Compare Contrast: French Romanesque and Gothic Cathedral

Although the French Romanesque church and the Gothic Cathedral came from different times and different places, they do both share some interesting similarities and some striking differences. This first similarity that I noticed was the size of the structures. Both are very large, demanding your attention when you look at them. The Romanesque first began to adapt the larger floor plan as to fit the large amount of pilgrims coming through. The Gothics not only kept with this large floor plan but also made the cathedrals even bigger and especially taller. Gothic cathedrals are well known for their high pointed towers.

A second noticeable attribute is the structural alignment of the buildings. The Romanesque churches had the Latin cross lay out which dates back to the early Church of Rome. This led to a very symmetrical design. Now the Gothic Cathedrals did not adapt this cross design but they did still keep a form of symmetry. They were not perfectly symmetrical but rather had the parts of the building match each other in form but not necessarily size.

If there was one thing on the Gothic architecture’s mind it was light. Not ‘light’ as in opposite of heavy, but ‘light’ as in sun light. Nearly everything they designed and changed from the Romanesque church was so that more light could enter the cathedral. Several of the architectural designs that led to more light were ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and of course high ceilings that created more rooms for high windows. These designs were built as monuments to the glory of God.

One last difference between the two places of worship is stained glass windows. The Gothic architectures were influenced by the early Byzantine mosaics and took them a step further by letting light shine through them. Again this led to more light in the cathedral, including a beautiful array of colors. These windows gain much popularity in the years after the Gothic age and are still found today.