Romanesque vs. Gothic

[baileyvpotter]

Originally Posted by travric

^
What intrigued me was reading that the Bishops relegated the design and creation of Gothic structures to the 'professionals'. Clerics themselves really had no part in building other than delegation of the work to those skilled 'in the art of masonry'.

That and there was more money during that time too.

Those who first saw this new method of construction were most likely amazed with the soaring heights,
the monumental and emanating volume of light and a great architectural achievement. Although
this contest of height did result in some cathedrals to collapse.

What I found so interesting about the Romanesque period was - it was a time where people traveled
to these churches and cathedrals since they were convinced (since this was the middle ages) that
the end was near. So they traveled for redemption, prayer and salvation. To draw the masses
relics of saints, anything that might have been touched by Christ, the Apostles, The Holy Mother,
or even bones, hair, cloth and even parts of a body were lavishly decorated and enshrined.

There is a route on this link which shows the pilgrimage routes in Western Europe.

https://www.khanacademy.org/humaniti...t-of-the-relic

[banjomike]

Cathedrals were sort of like Disneyland. The relics attracted people, and people brought money with them. They were also a real point of civic and religious pride to many of the towns that built them, and were the focal point for local celebrations and the other medieval equivalents of block parties.

This was especially true in France, where local cathedrals became the center point for people for miles and miles around. The intense competition for the town that could built the most spectacular cathedral became like our space race was, but the competition lasted about 200 years.

The greatest beneficiary of all was the Roman Catholic Church, so it encouraged the competition.

[travric]

Re: 'Cathedrals were sort of like Disneyland'

You know I checked out one of my favorite cathedrals that I hope to get lost in one day and that's Chartres in France. When I got away from looking at the carved stones and then to the stained glass windows I had to think what kind of a revelation those windows presented to the patrons who came into the cathedral. When one looks at those 'Rose' windows with their extremely intricate and beautiful work art takes you into another realm. Sure curious how much if the glass is original since Chartres goes way back to the 12th/13th centuries. And even before that before stones were erected!

[baileyvpotter]

Stunning Romanesque San Lorenzo Cathedral in Genoa, Italy. White and black marble that survived WWII
and holds the ashes of Saints (including John the Baptist's plus the plate that held his head) and a relic of the Last Supper.

You can rotate/move around to see a virtual tour (hope it works). It should show the interior but when I checked
a second time I got a Google street map - near the church.

http://www.chiesadigenova.it/home_pa...attedrale.html

[travric]

^
Real good...thx