Romanesque
The Romanesque style, current in Europe from about 1000 to 1200 AD,
contains the following characteristics:
- round arches
- thick and massive walls
- small windows
- cushion capital on columns
- unvaulted, pannelled ceilings (especially First Romanesque)
- groin vaults
- arches crossing into each other
- artwork with dramatic motives (paintings and plastics)
Symbolising the religious unity of the Christian Occident, the overall impression
of the interior is solid and homogenous. The sheer massiveness of the buildings
reflects the omnipotence of God and the power of the Christianity.
Gothic
The Gothic style flourished between 1140 and 1500 AD. The term “gothic” was used
as a pejorative term to describe a rude and barbaric culture.
Its main characteristics are:
- large windows
- ogival arches
- ripped vaults
- accentuation on the vertical (48 m high)
- slight and structured columns on a polygonal plan
- ornaments
The cathedral is a major Christian symbol and reflects also civic pride.
Renaissance
The Renaissance period, also known as the cultural rebirth of the ancient world,
spanned the 14th to the 17th century.
The main characteristics are:
- stylistic elements
- simple, clear and harmonious buildings
- simple, symmetrical plan (square, circle)
Baroque
The period of the Baroque started in 1575 and ended about 1770 AD.
The main characteristics of the epoch are:
- opulence and pomp
- dynamic forms
- cupolas
- ensemble of columns
- gable
- windows with extravagant ornamentation
- single form subordinates the overall impression
- exploitation of light effects
- involvement of the paintings and plastics in the architecture of the building
