But Romanesque architecture not only produced churches. The
surge of pilgrims -along with the workers who built temples,
and the merchants that filled the Route with their stalls-
favoured the development of a civil architecture that complemented
the religious one. These civil constructions included hostelries,
hospitals, bridges and houses to give shelter to the crowds
of people on their way to Santiago. The Medieval cities were
established gradually, and on its centre rose a Romanesque
church with its cupolas and apses.
The main feature of the Romanesque architecture is simplicity,
the purity of lines and shapes. In Spain disappeared the prevailing
eclecticism that combined Byzantine details with local, paleochristian
and Germanic influences. However some local components continued
to be cultivated, such as the fajón arch. Some Romanesque
churches also show a Mudéjar influence.
The Romanesque temple is characterised by the latin cross
ground plan; three naves (the central is higher and wider
than the side naves); a transept with a tower (cupola) that
limits the central nave on one of its ends; and a semicircular
chancel, occupied by the high altar. Depending on the size
of the construction, the transept arms can contain chapels.
The temples were orientated towards Jerusalem; the chancels
were built on the east façade, and the entrance, directly
opposite, on the west side. This façade was richly
decorated with mouldings, columns and capitals where scenes
from the Bible were carved. |
