Architecture and Design Atlas

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Romanesque Architecture

roh-muh-NESK
Medieval

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The architecture of Europe from roughly the year 1000 to the mid twelfth century: round arches, massive walls, small windows and barrel or groin vaults carried on heavy piers, in monastic churches and pilgrimage basilicas across France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Norman England. Its weight and darkness are exactly what the Gothic system was invented to overcome.

Facts
Disputed
Period
1000 to 1200 2
The same source gives both an 11th-to-13th-century range and an 11th-and-12th-century range for Romanesque; 1000 to 1200 is used here as the more commonly cited window.
Origin Region
Western Europe 1
Cross-Tradition Connections

Associated With

Influenced

Gothic grew directly out of Romanesque building, replacing its round arches and mass with point loads and glass.

Source Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of ArchitectureBanister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition)
Sources
1. Sir Banister Fletcher's A History of Architecture
Banister Fletcher, edited by Dan Cruickshank (20th edition), Architectural Press, 1996
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
Quote, Lead section
it describes the architectural style which flourished across Europe from the 11th to the 13th century, and is distinguished from the Gothic style that followed
View the Source
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Barrel VaultView the Source
2. Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: ButtressView the Source
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc.View the Source
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