romansque

• Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of medieval Europe

 characterized by semi-circular arches. There is no consensus for the
beginning date of the Romanesque style, with proposals ranging from
the 6th to the 11th century, this later date being the most commonly
held. In the 12th century it developed into the Gothic style, marked
by pointed arches. Examples of Romanesque architecture can be
found across the continent, making it the first pan-European
architectural style since Imperial Roman architecture. The
Romanesque style in England is traditionally referred to as 
Norman architecture.
• Romanesque architecture is known by its massive quality, thick walls,
round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and decorative 
arcading. Each building has clearly defined forms, frequently of very
regular, symmetrical plan; the overall appearance is one of simplicity
when compared with the Gothic buildings that were to follow. The
style can be identified right across Europe, despite regional
characteristics and different materials.
Leaning tower of pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian
city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable 
foundation. The tower is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third-oldest structure in
the city's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry.
The height of the tower is 55.86 metres (183.27 feet) from the ground on the low side and
56.67 metres (185.93 feet) on the high side. The width of the walls at the base is 2.44 m (8 ft
0.06 in). Its weight is estimated at 14,500 metric tons (16,000 short tons).[1] The tower has 296
or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase.
Pisa cathedral
• Pisa Cathedral (Italian: Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta;
Duomo di Pisa) is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the 
Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy. It is a notable
example of Romanesque architecture, in particular the style known as Pisan
Romanesque.[1] It is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa.
• Construction on the cathedral began in 1063 (1064 according to the Pisan calendar
of the time) by the architect Buscheto, and expenses were paid using the spoils
received fighting against the Muslims in Sicily in 1063.[2] It includes various stylistic
elements: classical, Lombard-Emilian, Byzantine, and Islamic, drawing upon the
international presence of Pisan merchants at that time. In the same year, 
St. Mark's Basilica began its reconstruction in Venice, evidence of a strong rivalry
between the two maritime republics to see which could create the most beautiful
and luxurious place of worship.