Romanesque Architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe characterised by circular arches, thick walls, and heavy geometric decoration. Romanesque architecture developed around the year 1000 CE and was common around Europe until the 12th century, when Gothic architecture became predominant. After the Conquest of 1066, the Normans brought this type of architectural style to England, which is why it’s also known as Norman architecture in England and France. The name, Romanesque architecture, highlights its bases from ancient Roman buildings. Romanesque architecture can be discovered across the European continent, which makes it the first pan-European architectural style since the Imperial Roman Architecture.
Charlemagne's Palatine Chapel photo from historyforkids.org
Romanesque architecture can be defined by its massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers and decorative arcading. Every building has a symmetrical plan, so that the overall appearance is one of simplicity.
Many castles and churches were built during this period. The most significant buildings are the great abbey churches. The majority of Romanesque buildings were either partly or entirely rebuilt during the Gothic era. The largest group of Romanesque buildings that still stand today can be found in areas less prosperous areas, including parts of Southern France and Northern Spain.
Romanesque architecture’s impression is of massive solidity and strength. Romanesque architecture is common with Byzantine architecture, which relies upon its walls, or sections of walls called piers. This architectural style is often divided into two periods, known as the First Romanesque style and the Romanesque style.
St. Michael's Church photo from brittanica.com
The difference between both styles is mainly due to the matter of expertise with which the buildings were constructed. The First Romanesque constructed buildings with smaller windows, unvaulted roofs, and rubble walls. The Second Romanesque increased the use of vaulted ceilings, dressed stone and greater refinement.
The walls used in Romanesque buildings are often massive in thickness with few small openings. They are usually double shelled, which is filled with rubble. The building material ranges from local stone, limestone, brick, granite, and flint.
Due to the massive nature of their walls, buttresses were not a highly significant feauture. Romanesque buttresses usually have a flat square profile and usually do not project a great deal beyond the wall.
One of Romanesque architecture’s characteristic is semicircular arches, used mainly for openings such as doors, windows, vaults, and arcades.
Danny Cruz 