The year 1117 saw the early spread of Gothic architecture in Europe, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. This architectural style began to emerge in France and would later dominate European cathedrals and churches. The transition to Gothic design represented a significant cultural shift in medieval Europe, influencing both religious and secular buildings.

The rise of Gothic architecture inspired poets and writers to reflect on themes of aspiration and the divine. The grandeur of Gothic cathedrals became a metaphor for spiritual elevation, influencing works by poets like Victor Hugo, who later celebrated the beauty of such structures in 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.'