When people go abroad to places like Europe, many of them like to admire the architecture. However, not many of them would be able to distinguish between two main styles of architecture, Romanesque and Gothic. Both are stone buildings, but there are many differences between them that distinguish them from each other. From historic period to design, both architectural styles are more than just stone and work, decorative and defensive. These are pieces of our past that serve as reminders of times gone by, as well as examples that allow us to identify different time periods in our day. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Starting from the time period, Romanesque architecture appeared during the Holy Roman Empire period, between 800 AD and 1100 AD (2012). This architectural style reached the height of its popularity between 1075 AD and 1125 AD (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica 2018). Meanwhile, Gothic architecture appeared around 1140 AD Gothic architecture experienced three different highlights: early, high and late Gothic. The Early Gothic style was first to appear around 1140 AD, followed by the High Gothic style from 1194 AD to 1300 AD (Frankl & Crossley 2000), then the Late Gothic style whose dates are still a matter of debate. Each of these “new” styles of Gothic architecture were improvements on the previous one. However, compared to Romanesque, there are still architectural differences that distinguish them. Romanesque castles and churches were built to be durable and places of defense. The windows were small, the interiors were cramped, uncreative in terms of decor, and not the tallest when compared to the massive buildings of the later style. Gothic architecture was built for beauty and places of worship, boasting large stained glass windows, enormous interiors, artistic designs inside and out, as well as improvements that allowed architects to build them taller, such as flying buttresses, arches with a pointed arch and vaulted ceilings. ceilings. The designs that came with Gothic architecture also created a competition among architects to see who could build the most ornate building. People might ask, “Now that we know what sets them apart, where did they first appear?” Well, for starters, Romanesque originated in Central and Western Europe, which was controlled by the Holy Roman Empire. These buildings were built for the growing number of people choosing to follow the monastic lifestyle, which required larger churches to accommodate more monks and priests, as well as pilgrims who came to see the relics of saints. As for Gothic, this style appeared in northern France. Now, what caused this change from building durable and defensive buildings to tall and magnificent? The answer is time and peace. Gothic architecture is the result of several centuries of cultural development and large building projects brought by “prosperity and relative peace”. In the Romanesque period, churches and castles had to be built for defensive purposes as the Norsemen came from Normandy and began to invade places like Britain and northern France. When life becomes a constant question: “Will the Norwegians come down and invade my land too,” then people are more likely to build homes and religious places that are durable and easy to defend. Romanesque is the parent who lived in the most difficult times and Gothic is the beautiful child that was born from it. When people go overseas to Europe, they will see perfect examples of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture. All the.