GERMAN ROMANESQUE

Influencing Factors

Geographical On the banks of the Rhine and in the south, Christianity took root, while, in the north and east, paganism still existed. Geological Existence of stone in the Rhine valley facilitated and fireproof by the early introduction of vaulting. Climate Average temperature of Central Germany may be said to be the same as Southern England.

Influencing Factors

Religion Germans looked much to Rome and Charlemagne, being a strong supporter of Christianity. Plan of a typical church of this period is peculiar in having eastern and western apses. Number of important circular churches, built as tombs, or more especially as baptisteries, the conversion of tribes giving a great importance to that ceremony. Social and Political Germany united under Charlemagne afterwards split up into small principalities that where divided into many distinct nationalities, became fused into an absolute monarchy and has remained. Historical The first Frankish king who became the Roman Emperor, was crowned by the Pope at Rome, and ruled over the land of the Franks, which included all Central Germany and Northern Gaul. He restored the arts and civilization to Western Europe, resulting the erection of many important buildings in his dominions.

Architectural Character
Rich in the multiplication of circular and octagonal turrets, in conjunction with polygonal domes, using the arcaded galleries under the eaves. Mostly rich in ornamented parts like doorways and capitals, which are bold and effective in execution. a.) PLAN The naves and aisles are vaulted in square bays, one vaulting bay of the nave being equal to two of the aisle, as in the plan of Worms Cathedral, and the Church of the Apostles, Cologne. The choir is always apsidal, and often raised to admit of crypts beneath. Peculiar church plan in having eastern and western apses, thus having the entrance at the sides. Numerous towers, either, circular, or polygonal, producing a rich and varied outline. Two being at the east end flanking the apse, and two at the west end connected by a gallery. The towers rise in successive stories and a characteristic finish consists of four gables and a steep roof, a hip rafter from each gable top.

Architectural Character
b.) WALLS Blank walls are cut up by flat strips connected horizontally by ranges of small arches springing from corbels Open arcades, the origin of which have already been dealt, occur under the eaves of roofs, especially round apses. The church have sometimes a triforium and always a clerestory. c.) OPENINGS No tendency towards tracery is found. The windows are usually single, being rarely grouped. The doorways are placed at the side, rarely in the west front or transept ends. d.) ROOFS It was supported by a half-barrel vaults over the aisle ( a system which leads to Gothic vaulting). Tower roofs, and

Architectural Character
e.) COLUMNS The nave arcades were generally constructed of square piers with half columns attached, and the alteration of piers and columns is a favorite GERMAN feature. f.) MOULDINGS These are as a rule of indifferent design, but the capitals and bases take a distinctive form, leading from Roman through Romanesque to Gothic. e.) ORNAMENT Internally the flat plain surfaces were occasionally decorated in fresco, and the traditions and examples of the early Christian and Byzantine mosaic decorations, were carried in color. In the north colored bricks were used, and were sustainable for rich decoration, thus accounting for the absence of sculptured foliage.