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How does Gothic architecture differ from Romanesque?

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1. Romanesque is characterized by a use of round arches, barrel vaults, cruciform piers supporting vaults, and groin vaults. A combination of masonry, arch and piers are the basis of the Romanesque style. Because of the lack of knowledge of the building statics, it was necessary to build strong, thick walls with narrow openings. In Gothic architecture new development was the ogival or pointed arch. The Gothic style emphasizes verticality and features almost skeletal stone structures with great expanses of glass, ribbed vaults, clustered columns, sharply pointed spires, flying buttresses and inventive sculptural detail such as gargoyles. Internally there is a focus on large stained-glass windows that allow more light to enter than was possible with the previous Romanesque style. Gothic style is a lot more open and lighter than the Romanesque.