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Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque architecture was very popular during the middle ages. The Romanesque period was from about 800 c.e. to 1100 c.e. The term Romanesque is used to describe the architectural style of the 19th century. This style is easily identifiable because of its thick walls, bricks, large vaulting and towers, decorated interior, and the famous arches that are present in all romanesque style buildings. Religion played a major role in the development of Romanesque architecture, the most widely known building from this period are churches, or basilicas. The romanesque basilicas primarily consisted of a nave, a transept, and an ambulatory all formed together creating the shape of a latin cross. Today there are many, wide ranging, examples of the Romanesque style all over the world. The Arch

The arch was the most important, and most widely used development by the Romans. The arch was developed to create a stronger support for building, churches, and other structures while using less material. The classic Roman arch consisted of an odd amount of bricks including the keystone at the very top of the arch. Because of the development of the arch, structures such as bridges, aqueducts and churches were built as stronger standing structures enabling many cultures to expand in the realm of architecture, travel, religion, and efficiency.

Cefalu Cathedral

The Cefalu Cathedral was built in 1131 in Cefalu, Sicily which is in Southern Italy. Construction on the Cefalu Cathedral began in 1131 and was erected after a vow was made to the Holy Savior by the King of Sicily, Roger II. ("Cefalu Cathedral.") Although the construction of the cathedral was started in 1131, the apse’s mosaic was not begun until 1145. After a few set backs in the design, the Cathedral was finally completed in 1240. Structure:

The architecture, and the design of this building can truly express the Romanesque style. From the outside the building is very well known for its facade which is characterized by two Norman towers with windows in the shape of an arch. Another very identifiable aspect of the Cathedral is the portico. This portico consists of 3 Roman arches which are supported by four columns and vaulting ribs. With the long nave and crossing transept forming the shape of the tradition shape of the Latin cross Romanesque style building. The roof of the nave was lowered on the cathedral as can be seen from the exterior of the building. The Cathedral has three different types of vaulting, the traditional barrel vaulting, timber vaulting, and stone vaulting. A very unique quality of this Cathedral is that the entire nave is the the shape of a pointed Roman arch. The Cathedral, like many other, has 3 apses, one at the end of the nave, and one at each end of the transept. The two side apses are very different in design, one being more modern, and the other more abstracted.

Design:

Most of the design work inside the cathedral is in the mosaic form. The most identifiable part of the Cathedral is the mosaic on the apse featuring the bust of the Christ Pantokrator depicted with one raised hand and the other holding the Gospel of John which in Latin and Greek reads: "I am the light of the world, who follows me will not wander in the darkness but will have the light of life" (Cefalù Cathedral) Beneath the mosaic of Christ Pantokrator the Virgin Mary is depicted with her hands raised surrounded by four angels. These mosaics continue on the walls of the apses depicting saints and prophets. All of the mosaics were completed by 1170.

Works Cited

Rymer, Eric. "Romanesque Architecture." historylink101. 2008. 17 Nov 2008 .

"Romanesque Architecture." wikipedia. 2008. 17 Nov 2008 .

"Cefalu Cathedral." Wikipedia. 2008. 17 Nov 2008 .

"The Cathedral of Cefalu." rogershepherd. 2008. 17 Nov 2008 <[|http://rogershepherd.com/WIW/solution1/cefalu'1.html]>.

Images Cited

http://images.google.com/images?client=safari&rls=en&q=cefalu%20cathedral&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=cefalu+cathedral+