Romanesque Crypts
Sometime in the middle ages during the Romanesque period, the cathedral churches would eventually replace the smaller monastic churches of the time. This change came about to accommodate the growing congregations that were developing due to the ever increasing popularity of Christianity since its legalization in 313AD. This transpired during the reign of Constantine. Archaic building skills, fire and warfare had threatened collapse to many of these older churches. Architectural taste in addition to skill were also improving. (Aubert)
The term Romanesque began sometime between 1818 and 1842 as a nod to the merging of Roman and Carolingian architecture. This had…show more content… (www.Spainthenandnow.com) The Romanesque architectural Cathedrals that would begin to show up across the landscape now consisted of thick massive walls with rounded arches built in to use as windows and doors as well as to allow light to come in. The sturdy walls, along with strong piers, supported dome roofs with decorative arcading inside that would most often depict religious stories and images of the saints. Around the late 10th century small features of stained glass windows would also make their debut, though most have long since been destroyed by warfare and fire. They additionally had large towers usually with a spiral or cross on top along with groin vaults built underneath the main body of the church; these could vary in size depending upon the church. (www.newworldencyclopedia.org) The layout of most floorplans resembled that of a religious cross and were more simplistic in their form than the more elaborate Gothic style Cathedrals that were yet to come; still they displayed a great state of grandeur for…show more content… Building of the structure began in 323AD under the reign of Constantine, but would not be completed until sometime after his death. The site of the church was once the location of Nero’s favored circus were many Christians met their death in martyrdom, including the crucifixion of Saint Peter this is marked by an altar within the church. The church itself has undergone many transformations over time but one of the most lasting important attractions are the tombs and Articles inside that pay homage to the history of the religion along with the most significant people who practiced it. Within the current church of Saint Peters Basilica you will find the tombs of Saint Peter himself (also referred to as Prince of the Apostles), the two famous Apostles Simeon and Judas, Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, Pope Sixtus IV, Pope Benedict XIV, Saints Leo II, III, IV, XI & XIII, Pope Innocent VIII, Pope Urban VIII, Pope Paul III and so many others. The large number of richly decorated tombs reflects the deep beliefs and traditions of the Catholic religion that have spanned across the ages. Another impressive factor in the history of the church is that the great artist Michelangelo himself has contributed his talents to the interior decoration of the church, as well as Donato Bramante a renowned Italian architect, and the famous Italian painter and