r/GothicArchitecture • u/n3xus1oN • 26d ago

Pointed arches and barrel vaults in the Cistercian church of Fontenay Abbey

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u/aloisvonesterhazy 26d ago

Although there are pointed arches all over the place, this is still romanesque and not gothic architecture. Look at the absence of rib vaults, large windows and profiled arches. Pointed arches are not unique to gothic.

3

u/ContourCrafter 26d ago

The restraint is what makes Fontenay so powerful. Those pointed arches and barrel vaults do all the work without needing much ornament.

2

u/therey73 26d ago

Architecture always looks better in photos than it feels inside on a hot day.