Characterised by semi-circular ashes Romanesque Architecture began from 6th century to 11th century and by the 12th century was rechristened Gothic architecture.
Originated in Medieval Europe somewhere between 6th and the 11th century, Romanesque architecture deviated from the arches of Gothic architecture. Often considered as the first pan-European architectural style since Imperial Roman Architecture, its most defining features were the semi-circular arches, thick walls and large towers. Majority of the churches and abbeys in the 6th century was built in this style.
Abbey Church of Saint-Savin sur Gartempe, France
Located in Poitou, France, this Roman Catholic Church was built in Romanesque architecture in the 11th century. Known as the ‘Romanesque Sistine Chapel’, the walls are covered with murals that are full of sophistication and contain scenes using a palette of colours and compositions. The biblical themes represent Western Christian Civilization. The Church was inducted in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The church is made in tones of colours which is hand-painted right from the bricks to the walls. The ceilings are tall and all details can be seen using binoculars. The stories told in the paintings date from the era of Genesis all the way to the Exodus.
Salamanca Cathedral, Spain
Built in the 15th century, Salamanca Cathedral adopted the Romanesque architecture when it was rebuilt in the 17th century. As this style was diminishing at a faster pace, it, therefore, adopted Gothic architecture but maintaining its original aesthetics through its bell tower and transept. The church is situated on the banks of River Tormes, Salamanca is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is highly influenced by Gothic, Baroque architecture and Renaissance era. The church has an outstanding tower and is dedicated to Saint Mary of the Sea. The main entrance consists of three decorated arcs leading to the three sections of the church.
Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy
This medieval architecture is built in Romanesque style around the 12th century and took two centuries for the tower to be constructed. The nearly eight-story tower is constructed on white marble and stands at 185 ft high. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the four buildings that make up the Pisa complex called Campo Dei Miracoli which means Field of Miracles. The other buildings are Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistry, the Bell Tower of Pisa and the Monumental Cemetery. The tower has 251 steps from bottom to top and is built in limestone and lime mortar. It is said that because of the limestone the tower has not yet cracked.
Natural History Museum, London
This magnificent building is built in Romanesque revival style in London was designed by Architect Francis Fowke for a competition. After Fowke’s death, the building was completed by Alfred Waterhouse. The Museum is inspired by Roman architectural sculptures and columns. Construction of the museum was started in 1873 and it took seven years for it to be completed. Waterhouse revised the original design by incorporating terracotta tiles. The Natural History Museum is one of London’s iconic places.
Thomas Crane Public Library, USA
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the public library was designed by America’s first celebrity architect, Henry Hobson Richardson in 1882. The library was fully restored in 2001, serves 90,000 residents in the city. The library has been voted amongst the top 150 works of great architecture. The library is built in French Romanesque and Byzantine architectures. The walls are entirely made in textured surface of granite and brownstone.
