List of regional characteristics of European cathedral architecture

Different styles of architecture developed and their fashion spread, carried by the establishment of monastic orders, by the posting of bishops from one region to another and by the travelling of master stonemasons who served as architects.

[2] Note- The lists which follow aim to give, in point form, those characteristics of each selected example which typify the architecture of the region.

Sir Banister Fletcher describes this cathedral as "one of the finest of the Romanesque period" with "marked individuality" and "beauty and delicacy of ornamental features".

Wim Swaan writes "In the nave of Amiens, Gothic structure and the treatment of the classic, three-stage interior elevation established at Chartres, achieved perfection.

[3] Examples of cathedral architecture in Spain: Note This summary does not preclude the diversity which occurred at different dates for a variety of reasons.

The very first churches in Kievan Rus', such as the wooden St. Sophia Cathedral in Novgorod, had as many as 13 domes, differing in this regard from their mainly single-cupola Byzantine predecessors.

The late 12th century saw the development of so-called tower churches in Polotsk and Smolensk; this design later spread to other areas such as Kiev and Chernihiv.

A visual transition between the main cube of the church and the elongated cylinder below the dome was provided by one or several rows of curved corbel arches, known as kokoshniki.

The 17th century was marked by the return to the traditional Byzantine model of cathedral and katholikon architecture, with four of six piers supporting the vaults.

The large bulbous domes are usually set on tall drums pierced by long narrow windows.

This austerity of cathedral architecture contrasts with the continuing experimentation in the design of ordinary parish churches.

The Cathedral of Pisa , with free-standing baptistry and famous "leaning tower", a complex of buildings of stylistic unity
Our Lady of Tournai Cathedral , Belgium, a single building of enormous stylistic diversity
The arcaded façade of Pisa Cathedral at sunset. See also the picture of the cathedral complex in the introduction
Amiens Cathedral showing the three portals and rose window
Lincoln Cathedral showing Norman portals, Gothic screen and towers in two stages
Worms Cathedral showing contrasting forms
The west front of the Burgos Cathedral showing the contrast of plain and decorated surfaces.
St. Andrew's Cathedral, St. Andrews , Scotland