Chapter 9

Gothic Development: Italy And Spain

Gothic Development in Italy and Spain will first take us to Florence, Italy, its Cathedral, Dome, and environs, and lastly its Campanile. In Milan, we shall explore the Cathedral and its adjacent Piazza del Duomo. Spain provides us with a bit more vocabulary, specifically Coro (Choir), Reredos (Altar Screen), Retablo (Ledge Behind Altar), and the Reja (Choir Screen or Grille). These terms will be used in describing the Cathedral of Toledo, with its extraordinary Transparente. But first we shall visit the reconstructed fortress, known as the Alcazar. The city of Seville presents its Cathedral, and adjacent bell tower, the Giralda.