Romanesque Architecture

      Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of medieval europe. It is characterized by semi-circular arches unlike Gothic style which is characterized by pointed arches. There is no consensus for the beginning date of Romanesque Architecture but researches said that the beginning ranges from 6th to 12th century.  It is known by its massive quality, its thick walls,round arches, sturdy piers,groin vaults,large towers and decorative arching.I also notice that the building has its clear forms and a symmetrical plan that makes the appearance looks simple unlike the Gothic architecture.
     Many castles were built in this period but are greatly outnumbered by churches. Churches are characterized as monumental and small. It is mostly made up of bricks,granite,stones and limestones

Swiss manuscript -

PLAN OF SAINT GALL

.The general impression given by Romanesque architecture, in both ecclesiastical and secular buildings, is one of massive solidity and  strength. 


    Walls- The walls of Romanesque buildings are often of massive thickness with few and comparatively small openings. They are often double shells, filled with rubble.
    Piers-were often employed to support arches. They were built of masonry and square or rectangular in section, generally having a horizontal moulding representing a capital at the springing of the arch.
   Columns- are an important structural feature of Romanesque architecture. Colonnettes and attached shafts are also used structurally and for decoration.
    There are different types of column: Salvage column
                                                        Drum column
                                                        Hollow core column
     I can say that Romanesque architecture really influenced the world.