what is romanesque arcitecture?

Answer 1

The Romanesque style was created by monks during the Crusade times, so that people going on pilgramages toward the Holy Land (Jerusalem) would have a place to worship along the way. The style was named for the more Roman-looking characteristics that people were starting to take interest in again. The two major characteristics of the Romanesque style were the use of heavy stone arches and a lot of exterior decoration.

The church is shaped like a cross.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/cr0wn/SCHOOL%2007/January/2602.jpg
1. nave (main hall)
2. choir (monks)
3. ambulatory (aisles running around the back so as not to disturb the choir
4. chapels (for people to worship individually)
5. transept (the crossing section... crossing the nave)
6. aisles (extra aisles for more room)
7. apse (pointing East toward Jerusalem)
8. narthex (entrance)

the favorite area of decoration was the front portal (doorway).
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/cr0wn/SCHOOL%2007/January/2603.jpg

they used barrel vaults and later groin vaults to allow the church to be built taller.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y298/cr0wn/SCHOOL%2007/January/2604.jpg
but because of the need to support the heavy stone roof, they could not have many windows. the few windows were very small, especially compared to those of the Gothic cathedrals.

Answer 2

The style of architecture that evolved after the Carlolingian (during the reign of the great Charlemange) and Ottonian periods and preceeding Gothic architecture in Europe is referred to as Romanesque architecture. One of the most important structural developments of the Romanesque era was the vault. Originally intended as an alternative to fire prone wooden roofs, vaults became a major innovation in architectural features through the ensuing centuries. Another important feature passed on to later age was the Norman facade, i.e., the twin towers now accepted as a standard of medieval cathedrals. Also during the Romanesque period the first versions of the cruciform structured (symbolizing the cross) church appeared which was exploited greatly during the Gothic period.

The era in which the Romanesque structures arose was a time of great significance for European culture. Hundreds of years of chaos were passing as new orders began to take shape across the continent. As the first millennium drew to a close, the church had become the dominant influence and promoter of art and culture. Beginning as isolated outposts, the monasteries would eventually bring civilization and education to the far reaches of Europe. It is a fascinating chapter of history to study, and architecture is a central component of that story.