ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

High Gothic

High Gothic refers to a type of architecture and art that was popular in Europe during the medieval period, particularly in the 13th and 14th centuries. This type of architecture is characterized by its tall spires, pointed arches, and intricate designs on buildings.

Imagine you are building a castle to live in. High Gothic would be like building your castle with really tall towers that point up into the sky. These tall towers are called spires.

The walls of High Gothic buildings are often lined with lots of windows that are pointed at the top, which is called a pointed arch. These pointed arches make the buildings look really fancy and complicated.

One thing that sets High Gothic apart from other types of architecture is the intricate designs that are found on the walls and in the windows. They can be carved into the stone walls, or sometimes painted on the glass. These designs might look like flowers, animals, or even people.

High Gothic can be found in many places in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and England. Some famous examples of High Gothic architecture include the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, and the York Minster in England.

Overall, High Gothic buildings are known for their impressive height, their fancy pointed arches and windows, and their detailed designs.