What was the purpose of Romanesque architecture?


What was the purpose of Romanesque architecture? All Romanesque architecture was built to make a statement of power and wealth, as well as being defensive or offensive, and often built near a source of water.


Why did Romanesque architecture have thick walls?

Romanesque buildings were very solid structures with thick walls. There's a good reason for that. Romanesque churches were mainly built of stone, which is heavy, particularly in a big vaulted roof. You need thick walls and broad columns to hold up that great stone roof.


Why is Romanesque architecture dark?

Because the walls must be so massive, or thick, to support the load from above they cannot be pierced with large or numerous windows. This renders the interior of most Romanesque churches fairly dark.