Romanesque architecture

Romanesque architecture

1. The Romanesque style of architecture

   • Churches, cathedrals and monasteries were the ma Romanesque buildings.
     • At first, they were made of stone but with flat, wooden roofs. However, fires occurred frequently so architects began to use stone for the roofs as well.
       • Architects needed to adapt their techniques so that theyc ould build large buildings with heavy stone roofs. They revived Roman techniques, such as the barrel vault and dome, in order to reduce the weight of the roofs.
         • The roofs rested on round arches, and thick columns and pillars.
           • Architects used very thick walls, reinforced the walls with buttresses and reduced the number and size of windows.
             • All these features gave Romanesque buildings a very solid, compact appearance. In consequence, they received very little natural light inside.