What did Byzantine architecture look like?

What did Byzantine architecture look like?

Byzantine architects were eclectic, at first drawing heavily on Roman temple features. Their combination of the basilica and symmetrical central-plan (circular or polygonal) religious structures resulted in the characteristic Byzantine Greek-cross-plan church, with a square central mass and four arms of equal length.

What are some key features of Byzantine architecture?

Domes: Most churches and buildings in the Byzantine style feature vaults, pendentives, and columns to hold up large domes at the center of their structure. Greek cross plans: In keeping with their heritage in Orthodox Christianity, architects designed the floor plans for Byzantine churches in the shape of a cross.

What is the most characteristic feature of Byzantine architecture?

The most distinctive feature was the domed roof. To allow a dome to rest above a square base, either of two devices was used: the squinch (an arch in each of the corners of a square base that transforms it into an octagon) or the pendentive.

What is a famous example of Byzantine architecture?

The most famous example of Byzantine architecture is the Hagia Sophia, and it has been described as “holding a unique position in the Christian world”, and as an architectural and cultural icon of Byzantine and Eastern Orthodox civilization.

What are the materials used in Byzantine architecture?

While brick, stone, or a mixture of both to create decorative patterns were the materials most often used for Byzantine churches, many were simply converted pagan temples or other secular buildings.

What is the materials used in Byzantine architecture?

What is the name of the most famous Byzantine architectural structure?

the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople
The largest, most important and still most famous Byzantine church, or indeed any building, is the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, dedicated to the holy wisdom (hagia sophia) of God.

What did Byzantine houses look like?

Housing. The well-off had large multi-roomed houses with inner courtyards, bathrooms, gardens, fountains, and even a small chapel. The public rooms of such houses had marble floors and walls decorated with mosaics while those private rooms such as bedrooms, which were usually on the second floor, had painted interiors.

What is the greatest monument of Byzantine architecture?

The largest, most important and still most famous Byzantine church, or indeed any building, is the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, dedicated to the holy wisdom (hagia sophia) of God. It was built in 532-537 CE during the reign of Justinian I (r.

What makes a cathedral Gothic?

Classic Elements. While the Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches, rib vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.

Why do Gothic cathedrals have pointed arches?

The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements.

What is the name of the most famous Byzantine architecture structure?

The largest, most important and still most famous Byzantine church, or indeed any building, is the Hagia Sophia of Constantinople, dedicated to the holy wisdom (hagia sophia) of God. It was built in 532-537 CE during the reign of Justinian I (r.

What are the characteristics of Byzantine architecture?

Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo: Stock Photos from Repina Valeriya/Shutterstock) The elevated dome is the most recognizable feature of Byzantine architecture. This characteristic is the perfect example of how advanced structural knowledge influenced the style.

How did the Byzantines build their churches?

To do this the Byzantines created a massive pendentive dome, which is a dome that sits atop multiple arches over a square foundation. This style of church evolved from older forms of buildings like Roman Mausoleums, and Roman rotunda-style temples. The Hagia Sophia and the Basilica of San Vitale are two examples of churches built in this style.

What are some of the most famous Byzantine buildings today?

Today the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon stands only about 1500 feet (450 meters) from the shores of the Black Sea and is one of several notable Byzantine buildings within the modern city. 14. Sumela Monastery – Maçka, Black Sea Region, Turkey Constructed: 13 th century CE Emperor: Varies Category: Religious Building

What kind of art did the Byzantines do?

The apse of the church is known for its particularly striking Byzantine Mosaics. Although mosaics had been used for thousands of years, the Byzantines made certain technological advances to the craft. Byzantine Mosaics were extremely influential among several other art forms over the centuries. 17. Hagios Demetrios – Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece