Gothic Architecture: Germany

For earlier German architecture, see Romanesque Architecture: Germany.

German Gothic architecture derives from France but is characterized by the Hallenkirche or ‘hall-church’ in which the aisles are the same height as the nave as at St Elizabeth, Marburg (begun 1235). Typical of the Gothic period are: Cologne (begun 1248), Freiburg, and Ratisbon cathedrals; the Frauenkirche at Nuremberg and the Marienkirche at Lübeck.

Germany still contains many picturesque half-timbered medieval houses. Neubrandenburg has medieval gates, and the towns of Rothenburg in Bavaria and Goslar in the Harz preserve their medieval character.

For later German architecture, see Renaissance Architecture: Germany and German architecture.