Romanesque architecture - power and majesty

Chronologically Romance style in European art is attributed to the 10-12 centuries. For each historical epoch a certain artistic dominant is characteristic, that is, a kind of art in which artistic and stylistic features are most fully manifested. For the period of interest to us, such a dominant architecture is the Romanesque style.

The formation and development of feudal states, the revival of economic and economic activity, the strengthening of clerical positions all contributed to the active monumental construction of feudal castles, monasteries, cathedrals, and fortresses.

The Romanesque style of architecture was a logical development of the architecture of ancient Rome in combination with the characteristic features of the building arts of the barbarians.

In Ravenna (Italy) in the 6th century, the tomb of Theodoric was built. It is a vivid monument of such a combination of classical and barbarous traditions. At the end of the 8th century, the court chapel of Charlemagne was built in Aachen.

Romanesque architecture is distinguished by its plastic integrity, harsh grandeur, laconism of volumes and forms. The harsh and powerful style that distinguishes the structures of the 10th and 12th centuries is dictated by considerations of strength and inaccessibility. In fact, with military necessity, any monastery or cathedral became an impregnable fortress, not to mention the castle of the feudal lord.

Time did not leave us the residential buildings of the early Middle Ages, they were built of clay and wood. Cities in the places of long-destroyed Roman military camps were just emerging, so monasteries and castles were centers - economic, cultural, crafts. For their construction, massive stone blocks and slabs were used. The material itself dictated simple architectural forms, strict compositional techniques.

Romanesque architecture is a visible evidence of the severe era of feudal wars. The layout, dimensions, fortifications, decor - everything was dictated only by practical needs.

The feudal castle was built on a cliff, a cliff, at the highest place in the district. If there was none, a hill was filled. High fortress walls with loopholes surrounded residential, economic and fortification buildings. The main one is the dungeon, the residence of the feudal lord. A moat always ripped out around the castle and was filled with water. It was possible to get into the castle only by the lift bridge. Such a powerful structure could withstand a long siege, in which residents of neighboring settlements could take refuge.

In the planning of monastic complexes, also, first of all, the requirements of defense were observed. Huge territory of monasteries, original cities - fortresses, were fortified and unapproachable, as well as castles of feudal lords. The temple is the compositional center of the monastery. The Romanesque Cathedral and in the layout is simple, and in decor - is strict and reserved.

Romance style spread throughout Western Europe and the Middle East (in the former Roman provinces where Christianity was widespread). Romanesque architecture developed and developed under the influence of local traditions. In England, Norway, Germany, Italy, there were construction schools.

Most of the monuments of this period remained in France. The most famous are Carcassonne (12th century) - a fortified city in the south of the country; The Abbey of Saint Michel (12th century), castles of the palace type in Saint-Antonin Auxerre (12th century). Features of the Romanesque style are clearly expressed in the architecture of Notre-Dame la Grande Cathedral in Poitiers (11th century).

Medieval art is anonymous, we do not know the names of architects and builders.

Romanesque architecture, still amazing us with power and majestic tranquility, was created by unknown masters. But it is remarkable that the names of the creators of one of the most famous buildings in the world - the temple complex in the Italian city of Pisa - have been preserved. Pisa Cathedral and its bell tower (Leaning Tower of Pisa) were created by builders from Innsbruck (modern Switzerland) Busket and Rainaldus at the turn of 11-12 centuries.