Regional Romanesque Architecture: Styles and Features

Pisa Area Romanesque Style

The Romanesque style in the Pisa area is characterized by a complex where the cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower are separated to enhance their monumental appearance. Churches in this region typically feature five naves and three naves in the transept, distinctive characteristics of Italian Romanesque. They incorporate arches and large galleries covering the walls. For decoration, the space between architectural elements is often utilized for openings. The Baptistery is circular, and the bell tower features numerous arches.

German Romanesque Style

Key features of German Romanesque include the potential use of a double apse or a double cross plan.

Rhine Zone Romanesque

This sub-style often incorporates similar cylindrical towers at both the westwork (feet) and the east end (head) of the church. A prime example is *Mainz Cathedral*.

Spanish Romanesque Architecture

Catalan Romanesque

The Romanesque style in Catalonia exhibits a strong Arab influence, particularly evident in the capitals. Notable examples include *Sant Pere de Rodes* (with Lombard influence) and *Sant Pere de Galligants*. These temples are characterized by their beautiful, often square towers and arched apses. We also find *Santa Maria de Ripoll*, which features a central apse and five additional apses in the transept. Its central nave is supported by pillars, while the side naves alternate between pillars and columns.

Romanesque of Castile and Leon

This style saw the creation of numerous monasteries and temples, such as the *Monastery of Leyre*. However, its Romanesque columns are notably low, featuring typical ancient Romanesque capitals. The *Cathedral of Jaca* features three naves with a transept that prominently extends from the main building. It has a triple apse at the east end, and its interior design alternates between pillars and columns.

Navarro-Aragonese Romanesque

The *Collegiate Church of San Isidoro in León* (often referred to as a cathedral due to its significance) is a defining example of this regional style. It features a notable portal that later became the famous Pantheon of the Kings. It has three naves with a transept and a triple apse at the east end. The central nave is covered by a barrel vault, and the aisles are covered by groin vaults. The main portal is relatively simple, featuring three archivolt arches, one of which includes blind arches. However, the undisputed highlight of this period is the *Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela*. It boasts three naves and an additional three naves in the transept, covered by a barrel vault in the central nave and groin vaults in the side naves. It features four towers: two at the west facade (feet) and two in the transept.