What were the major changes made between Romanesque and Gothic structures?


What were the major changes made between Romanesque and Gothic structures? What is the difference between Gothic architecture and Romanesque architecture? Romanesque architecture is characterized by heavy masonry walls, rounded arches supported by piers, and barrel vaults. Gothic architecture has much thinner walls supported by flying buttresses, pointed arches, and stained glass windows.


How did architecture change from the Romanesque to Gothic period?

Where the Romanesque style buildings featured wide, round arches, the Gothic churches moved towards an adaptation of Islamic arches: tall and thin arches with pointed peaks. These narrower looking, pointed arches emphasised the height of the buildings.


What two structural changes made the main differences between Romanesque and Gothic churches and allowed for the incorporation of more windows and greater heights?

Gothic architecture, which began in France around 1140, evolved from Romanesque architecture and placed a strong emphasis on vertical space. Key features included ribbed vaults, which reduced ceiling weight, and flying buttresses, or external structural supports that allowed for higher and thinner walls.