Medieval architecture

In the fifteenth century, architects began to favour classical forms again, in the Renaissance style, marking the end of the medieval period.

The pre-Romanesque period lasted from the beginning of the Middle Ages (around 500 AD) to the emergence of the Romanesque style (from the 10th century).

Other features, including rib vaulting, exterior buttresses, elaborate tracery and stained glass, are commonly found in Gothic architecture.

The choir of the Basilica of Saint-Denis in France, completed in 1144, is considered to be the first wholly Gothic building, combining all of these elements.

Examples survive across Europe, including in Belarus, Czechia, England, France, Italy, Lithuania, the Low Countries, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavia, and Spain.

Each country developed a unique style of Gothic architecture, as did many smaller regions, including Southern France, Milan, Venice, Catalonia, Levante, and Valencia.

Most surviving churches are in the Gothic style, and share a number of features — stained glass, vaulting, buttresses, and an altar at the east end.

Surviving examples of medieval secular architecture mainly served for defense, these include forts, castles, tower houses, and fortified walls.

Fortifications were built during the Middle Ages to display the power of the lords of the land and reassure common folk in their protection of property and livelihood.

[9]In the early Middle Ages, fortifications were made from wood and earth, these were called Motte and bailey castles.

Military architecture began to start being created with stone in the 11th century, it was also used to indicate wealth and power of the area protected with it.

Windows gained a cross-shape for more than decorative purposes, they provided a perfect fit for a crossbowman to shoot invaders from inside safely.

[13] They also provide an insight into the social history of the area it sits in through its architecture due to them adapting throughout the years to accommodate what the owner needed most.