Medieval architecture

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The Notre Dame in Paris

Outstanding architecture in the Middle Ages was seen primarily in the construction of majestic churches, and consisted of two main styles: Romanesque and Gothic.

Romanesque

Romanesque architecture was popular in Europe from about the 10th century to the 12th century and is characterized by barrel vaulting, thick walls and relatively small windows. The term "Romanesque" was first used in the 19th century.

Gothic

The Gothic style, developed later, consisted of taller, perpendicular structures, with long windows, pointed

The Rose Window of the Notre Dame

arches and “flying buttresses” (stone supports on the outer walls of churches). Gothic architecture, with its tall, pointed spires is said to reflect the desire of people of the Middle Ages to grow closer to God, reaching towards heaven and away from the earth. Tall windows allowed sunlight to illuminate the interior, unlike Romanesque architecture, in which windows were small and interiors were dim. A particularly stunning example of Gothic architecture is the Notre Dame in Paris, on which construction began in 1163 during the reign of Louis VII. The Notre Dame features a beautiful 'rose window'--another distinguishing characteristic of Gothic architecture.