38 Chapter 10.2: Romanesque Architecture
ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE
The greatest contribution of the Romanesque period was the revival of large-scale architecture. While numerous churches were built during the Carolingian and Ottonian periods, Romanesque builders abandoned the flat ceilings of their architecture. Instead, they constructed churches in stone and reintroduced various types of vaulting systems.
Church Architecture TASK:
The two videos below describe the significance and architectural features of Romanesque churches. After watching the videos, please answer the accompanying questions.
A White Garment of Churches: Romanesque and Gothic Art
Church Architecture TASK prompts:
Church architecture was intimately connected to relics and pilgrimage. Why did people undertake pilgrimages and what powers did they ascribe to relics?
What was one of the most significant pilgrimage sites and how did people get there?
What the significance of the church of Mary Magdalene in Vézelay?
How were reliquaries decorated and why?
Romanesque church architecture: the basics
The Romanesque churches situated along pilgrimage routes shared common features because they were all built to accommodate large groups of people. Below is a list of features. Identify the location and function if possible.
Plan type, choir, gallery, apse, transept, chapels, ambulatory
Which features of the Romanesque church permitted the continuous and uninterrupted movement of people and what motivated this movement?
How does the Romanesque basilica differ from Early Christian and Roman buildings of this type?
What do stone vaults require?
What does the elevation consist of?
What are the typical characteristics of the Romanesque façade?
Durham Cathedral TASK:
A particular type of architecture developed along the pilgrimage routes to accommodate the many visitors who came to see relics. Romanesque religious architecture is often described as regional because distinct characteristics evolved in different regions. The term “Norman” is used to describe the architecture of northern France (Normandy) and England. When William the Conqueror defeated his opponent in the Battle of Hastings, England fell under Norman control. One of the most famous Norman buildings is Durham Cathedral, which is in northern England (Northumbria). After watching the following video, please answer the accompanying questions.
Durham Cathedral
Durham Cathedral TASK prompts:
Why was the cathedral built?
What differentiates Anglo-Norman architecture from that in France?
How was a connection made between Saint Cuthbert and Saint Peter?
What levels made up the elevation?
Which architectural feature predicts the Gothic style?
Fontenay TASK:
In France, the pilgrimage routes were dominated by pilgrimage style churches, but different manifestations of the Romanesque style existed there. Monastic orders, such as the Cistercians, also influenced architectural styles. After watching the video, please answer the accompanying questions.
Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
Fontenay TASK prompts:
What were Saint Bernard’s beliefs about monastic life and how are they evident in Cistercian buildings?
