ROMANESQUE VS.

GOTHIC
 WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Both are styles of medieval architecture that

associate with churches
 ROMANESQUE
Romanesque architecture combined the influences of Roman and
Byzantine styles.
• In fact, the architecture got its name in the 1800s because one of its
key features, the barrel vault, bore such a resemblance to the
classical Roman arch.
• The use of barrel vaults thus allowed for huge interior spaces built
entirely of stone.
• But that also meant the roofs were extremely heavy, so the walls had
to be tremendously thick to prevent buckling. Strong walls also
meant fewer windows, so the insides of Romanesque churches often
look dim and feel like fortresses.
 GOTHIC

Gothic architecture the style was born in the mid-12th century with the
intention of making churches look like heaven: soaring, colorful, and bright.
• The biggest difference in Gothic style was the use of flying buttresses.
• These support structures or towers, set off from the main walls and attached
by arches, displaced the pressure from the roof outward. Essentially, this
meant the buildings could get taller, walls could get thinner, and there could
be a lot of stained-glass windows.

Gothic churches sport huge, ornate, detailed round masterpieces called

rose windows.
RADIATING CHAPELS &APSE
Romanesque Gothic
Separate Compartments Unified, unbroken space
 VAULT
Romanesque Gothic
Mostly barrel-vaults, some Groin-vaulted or Ribbed-vaulted
groin-vaults Cathedrals
 ARCH TYPE
Romanesque Gothic
Rounded Arches Pointed Arches
 MAIN VAULT SUPPORT
Romanesque Gothic
Thick walls, buttresses Exterior flying buttresses
 CLERESTORY
Romanesque Gothic
Small windows Large stained-glass windows
 ELEVATION
Romanesque Gothic

Horizontal, Modest height Vertical, soring

 EXTERIOR
Romanesque Gothic
Plain little decoration Ornate, delicate

Solid Lots of sculpture

 SCULPTURAL DECORATION
Romanesque Gothic
Thin, elongated, abstract More realistic proportions &
figures individualized features
 MOOD
Romanesque Gothic

Dark, gloomy Tall, light-filled

 EXAMPLE
Romanesque Gothic
St. Sernin, Toulouse, France Chartes Cathedral, France