How to Study Medieval Architecture

Because most extant medieval architecture consists of stone or brick buildings built on a grand scale, sites for study aren't hard to find. It can be difficult, however, to identify styles and periods from books, photos and descriptions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Become familiar with the way art historians typically divide medieval archictecture. The Pre-Romanesque period is considered to be the early middle ages, from the fall of Rome to the 11th century AD. The Romanesque period covers buildings from the 11th to the 12th centuries; and the Gothic period is from the 12th century up to the Renaissance.
2. Buy books on medieval architecture. A couple of good ones are "Medieval Architecture (Oxford History of Art)" by Nicola Coldstream and "Medieval Architecture in Western Europe From AD 300 to 1500" by Robert G. Calkins.
3. Focus your study on one particular time or place until you're an expert. Pick a topic such as Gothic cathedrals of France or medieval fortresses of the British Isles.
4. Visit some of the more important medieval sites, if possible. Studying from books can be useful, but nothing compares to seeing the structures in real life. Plan your next vacation near one of your favorite buildings, or take a study-abroad course.

Tips & Warnings

• Almost all universities offer different types of study-abroad classes. Some are as short as three weeks, some as long as a semester or more. Inquire at the anthropology department about archeology field schools to medieval sites.

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