Difference Between Gothic and Romanesque Architecture

Gothic vs Romanesque Architecture

Gothic and Romanesque architecture are different architectural styles with certain similarities and many differences.

The Romanesque architecture style was prevalent during the 9th and the 12th centuries. The Byzantine and the Roman styles have influenced the Romanesque architecture. The name “Romanesque” was carved out in the 1800s as it came with the barrel vault feature which had a resemblance to the classical Roman arch.

The Gothic architecture is traced to the mid-12th century. Gothic architecture was mainly intended to make the churches look like heaven. The Gothic architecture made the churches bright, colorful, and soaring.
The Romanesque architecture had the characteristics of large, internal spaces, barrel vaults, thick walls, and rounded arches on windows and doors. Gothic architecture has many features like highness, flying buttresses, and vertical lines. One of the main differences between the two architectures is in the use of the buttress which was common in Gothic buildings.
When comparing the buildings of the two periods, the buildings of the Romanesque period were solid and heavy with thick walls. As the Gothic buildings had thick walls, it was difficult to make huge and numerous windows. The Romanesque buildings only had small windows and, as such, the rooms were dimly lit. The Romanesque structures came with heavy frames. On the other hand, the Gothic structures had a slender skeleton. The Gothic buildings had big windows with stained glass that allowed more light into the rooms.
Another difference that can be seen is that the Gothic structures were very tall and pointed towards the sky. The Romanesque buildings had blunt towers. Unlike the Romanesque buildings, the Gothic buildings had ornate, round windows named “rose windows.”

Summary:

1.The Romanesque architecture was prevalent during the 9th and the 12th centuries. The Byzantine and Roman styles have influenced the Romanesque architecture.
2.The Gothic architecture is traced to the mid-12th century. Gothic architecture was mainly intended to make the churches look like heaven.
3.The Romanesque architecture had the characteristic of large internal spaces, barrel vaults, thick walls, and rounded arches on windows and doors. Gothic architecture has many features like highness, flying buttresses, and vertical lines.
4.The Romanesque structures came with heavy frames. On the other hand, the Gothic structures had a slender skeleton.
5.The Gothic buildings had big windows with stained glass that allowed more light into the rooms. The Romanesque buildings only had small windows and, as such, the rooms were dimly lit.

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