covered in fog. As the weather warmed and the mist lifted, the twin spires slowly revealed themselves. The lightly hazy air gave the impression that the towers were stretching toward the sky—adding a sense of grandeur that felt almost otherworldly.
19. St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
St. Patrick’s is the largest church in Ireland and one of the country’s most important religious sites.
The current Gothic structure was built in the 13th century, replacing an earlier church said to mark the site where Saint Patrick baptized converts. It follows the English Gothic style—more linear and solid than the soaring French cathedrals—with pointed arches, lancet windows, and a heavy stone presence.
Inside, the atmosphere is dim and quiet, with low, filtered light that gives the space a sombre dignity. There are numerous monuments and memorials throughout the nave and side aisles. The church also has a stunning collection of stained-glass windows
Compared to the bright, vaulted spaces of France or Belgium, St. Patrick’s feels more grounded, but no less powerful.
20. The Cathedral of Burgos
We end in Spain, with the Cathedral of Saint Mary in Burgos—one of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe.
Construction began in 1221 and continued for centuries, resulting in a building that blends French Gothic foundations with later Spanish flourishes, including Flamboyant spires and ornate façades. Its twin towers dominate the skyline, and its sheer scale is hard to grasp until you’re standing in front of it.
The interior is just as elaborate, with intricately carved chapels, ribbed vaults, and a soaring dome above the crossing. Everywhere you look, there’s detail!
It’s hard to imagine a better place to end this journey.
From the ornate town halls of Brabant to the fortress-like cathedrals of the South, this was a journey through some of the most inspiring examples of Gothic architecture I’ve had the chance to photograph recently. These places never fail to remind me why I fell in love with architectural photography in the first place—the way light hits stone, the feeling of walking through something built to outlast centuries
Thanks for following along. If you enjoyed this photo essay, feel free to check out the rest of my work—and share it with someone who might like it too.
Comments and feedback are always welcome. I’d love to know which place stood out to you the most!
I wish more architects today would learn from the buildings of old!
I loved the journey.. thank you.. of course while in France next time you should include the birthplace of gothic architecture, the cathedrals of Chartres (unparalleled windows), Reims and Notre Dame de Paris, and when in Vienna next time you might include a picture of St. Stephen’s 😉 and what interests me: which “lens” do you use?