The term Medieval Architecture is used to represent various forms of architecture popular in Europe. Castles and fortified walls provide the most notable remaining non-religious examples of medieval architecture. Religion has always had a great influence on architectural styles, as has defense and natural geographical features.

Towers of medieval castles were usually made of stone or sometimes (but rarely) wood. Often toward the later part of the era they included battlements and arrow loops. Materials that were used in the building of castles varied through history. Wood was used for most castles until 1066. They were cheap and were quick to construct. The reason wood fell into disuse as a material is that it is quite flammable. Soon stone became more popular.

The next step is to recognize or examine the building materials used. Most medieval churches were built of limestone, with wood acting as support for flying buttresses. Wood was not a common building material in past ages. You will find gorgeous stained-glass windows. The windows are representative of medieval architecture. You will find extravagant use of colors and size in the medieval churches.

In the 1100’s, people built Romanesque churches in Germany, like the abbey church in Regensburg. Around 1200 AD, people changed from the old Romanesque style to a new Gothic style: first in Italy, with the churches at Florence and Pisa, then in France, with the cathedrals of Laon, of Paris, of Chartres, of Rouen, of Reims, of Amiens, and finally in England with Westminster Abbey, in Germany with Munster, Regensburg, Bremen, Freiburg, and Cologne and in Italy with Milan.

Compare the difference between religious and secular medieval architecture. The emphasis is on defense, as opposed to symbolism. Some of the notable features include a moat (which varied between wet and dry to keep the enemy at bay), wide outer walls (between 20 and 40 feet wide) for the sentries to keep watch, and crenellated edges for the archers to shoot between, which also provided protection.

Well, above are some key features that define the classic and elegant medieval architecture!

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