Gothic Style
The Gothic style of building, which flourished in the Middle Ages, enjoyed a revival in
the Victorian period. Its charactaristic pointed arch and other features are designed to
raise the eye heavenward.
London's memorial to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, is designed in the Gothic
style, as is the famous Tower Bridge. Edinburgh's Scott memorial is another good example of this type of architecture.
The Albert Memorial
Tower Bridge
The Memorial to novelist Walter Scott. Note the similarity to
the Albert Memorial (above)
Pittsburgh has several good examples of Gothic revival architectire, too. Downtown, the
First Presbyerian Church's exterior screams Gothic, and next door, the Episcopal Trinity Cathedral is designed in the same style.
Calvary Episcopal Church on Shady Avenue is like unto them. St. Paul's Cathedral in Oakland
is another fine specimen of late Victorian Gothic. Also, East Liberty Presbyterian Church
mixes Gothic elements with the styles of the 1930's, when it was built, most noticeably the
spire.
First Presbyterian Church
Trinity Cathedral
Calvary Episcopal Church. The whole building, from the spire to the pointed arch windows is a very good recreation of the true Gothic style.
St. Paul's Cathedral, whose massive façade dominates Fifth and Craig.
East Liberty Presbyterian Church. The "south" side has a typical cathedral-style nave, while the "north" face is blocked by other church buildings.