Romanesque
/ˌrəʊməˈnɛsk
/adjective
Relating to a style of architecture which prevailed in Europe circa 900–1200, although sometimes dated back to the end of the Roman Empire (5th century).Churches too were built in great numbers, and in great variety although sharing the Romanesque style with its characteristic round-topped arches....
- During the following two centuries the monumental Romanesque style was developed under the patronage of wealthy religious foundations, with many distinctive regional variants reflecting local tastes, needs, and materials.
- The current site was exchanged for land that housed the town's original 1899 Romanesque style synagogue (destroyed by the Nazis).
noun [mass noun]
Romanesque architecture.Norman architecture is also referred to as Romanesque because it was influenced in turn by the Ancient Romans....
- The Romanesque signaled venerable ancientness and might well have been combined with more up-to-date Italianate features in the formation of a retroactive antique style.
- In art and architecture, Catalonia is especially prominent in connection with two widely separated periods: Romanesque, and modernist.
Romanesque architecture is characterized by round arches and massive vaulting, and by heavy piers, columns, and walls with small windows. Although disseminated throughout western Europe, the style reached its fullest development in central and northern France; the equivalent style in England is usually called Norman
Origin
French, from roman 'romance'.