Understanding Romanesque Architecture: Key Features & Styles
Romanesque Architecture: An Overview
The Romanesque style developed from the ninth century until the 11th century, and in some countries, until the 12th century. This style was often implemented in countries with limited resources and populations, resulting in smaller churches constructed from modest materials. However, pilgrimage churches are an exception, being larger and built with higher-quality materials.
Key Architectural Features
- Plan: Churches typically follow a Latin cross plan.
- Naves: Usually feature three naves, with the central nave being the largest. The number of naves is typically odd to maintain symmetry.
- Transept: A cross-ship called the transept intersects the nave between the altar and the nave.
- Crossing: The intersection of the transept and nave is called the crossing.
- Header (Apse): Typically presents three apses: a central apse and two lateral ones, with the central apse being the largest. A “poliabsidial header” refers to a header with multiple apses.
- Construction: Some churches may exhibit a blend of styles due to prolonged construction periods.
- Spatial Hierarchy: The interior layout culminates in a higher elevation at the most important point, creating a spatial hierarchy. This represents a shift from the Byzantine style.
- Arches: Semicircular arches are consistently used, reflecting Roman heritage.
- Elevation: Semicircular arches and few windows characterize the elevation, as the naves are of similar height.
- Reinforcement: Arches reinforce the roof, constructed with heavy materials. These faixons arches, situated along the roof and perpendicular to the axis, correspond to exterior buttresses.
- Roofing: The nave’s roof is a barrel vault, while the lateral roofs are groin vaults.
- Dome: A dome joins the floor with shells or horns at the crossing. Externally, this manifests as a polygonal or square tower.
- Apse Shape: The apse is semi-dome shaped.
- Windows: Windows are often atrompetadas (splayed).
- Entrances: Churches commonly have three entrances: one at the foot and one on each side of the transept.
- Columns: Columns feature a smooth shaft and painted capital.
- Tax Line: The tax line is consistently decorated.
Monasteries
Monastic life flourished from the ninth century onwards, leading to the establishment of large monasteries with extensive land holdings. Monks primarily dedicated themselves to prayer and the copying of books. Monasteries typically included a church and a cloister, which was an open porch area within the inner part, accessible from four points. The perimeter was raised on a plinth, opening at four points. The space between the patio and the building served as a walkway to the bedrooms. Monasteries could have up to two stories, maintaining the same distribution.
Pilgrimage Churches
Pilgrimages to Rome and Santiago de Compostela, known today as the “Camino de Santiago,” resulted in churches with distinct characteristics.
Key Features of Pilgrimage Churches:
- Ambulatory: An extension of the aisles behind the altar forms an ambulatory, allowing pilgrims to visit the altar without disrupting mass.
- Apses: Small chapels called apses are added to the header. The number of apses is typically odd to maintain symmetry. The arms of the apse, as seen in Santiago de Compostela, are sometimes present.
- Gallery: A second floor gallery is positioned above the aisles, opening to the nave.
- Structure: Standard features include a nave and two side aisles, with the rostrum standing out. The roof is gabled due to the naves having the same pitch. The absence of a claristori results in darker interiors.
Spanish Romanesque
Spanish Romanesque architecture developed in two main geographical areas:
- Northern Spain: Influenced by France, shaping the construction of churches along the Camino de Santiago.
- Pyrenees: Influenced by Lombardy, Italy.
Notable examples include Santiago de Compostela and the monastery of Santa Maria de Ripoll.