Romanesque

During the Romanesque period there was a great religious movement. At one point, there was over 1,500 churches built in just 100 years! The churches from this time period fit into one of three categories. There were urban pilgrimage sites, rural monasteries, and small parish churches. They all follow the basilica form but there were a lot of additions to the churches. Some of these additions include transepts, side aisles, an ambulatory.

The monasteries were important due to their economic, religious, political, and cultural contributions. One of the famous monasteries from this time is Cluny Abbey. It was built at the beginning of the Benedictine movement which is responsible for spreading Romanesque art.

A good example of a Romanesque city is Aigues-Mortes located in southern France. Each city during this time became its own stronghold. The town, although laid out on a grid pattern, seemed to lack any logic and included narrow and winding streets that had unexpected dead-ends and many curves. Strangers were confused by the layout but natives found it charming and intimate. 

Some things that we incorporate into design today from this period include semicircular arches, vaulting, and richly painted walls. The chest was really important to the people during this time and served many different purposes. Because of the meager amount of furniture people had, chests were popular due to the fact that it had multiple uses. It was used for storage, traveling, sitting, eating, and even sleeping on.