Romanesque was the dominant architectural style in Europe from the 10th to the 12th century.

Romanesque churches are characterized by their thick walls, small windows, rounded arches, and massive, fortress-like appearance.

They used barrel vaults and groin vaults to create fireproof stone ceilings.

Gothic architecture emerged in northern France in the 12th century and superseded the Romanesque style.

Three key innovations defined Gothic architecture: the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, and the flying buttress.

The pointed arch and ribbed vault allowed for greater height and more efficient distribution of weight.

The flying buttress was an external support that carried the weight of the roof, allowing the walls to be thin and filled with massive stained-glass windows.

This created interiors that were tall, light-filled, and gave a sense of soaring verticality.

Gothic cathedrals were decorated with elaborate sculptures and gargoyles.

The transition from the dark, solid Romanesque style to the light-filled Gothic style is one of the major developments in architectural history.