| The term Medieval Architecture is used to represent | | | | medieval architecture. You will find extravagant use of |
| various forms of architecture popular in Europe. | | | | colors and size in the medieval churches. |
| Castles and fortified walls provide the most notable | | | | In the 1100's, people built Romanesque churches in |
| remaining non-religious examples of medieval | | | | Germany, like the abbey church in Regensburg. Around |
| architecture. Religion has always had a great influence | | | | 1200 AD, people changed from the old Romanesque |
| on architectural styles, as has defense and natural | | | | style to a new Gothic style: first in Italy, with the |
| geographical features. | | | | churches at Florence and Pisa, then in France, with the |
| Towers of medieval castles were usually made of | | | | cathedrals of Laon, of Paris, of Chartres, of Rouen, of |
| stone or sometimes (but rarely) wood. Often toward | | | | Reims, of Amiens, and finally in England with |
| the later part of the era they included battlements and | | | | Westminster Abbey, in Germany with Munster, |
| arrow loops. Materials that were used in the building of | | | | Regensburg, Bremen, Freiburg, and Cologne and in Italy |
| castles varied through history. Wood was used for | | | | with Milan. |
| most castles until 1066. They were cheap and were | | | | Compare the difference between religious and secular |
| quick to construct. The reason wood fell into disuse as | | | | medieval architecture. The emphasis is on defense, as |
| a material is that it is quite flammable. Soon stone | | | | opposed to symbolism. Some of the notable features |
| became more popular. | | | | include a moat (which varied between wet and dry to |
| The next step is to recognize or examine the building | | | | keep the enemy at bay), wide outer walls (between |
| materials used. Most medieval churches were built of | | | | 20 and 40 feet wide) for the sentries to keep watch, |
| limestone, with wood acting as support for flying | | | | and crenellated edges for the archers to shoot |
| buttresses. Wood was not a common building material | | | | between, which also provided protection. |
| in past ages. You will find gorgeous stained-glass | | | | Well, above are some key features that define the |
| windows. The windows are representative of | | | | classic and elegant medieval architecture! |