Romanesque Architecture Notes

Emergence: Architectural style that arose in Europe during the mid-11th century, lasting until the rise of the Gothic movement.
Definition: "Romanesque" refers to buildings exhibiting certain Roman features that evolved into a more refined Gothic style.
Key Features:
- Harmonious proportions.
- Apse at the east end, accompanied by an ambulatory with radiating chapels.
- Typically multiple towers located at the west end and over the transept crossing.
- Influenced by Byzantine architecture.
- Use of round arches to support roofs.
- Stone barrel vaults or groin vaults.
- Sculptured decorations on portals, capitals, and other surfaces.
- Thick and heavy walls and pillars.
- Distinct three-level division of the nave wall consisting of:
- Nave arcade
- Triforium
- Clerestory.

Pilgrimage Churches
- Often contain relics of saints (e.g., body parts, bones, clothing).
Monastic Churches
- Part of an abbey/monastery representing various religious orders (e.g., Benedictine, Cluniac, Cistercian, Augustinian).
- Example: St Gallen.
Imperial Cathedrals
- Associated with German emperors and have royal functions.

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, Spain (1078-1122)
- Main facade mixes traditional westwork with a transparent screen between towers, enhancing its inviting effect.
- Features the "Portico de la Gloria" (added between 1168-1188) within the vestibule, and sculpted trumeau at the center of the portal.
- Plan based on a Latin cross with a transept matching the nave’s width, with small windows from an octagonal lantern.
- Characterized by a barrel-vaulted nave and no clerestory windows.
- Notable entrances include the 10th-century Porta das Pratarias and the Baroque-inspired north portal.
Durham Cathedral, United Kingdom (1096)
- Situated on a bend of River Wear, it was historically significant as it held the body of St. Cuthbert.
- Notable for the innovative rib vaulting, integrating semicircular and pointed arches across the nave’s width.
- Barrel-vaulted nave features transverse arches and groined aisle vaults.

Monastery Church of Cluny III, Burgundy, France (1078-1122)
- Longest church in Europe, measuring 187 meters, designed with double aisles and transepts, and features a barrel-vaulted nave.
- Clerestory windows are strategically placed below the tunnel vault.
- Displays Tuscan architecture with an emphasis on sculptural decoration.
San Miniato al Monte, Tuscany, Italy (1060)
- Exhibits a refined basilica form with a prominent transept.
- Contains clerestory windows and a balanced triforium architecture.

Speyer Cathedral, Germany (1030-1106)
- Features a nave divided into three equal compartments by diaphragm arches with compound piers.
- Diaphragm arches serve multiple structural purposes, such as preventing fire spread and creating a compartmentalized interior.
- It was characterized by a vaulted structure with rich wall articulation and decorative elements.

St. Mark’s Cathedral, Venice, Italy (1063):
- Known for its hemispherical domes supported by broad piers and features from Byzantine architecture.
- Reflects Venice's historical connection to Byzantine styles, integrating classical elements within medieval architecture.
Pisa Cathedral, Italy (1093):
- Known for its iconic architecture in the Piazza dei Miracoli, showcasing a mix of Byzantine clustered domes and Gothic elements.

Heddal Stave Church, Norway (Mid-13th Century):
- Follows the early basilican plan with timber construction and distinctive roofs.
- This structure displays the influence of Byzantine architecture through its design and features.