Fletcher, Banister; Fletcher, Banister: A history of architecture for the student, craftsman, and amateur: being a comparative view of the historical styles from the earliest period (London, 1896)

ITALIAN ROMANESQUE.

IO9

1100, while the rest of Europe was slowly developing towards
the Gothic style in architecture, Rome was continuing to
use the remains of classic buildings, utilizing their columns
and features in any new buildings.

The Cloisters of S. John Lateran, twelfth century.
The small twisted columns are inlaid with mosaic in patterns
of great beauty, evidencing the patient skill of the workmen.
The cloisters are formed in square bays, the vault arches
inclosing the arcades, in groups of five or more openings.

Towers. In Rome during this period a series of towers
were erected, which may be regarded as prototypes of the
Mediaeval towers and spires. Their origin is not clear, as
the custom of bell ringing was not then in existence.

Florence. S. Miniato (No. 62) is a leading example of
this central Italian style. The principal features are the
division of the church into three main compartments
longitudinally; and the raised eastern portion, under which
is a crypt, open to the nave. The division of the church
by piers seems as a prelude to the idea of vaulting in com-
partments, and is an evident departure from the basilica
type of long unbroken ranges of columns or arcades. The
marble panelling, of exterior and interior, is to be noticed ;
it was carried to a further extent in the next period.

For the Comparative table of Italian Romanesque, see at
the end of the sections (page 116).