Medieval architecture

Medieval churches were…

• Very small

• Based on the Roman Basilica

Cathedral in Salisbury

• Replaced Old Sarum

• Tower added later c. 1330

• Bowing columns

Arches…

• Round (Roman)

• Islamic (mosque in Cordoba)

• Pointed arches (stone) - Less flammable than wood ceiling

• Scissors Arches

Other key features..

Flying buttresses

Basic shapes…

• Basilica

• The cross

Abbot’s kicthen

Sole surviving medieval kitchen

Ideal medieval castle location…

• Hilltop overlooking river

• Access to water

• Advantage of high ground

• River fords/bridges

• Ditch

• Wooden palisade

• Angle/corner tower

• Multiple layers of walls

Krak des Chevaliers

• Original fort: 1031

• Expanded and HQ

• Sustained substantial damage in recent war

Castel de Monte

• Italian octagonal fort

Significant architecture contributions…

Flying buttresses, the windmill