history of the vaults (4 de 5) Print E-mail

[...] The 11th century was the Norman century and, besides, marks the beginning of the Crusades. The Normans came in contact with the Middle East and linked it to the Northwest of France and the British Isles. By means of the Crusades, the central European kingdoms tie an important military and trading link with the farthest eastern Mediterranean, which would span several centuries. The need to provide the conquered lands with huge fortresses would make the Europeans come in contact with the local building techniques. Most likely that was how the technique to build cross – ribbed vaults entered the western world of knowledge: the vessels coming from these areas brought along not only soldiers and goods but also building techniques unknown in Europe until that moment. [...]

Catedral de Santiago de Compostela Catedral de Santiago de Compostela