Romanesque Architecture (Reblogged) - HSTARC2

 Whenever i hear the word Romanesque in the history of architecture, I would always be thinking of structures by the Romans of course. Maybe because it’s in the word itself? However, it’s not really about that. It’s not really Romans, but only a part of this topic is.

Loarre's Romasque Castle

Romanesque architecture is really quite something to look at. From the massive structures, the design and arches its buildings has, you'll see the toughness and power of this part of the history of architecture. Combining the Byzantine and Roman styles, the buildings made for this were massive, elegant in the artistry but also in simplicity by symmetry.

Lisbon Church, Portugal

This period was mainly developed throughout Europe and spread mainly because of religion, pilgrimage. Some of the buildings of these period was the Castles and keeps for the royalties and the rich, however, it was greatly outnumbered by the churches built at those times.

What I am fond about the Romanesque architecture was that it made use the design for the massive structures but still has the artistry and beauty inside of it. It was tough and even today the churches are still standing. However, the fact that they used thick walls as a support left the lower part of the structure with no windows or openings aside from the entrance itself. So there was no light to enter it. Only the upper parts of the buildings have windows, which most of the time were also small. It left the structure to be a massive dark structure inside. 

What also caught my attention was the false windows design on the thick walls of the buildings. The Lombard Romanesque was quite interesting to look at.

Lombard Bands

          I guess the designs of the structures in this period mainly depend on the location and tradition of the place the structure was being made. It’s clearly notable in the different churches in Europe. There was always this confusion on which Romanesque is and which Gothic is. Now, I can define it clearly from what I learned in the characteristics of a Romanesque structure. Overall, I can say that Romanesque is quite interesting but not that practical to use. But I think I served its purpose well during those times, so all is good.