Romanesque architecture

Romanesque architecture

1. Churches were the most important Romanesque constructions and represented the glory of God on Earth.

   • Their architecture had similar features throughout Europe.

2. The floor plan

   • Romanesque churches replaced the basilica-shaped floor design of Byzantine churches with the Latin cross to symbolise where Jesus died.
     • The church floor consisted of:
       • A long section that housed the naves and shorter section (transept).
       • The place where they met was called the crossing and normally had a tower or dome above.
       • The top part of the cross contained a central semi-circular apse, where the altar was found.
       • Pilgrimage churches also had ambulatory so pilgrims could move around.
       • It was also common to build a bell tower next to the main entrance. It was used to announce the time for prayer or as a watchtower.

3. Vaults, walls and arches

   • Large stone vaults replaced the old wooden roofs, wich were very damp and flammable.
     • First, they used semi-circular barrel vaults that were divided into sections by arches.
       • Later, the intersection of two barrel vaults that were divided into sections by arches.
         • Later, the intersection of two barrel vaults resulted in groin vaults.
   • Because the vaults were heavy, the supporting walls had to be very thick with only a few small spaces for windows.
   • They were reinforced with huge pillars and columns inside and buttresses outside.
   • A semi-circular arch was used in doors and windows, where they supported capitals.

4. The main entrance was usually on the west façade and symbolised the door to Heavenly Jerusalem.

   • Some churches had one door flanked by an arch, wich connected directly by the central nave.
     • In others, there are two more doors that aligned with the side naves.
       • All the doors were lavishly decorated by reliefs and sculptures.