What Are the Characteristics of Medieval Cathedrals?

The two main types of medieval cathedrals, Romanesque and Gothic, have been identified historians. Between 800 and 1200 CE, cathedrals in the Romanesque style were commonly built. Gothic cathedrals were mostly built between the years 1200 and 1500 CE. Most historians believe that the Romanesque architectural style drew heavily from both Byzantium and the Roman Empire’s architectural conventions. Gothic cathedrals typically had more decorative embellishments and architectural advancements that allowed for larger windows and higher ceilings.

The main characteristics of Middle Ages Romanesque architecture include thick, strong stone walls, small windows, and large pillars that support the cathedral’s roof. Architects at the time used a lot of stone vaults in their cathedrals, probably because they thought this architectural feature would help prevent fire damage if there was a fire. Many Romanesque-style medieval cathedrals have arches as well. Regular arches were frequently used for structural support, but blind arches, as they were known, were frequently incorporated into the walls of these cathedrals as a decorative feature. Furthermore, many cathedrals built in the Romanesque style were cross-shaped, had multiple tall towers, and often had aisles running down the sides of the interior along the nave.

Because Gothic cathedrals were able to incorporate architectural advancements that allowed for thinner, lighter walls and larger windows, they are typically larger and better lit than Romanesque-style medieval cathedrals. The invention of the flying buttress is credited most architectural historians with the emergence of Gothic architectural styles. This feature allowed cathedral architects to support the cathedral’s heavy stone roof from the outside, reducing the thickness of the walls and interior pillars required to prevent the cathedral from collapsing.

The Gothic style is used in most medieval cathedrals with large stained-glass windows. Gothic cathedrals typically have much higher ceilings, though arches, vaults, and pillars are still common features. Cathedrals in the Gothic style are usually much more ornately decorated, particularly on the outside. On Gothic-style cathedrals, gargoyles, sculpted religious scenes, statues of religious figures, and even small humorous sculptures can be found. Interior aisles ran along the sides of the nave in many of these cathedrals, and many also had small private chapels and shrines built off the sides of the nave.

The majority of historians believe that medieval cathedrals were built teams of unskilled laborers who were guided well-trained and knowledgeable artisans. The bishop of the dioceses usually ordered the construction of a cathedral, and the project was usually funded donations from the community, particularly from those who were about to die. Large medieval cathedrals were likely considered necessary to accommodate the many religious pilgrims who traveled through Europe at the time, passing through various communities to pay homage at important Christian shrines, according to historians.