HOA Key Features of Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

A medieval architectural style developed in Europe from the 10th to 12th century, before the Gothic period.

Romanesque

Means 'in the Roman manner,' reflecting the use of Roman arches and structural ideas.

Norman architecture

Another name for Romanesque architecture in England.

Charles de Gerville

First defined the term 'Romanesque' in 1818.

Key Architectural Features

Romanesque buildings are strong, heavy, and solemn, expressing power and faith.

Thick stone walls

Built to last and support stone roofs.

Rounded arches

Inspired by ancient Roman aqueducts and basilicas.

Barrel vaults

Tunnel-like ceilings, seen in St. Sernin Basilica, Toulouse, France.

Groin vaults

Intersecting barrel vaults that improved stability and design.

Ribbed vaults

Early use at Durham Cathedral, England—considered a transition to Gothic.

Small windows

Made interiors dark and mystical.

Buttresses

External supports, often minimal, unlike flying buttresses in Gothic.

Carved decoration

Found in tympanums and capitals, often with Biblical scenes, like the dramatic Last Judgment sculpture at Autun Cathedral, France.

Typical Church Layout

Romanesque churches followed a Latin Cross plan, representing the Christian faith and organized for liturgical needs and pilgrims.

Nave

The long central aisle.

Aisles

Walkways along the nave.

Transept

Creates the cross form.

Crossing

Central space under a dome or tower.

Apse

Semi-circular area behind the altar.

Ambulatory + Radiating Chapels

For viewing relics, seen in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain, a major pilgrimage destination.

Arcade

Series of arches.

Triforium

Shallow gallery above the arches.

Clerestory

Top level with windows to bring in light.

Monastic and Religious Buildings

Romanesque architecture was deeply linked to monasteries and the rise of Christianity.

Benedictine Order

Practical and balanced; influenced Cluny Abbey, France—once the largest church in Christendom.

Cluniacs

Richly decorated churches with elaborate sculpture and multiple chapels.

Cistercians

Valued simplicity, silence, and minimalism; best shown in Fontenay Abbey, France—no ornament, just peace.

Cloisters

Peaceful courtyards for walking and prayer, featured in many abbeys like Moissac Abbey, France.

Vaulting & Structural Techniques

Romanesque architecture transitioned from wood to stone roofing, a major innovation.

Barrel vaults (structural)

Long stone tunnels used in St. Sernin Basilica.

Groin vaults (structural)

Crossed vaults that allowed better roof support.

Ribbed vaults (structural)

Early example at Durham Cathedral—a major development toward Gothic.

Piers

Large supports composed of columns or compound shafts.

Pointed vaults

Began appearing late in Romanesque, leading to Gothic.

Castles

Built with defense in mind.

Rochester Castle

England - tall keep and thick walls.

Loarre Castle

Spain - well-preserved Romanesque fortress.

Merchant Palaces

In urban centers like Venice, arcaded façades appear in buildings like Ca' Loredan.

Civic Buildings

Continued Romanesque traits into the 13th century in Italy, as seen in the Palazzo della Ragione in Padua.

Cultural & Historical Influences

Romanesque architecture emerged during a time of church power, monastic reform, and pilgrimage culture.

Roman architecture

Influenced Romanesque architecture with arches and basilicas.

Byzantine forms

Central plans and domes, e.g., St. Vitale in Ravenna.

Carolingian revival

Under Charlemagne; his Palatine Chapel in Aachen is a key pre-Romanesque structure.

Pilgrimage routes

Like the Camino de Santiago inspired larger churches like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, accommodating thousands of pilgrims.

Religious Purpose

Romanesque churches were monumental symbols of faith.

Solidarity of churches

Reflected the idea of the Church as eternal and unshakable.

Durham Cathedral

England - Ribbed vaults, large piers, early Gothic transition.

Cluny Abbey

France - Once largest church in Europe, Cluniac influence.

Fontenay Abbey

France - Cistercian purity and simplicity.

Autun Cathedral

France - Famous for tympanum sculpture (Last Judgment).

St. Sernin Basilica

France - Large barrel vaults, Romanesque pilgrimage church.

Vézelay Abbey

France - Grand nave, historical pilgrimage stop.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

Spain - Final stop for pilgrims; massive, ornate church.

Ca' Loredan

Venice, Italy - Example of Romanesque influence in merchant homes.

Palazzo della Ragione

Padua, Italy - Romanesque civic architecture extending into Gothic era.

Peterborough Cathedral

England - Mix of Romanesque and Gothic; famous wooden ceiling.