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As a lateral-support system, the flying buttress was developed during late antiquity and later flourished during the Gothic period (12th–16th c.) of architecture. Ancient examples of the flying buttress can be found on the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna and on the Rotunda of Galerius in Thessaloniki.
The flying buttress evolved in the Gothic era from earlier simpler, hidden supports. The design increased the supporting power of the buttress and allowed for the creation of the high-ceilinged churches typical of Gothic architecture.
Gothic architecture boasts of highly elevated structures with pointed arches, ribbed ceilings, glass windows, and a lot of space for diffusion of light. But the most unique feature of the Gothic architecture is undoubtedly its flying buttresses.
Notre-Dame Cathedral's flying buttresses are particularly remarkable and serve as a prime example of Gothic engineering. A total of 28 flying buttresses encircle the cathedral's apse and choir, with an additional two at the transepts.
A flying buttress is a type of buttress featuring an arch that spans from a wall’s upper section to a solid pier. This design transfers the sideways pressures pushing outward on the wall—caused by stone vaulted ceilings and wind acting on roofs—down to the ground. From Romanesque to Gothic Architecture.
Flying buttresses are a hallmark of Gothic architecture, instantly recognizable for their elegant yet functional design. These architectural elements not only contribute to the aesthetic grandeur of cathedrals and churches but also play a crucial role in structural stability.
In this in-depth guide, we explore flying buttresses, one of the most innovative architectural solutions in history. Although they are often associated with Gothic architecture, their origins go deeper, with the basic principles being influenced by early Islamic architecture.
