In the Middle Ages, the desire to always go higher up characterized the entire Gothic period. The churches got taller and more massive. They were adorned with large stained-glass windows surrounded by numerous flying buttresses, added to the many wooden elements on the roof. Saint Stephen Cathedral in Metz stands thanks to its crossed ribbed vaults. The nave reached a record height of 136 ft (41.41 m), and its aisles were built lower than usual to create a contrast with the high windows. Some said that only the Devil could have inspired such construction to the architect Pierre Perrat.