Gothic

Begun in 1221, this lovely cathedral benefited from creative talent imported from throughout Europe and is the third largest in Spain. El Cid is buried here.

This pretty 13th-century parish church, located right next door to Trier Cathedral, was one of the first Gothic churches built in Germany.

A World Heritage Site, Maulbronn Monastery (Kloster Maulbronn) is the best-preserved medieval monastery north of the Alps. Its architecture, mostly in the Transitional Gothic style, was highly influential in the area.

One of the most beautiful and prestigious colleges in Oxford, Christ Church was founded by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525. Highlights include Tom Tower, by Sir Christopher Wren, the beautiful Great Hall, and Christ Church Cathedral.

Famed for both its architecture and sculpture, Amiens Cathedral is the largest cathedral in France and a World Heritage Site. With Chartres and Reims, it is one of the three great High Gothic French cathedrals built in the 13th century.

Christ Church Cathedral is a small medieval cathedral that is also the chapel of Christ Church College. It contains the restored shrine of Frideswide (Oxford's patron saint), a spectacular lierne vault in the choir, and 14C stained glass.

Founded by St. Bernard of Clairvaux in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey now lies in picturesque ruins in a North Yorkshire valley.

Now an Anglican parish church, Dorchester Abbey was originally a cathedral founded by St. Birinus (in 635 CE) and later became an Augustinian abbey.

Majestic architecture and venerable history are what bring most visitors to Canterbury Cathedral but it is also full of wonderful art details, from medieval stained glass to hidden Green Men.

Commissioned by Charlemagne in 786, this is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe. A graceful Gothic choir was added to the Carolingian core in the 15th century. Inside are several major relics and early medieval artworks.

This massive Gothic cathedral is brimming with art treasures, including several El Grecos, a 10-foot-high gilded monstrance, and carved altarpieces that stretch to the ceiling.