Romanesque Architecture Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does 'Romanesque Architecture' refer to?

Modern architecture

In the Roman style (correct)

Byzantine art + Christianity (correct)

Gothic architecture

Who coined the term 'Romanesque'?

Gerville

What was the chief source of education and culture during the Romanesque era?

Christianity

How was architecture viewed during the Romanesque period?

Sacred science Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of Romanesque Architecture?

Massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers, decorative arcading Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cruciform' mean in the context of Romanesque architecture?

In the shape of a Latin cross Signup and view all the answers

Where is the transept altar located in a Romanesque church?

At the east end in the direction of Jerusalem Signup and view all the answers

What structural element is located on the west entrance of a Romanesque church?

Twin towers Signup and view all the answers

What is a blind arcade?

An arcade having no actual openings, applied as decoration to a wall surface Signup and view all the answers

What is a barrel vault?

Tunnel vault forming a half cylinder Signup and view all the answers

What type of vaulting consists of six parts?

Sexpartite vault Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic for openings during Romanesque architecture?

Round arches Signup and view all the answers

What does a tympanum typically feature?

Half-round panel above the door filled with sculptures Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the windows during the Romanesque period?

Narrow and small, made to look larger by surrounding architecture Signup and view all the answers

What is Durham Cathedral known for?

One of the major Norman Romanesque Cathedrals Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of columns with their definitions:

Salvaged Columns = Reused columns in interiors Drum Columns = Individually carved columns stacked together Hollow Core Columns = Constructed of ashlar masonry Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of piers in Romanesque architecture?

Acted as support at the intersection of two arches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Romanesque Architecture Overview

Defined as "in the Roman style," Romanesque Architecture combines elements of Byzantine art and Christianity.
Major contributions by Gerville, who coined the term "Romanesque."
Christianity served as the primary source of education and culture during the era.

Architectural Significance

Architecture regarded as a "sacred science" in the Romanesque period.
Key characteristics include massive quality, thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers, and decorative arcading.

Design Elements

Cruciform plan characterized by a layout in the shape of a Latin cross, essential in Romanesque structures.
Main structural elements consist of steep timber roof, clerestory, triforium/gallery, and nave arcade.
Transept altar positioned at the east end, oriented towards Jerusalem.
Twin towers serve as significant structural elements at the west entrance.

Vaulting Techniques

Barrel vault is a continuous series of arches forming a half-cylinder tunnel vault.
Groin vault results from the intersection of two barrel vaults at right angles, referred to as a double barrel vault.
Two types of rib vaulting are quadripartite (four parts) and sexpartite (six parts), used for square and oblong bays respectively.

Decorative Features

Squinch arches support the transition between square and dome structures, particularly with octagonal towers.
Corbel tables consist of projecting stone blocks that add stylistic elements.

Openings and Windows

Round arches dominate openings, emphasizing the Romanesque aesthetic.
Tympanum serves as a decorative half-round panel above entrance doors, often adorned with sculptures.
Rose or wheel windows represent large circular stained glass features typical in Romanesque buildings.
Windows are generally narrow and small, visually enhanced by surrounding columns, arches, and moldings.

Prominent Structures

Notable example: Durham Cathedral, a key Norman Romanesque cathedral.
Predominant building types include churches, monasteries, and monastic villages, symbolizing God’s kingdom and aiding in religious practices.
Monasteries designed as micro-cities for monastic communities, facilitating various monastic occupations.

Structural Supports

Piers function as supports at the intersections of arches, featuring vertical shafts and horizontal moldings.
Various types of columns are found including salvaged columns, drum columns, and hollow core columns, contributing to structural integrity.

Column Construction

Salvaged columns repurposed in church interiors and porticos.
Drum columns, made from individually carved stone cylinders stacked together, were a prevalent construction method.
Hollow core columns designed with ashlar masonry, filled with rubble for added stability.

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Description

Explore the key features and significance of Romanesque Architecture, a style marked by massive structures and round arches. Learn about the contributions of figures like Gerville and how Christianity influenced architectural designs. This quiz will cover major design elements and vaulting techniques that define this unique architectural period.