During the middle ages, two new major styles of architecture arose in Europe. These styles, Romanesque and Gothic, were influenced by war, economics, and social relations at the time. The reasoning behind these styles is also because of the religious beliefs and theology of the Middle Ages. Traces of these styles and their religious meaning can be seen all over Europe, in the many cathedrals built during this era. The religious theological views of this time in European history included contrary beliefs regarding the construction of church buildings in relation to God and the soul; Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals of this time
heavily express these theological views, as their influence is extremely prominent in each style of architecture.
A major physical focus of the Romanesque architectural style is the towers that rise high above the church building. During times of war, archers were able to use these towers to shoot arrows at enemies on the ground. The Gurk Cathedral in Austria, which was built in the twelfth century, illustrates the presence of these towers, as well as the great resource they provided for archers during times of war (Figure 1). Also, the Gurk Cathedral, like all Romanesque cathedrals, appears as though it was constructed to be a fortress. A common belief at the time was that the soul was to be protected by a fortress-like structure. A cathedral with a style contrasting to that of the Gurk Cathedral is the Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon of Belgium. Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon is a Gothic cathedral, which generally has large stained glass windows and a much different looking exterior than a Romanesque cathedral. Very elegant and elaborate styles are found are the façade of the cathedral (Figure 2). Also, the enormous windows found in this style of cathedrals were installed to let the light of God into the church building.
The Romanesque architectural style can not only be found on the exterior of these cathedrals, but also the interior. Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church in Wallonia is a wonderful example of interior Romanesque design. The large, open, cold-looking interior of this eleventh century church adds to the fortress look for which cathedrals at the time strived (Figure 3). The wooden beams on the ceiling, as well as the stone used to construct the walls, also adds to this look. Religiously, this church interior definitely represents a fortress for the soul. Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church of Ireland illustrates a very Gothic styled interior. The windows here are much larger than those of the interior of Saint Gertrude Collegiate Church, which leads to the increased flow of light into the church (Figure 4). This connects to letting the light of God enter the church, rather than blocking it off through thick walls and a minimal amount of windows in Romanesque churches.
Another example of religious theology in Romanesque styled cathedrals is Saint George at Rip Church in the Czech Republic. Just from observing the façade of this church, the features unique to the Romanesque architectural style can be clearly seen. Only five windows are seen on the façade. The few windows on the building are high off the ground, which connects back to the issue of protection during war at the time of this church’s construction (Figure 5). Also, this church exemplifies major fortress-like qualities. With its cylindrical and virtually windowless structures, Saint George at Rip barely looks like a church. This truly represents the significance of judgment day and fortifying the soul. An extremely Gothic cathedral constructed during this era is Duomo di Milano of Italy. Duomo di Milano is a much later Gothic style cathedral, as construction on it was completed in the nineteenth century (Figure 6). Elaborately constructed architectural features are very present on the façade of the cathedral. Small towers reach upward from the building, while very large windows are spaced between them. This allows for an abundance of light to enter the church. Also, the elaborateness of the building may show some sort of glorification to God. This Gothic church definitely shows a direct relation to the theological beliefs of the time.
All of these cathedrals, from all over Europe, show a direct relation to the religious theological beliefs and views of the time. The issues of the era, as well as the beliefs of the people of that era, helped to form the meaning behind the Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Each cathedral contributes its own uniqueness to the overall style of architecture (Romanesque or Gothic). This being said, however, the foundation of styles on which each form of architecture is based remains very similar. Romanesque and Gothic cathedrals, including their styles and features, reflect the religious theological beliefs and views of the people of time.
Appendix
Figure 1: Gurk Cathedral
Figure 2: Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon
Figure 3: St. Gertrude Collegiate Church
Figure 4: Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church
Figure 5: Saint George at Rip
Figure 6: Duomo di Milano
Bibliography
Gurk Cathedral, façade, 12th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gurk_Cathedral.jpg, photograph taken in 2007
Bruxelles Notre Dame du Sablon, façade, 15th and 16th centuries,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bruxelles_Notre-Dame_du_Sablon.jpg, photograph taken in 2010
St. Gertrude Collegiate Church, interior, 11th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nivelles_JPG00_(13).jpg, photograph taken in 2009
Kylemore Neo-Gothic Church, interior, 14th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kylemore_Neo-Gothic_Church_Interior.JPG, photograph taken in 2006
Saint George at Rip, façade, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rotunde-of-St.-George-at-Rip.jpeg, photograph taken in 2005
Duomo di Milano, façade, 19th century,http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MailaenderDom.jpg, photograph taken in 2002
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