Architecture in early medieval period flourished into various styles across different parts of Europe.

In England, for
instance, architecture in this period was influenced by the Celtic-Roman heritage of the Bretons and the Anglo-
Saxon heritage of the invading Germanic tribes.

In the Byzantine Empire, architecture during this period embellished Roman heritage with Oriental influences and
Christian themes. Similar unique architectural developments continued in different parts of Europe through High
and Late Middle Ages.

One common element, though, was that nearly all early and most High medieval architecture buildings were
ecclesiastical while towards the end of the medieval period, many secular buildings started to be the hallmark of
contemporary European architecture. Following are some of the most iconic examples of medieval architecture in
Europe.

The Alhambra Palace Complex

The Alhambra Palace Complex is an epitome of the Moorish

architecture in Iberia. Constructed in the mid-13th century in the
Emirate of Grenada, Alhambra essentially incorporates most of
the defining features of Moorish architecture.

The palace complex occupies a huge place and includes

residential quarters, fortifications around the boundaries, sizable
courtyards and fountains in the interior, lavishly embellished
carvings and arabesques all over the walls and window panels and
the extensive use of the iconic Moorish muqarnas. Most of the
original architecture and decorations of Alhambra are intact to
this day.

Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral in Germany is one of the most

iconic examples of Gothic architecture of medieval
Europe. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1248
and continued until the 15th century but it was
ultimately completed only in the 19th century.

The Cathedral is noted for its huge of exceptionally tall

spires, closely following the defining Gothic
architectural features. Architectural marvels of the
Cathedral include the use of flying buttresses, very
high Gothic vaults and highly intricate decorations and
carvings on the entrances and interior of the cathedral. The Cathedral also remains one of the most important
pieces of Christian architecture today and is a popular site of pilgrimage.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a defining example of Norman architecture in England. The original construction of the
Tower of London dates back to 1066, the same year when
Normans under William the Conquerer took over the
control of England from the Anglo-Saxons.

The Tower of London was constructed as a means of

consolidating Norman rule in London and surrounding
areas. The architecture of the Tower reveals the Norman
style of constructing very strong and awe-inspiring towers
and fortifications which, at the time of the construction,
served to subdue the local population in the face of
Norman invason in Paris

The most iconic feature of the Tower is the “White

Tower” which was long used as a Norman prison from
1100 onwards. Most of the original architecture of the
Tower of London is intact today.

Notre Dame de Paris

The Notre Dame de Paris in France is yet another iconic examples of Gothic architecture and one of the most
recognisable architectural wonders of medieval France. The construction of the Cathedral began in the 12th
century and the building was completed only in
the 14th century.

The Cathedral is known for being among the

earliest buildings successfully employing huge
flying buttresses, a key architectural feature which
was to become a defining part of High Gothic
architecture in time.

The interior of the building includes some of the

most beautiful stained glass art dating from the
period. The Cathedral is especially known for the
presence of numerous sculptures as well as
gargoyles, some of which doubly serve as supports
for the Cathedral structure or as water spouts. Like
most Gothic cathedrals, the Notre Dame de Paris
has extensive decorations on its main entrances.

Hagia Sophia
 Hagia Sophia is one of the most glorious pieces of medieval
architecture in Europe. Situated in modern-day Istanbul, which was
once the capital of the grand Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia is
iconic in that it reflects Roman heritage of Byzantine architecture, its
Orthodox Eastern taste as well as its Oriental and Christian
influences.

The building has a huge central dome as well as multiple half-domes

on the sides. The interior of the building is propped up using
numerous marble columns while the interior is embellished with
some of the most iconic Byzantine art, mosaics and colourful
marbles.

The original structure of Hagia Sophia, as it stands today, was mostly

built during Emperor Justinian’s rule in the 6th century and at the
time, was the largest church in the entire Christendom. Most of the
Church building is intact today and it is used as a museum in
modern-day Istanbul.

Speyer Cathedral

The Speyer Cathedral in Germany is one of the finest extant

examples of medieval Romanesque architecture. The cathedral
originally dates back to the 11th century and is an example of
excellent Romanesque construction.

The crypt in the cathedral is the largest columned hall crypt

made in Romanesque style anywhere in Europe and features
beautiful polychrome arches. The cathedral also features a
double-chapel on the southern side of the building. The Speyer
Cathedral is considered one of the best examples of medieval
architecture in Germany and is one of the largest medieval
cathedrals in terms of its proportions.

Doge’s Palace
The Republic of Venice in the High and late medieval period was a thriving economic hub with extensive intellectual
and artistic activities. This is also reflected in the medieval Venetian architecture. One of the most iconic examples

of medieval Venetian architecture is the Doge’s Palace which was traditionally the residential building of the
highest authority in the Republic of Venice, the Doge.

The Palace itself underwent multiple periods of construction, most notably during the 12th century and then in the
13th and 14th centuries. The architecture of the building included a vast courtyard, a large number of chambers for
the council members and multiple apartments for the Doge himself where he granted audience to guests.

Although most of the extant architecture of the Doge’s Palace is in medieval style, portions have been added after
15th century which reflect Renaissance and post-Renaissance architectural styles.