Romanesque Architecture in Medieval Architecture The phrase "Romanesque Architecture" refers to the architecture styles that were popular between 800 and 1100 AD. The name of this Middle Ages architectural style immediately conjures up images of the Roman Empire. But the fact is that late Romanesque art and architecture had little to do with Rome, instead it was inspired by French culture and technology. The term "Romaneck" was first used in 1838 by the German scholar Friedrich Karl von Savigny who studied early Gothic art in Europe.
Medieval architects were not artists or sculptors, they were craftspeople who built what their clients asked them to build. They received their design ideas from the people who paid for their work - the kings, queens, priests, and wealthy individuals. Sometimes they would even get their ideas from ancient texts such as encyclopedias which contained drawings and descriptions of buildings made by other people. But most often they developed their own ideas based on how they interpreted the text they received.
For example, a priest might ask for a church to have large stained-glass windows like those in France or England. The architect would then draw inspiration from these places and create designs for windows that would fit into the building he was designing. He might also take into account the quality of glass available at the time he was working so that his windows wouldn't be too expensive or too cheap.
Romanesque architecture was the name given to the style of architecture utilized in the very early Middle Ages, when the Normans with their prolific castle construction pioneered many of these advancements. Romanesque architecture emerged in the early Middle Ages. Its features include a basilica with a nave and aisles separated by columns, an entrance on the west end, a transept with a crossing above it, and a dome or vaulted ceiling.
The term "romantic" is often used today to describe anything that is idealized or over-collected as being typical of the Middle Ages. But the romantic view of medieval life does not take into account the actual realities of living during this time period. Living conditions for most people were not ideal; rather they were harsh and demanding. There was no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing. People made do with what they had, usually relying heavily on firewood for heat and cooking. Housing was typically made of wood or stone and usually only one story high. Windows and doors were often only slightly more than openings in the wall to let in light and air or to escape violence or danger.
People lived at a rapid pace with little rest or relaxation. There were no social security offices, unemployment lines, or sick days. If you weren't working, you weren't getting paid.
Medieval architecture refers to architecture that was popular throughout the Middle Ages and encompasses ecclesiastical, civic, and military structures. Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, and Gothic are some of the styles. Pre-Romanesque buildings are found in northern Europe and include churches built between about A.D. 300 and 700. Romanesque buildings began appearing around 1000 and continue into the early 13th century. They are found in continental Europe and include schools, hospitals, and monasteries. The Gothic style arose in Europe around 1250 and lasted until about 1550. It is used for large churches and cathedrals.
Gothic architecture is based on a German word meaning "gospel" or "good news." Thus, it's also called "the gospel style" or "church architecture." It's very dynamic and uses long slender columns to support the roof. There are three main periods in Gothic architecture: Early English, Mid-English, and Decorated.
The earliest buildings using this style are Catholic churches completed before the reformation in England. However they use a version of the style called Anglo-Saxon or Saxon Gothic. These buildings have very tall narrow windows with pointed arches inside and out. Outside, there are no walls around the building except for an open yard for people to stand in.
Romanesque style architecture For many centuries, the Roman architectural style influenced building in the old empire, and the style utilized in Western Europe beginning about 1000 is known as Romanesque architecture to reflect this reliance on fundamental Roman features. However, since medieval builders developed their own unique styles using elements from both classical and non-classical sources, the term "Romanesque" has come to describe an extremely broad spectrum of buildings, some quite distinct from others, but all containing aspects that show a strong influence from Rome.
The word "Romanesque" was first used by English historian John Ashworth in 1725 to describe work done under French guidance in the early 11th century. The French had taken over part of what is now Germany in the late 10th century, and brought with them German architects and builders who were able to apply their own ideas to building projects in France. By the 11th century, French architects were designing buildings in Normandy that used Greek and Islamic elements in addition to Roman ones. So the adjective "Roman" was used to describe these mixed designs. The term "French Romanesque" was also used at times instead, but this seems to have been more commonly done when discussing monastic buildings. After the conquest, many churches were built in France for royal officials by German architects. They are referred to as "Royal Romanesque" because of this relationship with the king.
The Middle Ages are a fascinating time of world history, and these ten medieval structures may still be seen today. The Middle Ages, often known as the Medieval Era, lasted from the fifth through the fifteenth century. For a thousand years, two major architectural styles dominated the reign: Romanesque and Gothic. During this period, cities grew into large metropolises, schools were established, and scientific discoveries were made. Technology during the Middle Ages was also very advanced for its time-for example, the first printed books were produced in Germany and Italy around 1450.
Here are 10 examples of medieval buildings worldwide:
10 Notre Dame Cathedral (Paris, France)
9 Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Chesterfield County, England)
8 Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (Glastonbury, England)
7 Alnwick Castle (Northumberland, England)
6 Westminster Abbey (London, England)
5 Christ Church Canterbury (Canterbury, England)
4 Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil)- one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world.
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