Romanesque architecture was the prevailing architectural movement in western Europe from about A.D. 800 to the 1100’s. Romanesque architecture developed into a number of regional styles, including Aquitaine, Brittany, Burgundy, Île-de-France, Norman, and Provence. Romanesque buildings were frequently isolated from the few developed cities of the period. The massive character of these buildings was a response to the demands for security and defense that such locations required.
The Romanesque style was especially well developed in churches and monastic structures. The plan of a typical Romanesque church was in the shape of a Latin cross—that is, a cross with a vertical arm and a shorter horizontal crosspiece above the center. The roof over the nave (main gathering area) consisted of vaults of stone constructed on the principle of the arch. Side aisles flanked the nave. Large columns called piers supported the roof vaults. Round arches were built in openings in the walls and between the piers. The openings and piers were decorated with stone sculpture and carvings depicting Biblical scenes and people. Walls of the church were painted in fresco and also portrayed religious subjects.
By the mid-1100’s, the Romanesque style had evolved into Gothic architecture. The chief reasons for the evolution included less need for defensive buildings and a desire to celebrate Christianity in lighter and higher churches.
