Were Structures Built During the Middle Ages Magnificent Due to Skilled Craftsmen?

While the Middle Ages produced some stunning examples of architecture, particularly gothic cathedrals, many more structures were built for practicality and durability. Let’s delve into why many medieval buildings are often seen as practical, heavy, and sturdy rather than magnificent.

Practical and Sturdy Structures

One can look at Stockholm in the year 1535 to see how quickly progress can erase architectural marvels. The tower in the foreground remains, but it is a replica reconstructed with the original bricks. The gabled houses in the center, beneath the church, still stand in part, but the rest has been overtaken by time and progress. This pattern of burgeoning structures giving way to modernization is not uncommon.

The Bromma Church, a fortress church from the late 12th century, stands as a testament to the practical nature of medieval architecture. Despite the wonderful murals inside, the exterior does not evince the grandeur often associated with magnificent structures. Similarly, the medieval city walls of Gotland, reaped by economic prosperity during the Teutonic Knights League and the Hanseatic League, have also been largely replaced by the demands of modernity.

The Role of Skilled Craftsmen

While skilled craftsmen undeniably contributed to the architectural masterpieces of the period, their skills were often more practical than grand. The evidence in the structures themselves indicates that the quality of the work was more a reflection of the materials, designs, and the care taken during construction. Thus, while masterful, the structures were crafted with the intent to serve their functional purposes rather than as showpieces.

The Brooklyn Monk and His Perspective

A thoughtful exchange between Alex and Barrie adds depth to this discussion. Barrie suggests that the great masterpieces of the Middle Ages, such as castles and cathedrals, were indeed created with meticulous care, excellent materials, and remarkable craftsmanship. However, he also emphasizes that the vast majority of structures were built with more practical considerations in mind.

Sustainable and Functional Design

The homes of the wealthy and famous during the Middle Ages are often described in terms that suggest anything but magnificence—damp, dark, and cold. This speaks to the functional design of these buildings rather than their ability to awe and inspire. Only those structures that were made with the intention of impressing retained their magnificence. The majority were built to withstand the elements and last the intended duration without any pretense of architectural grandeur.

Conclusion

The construction of magnificent structures during the Middle Ages was indeed a testament to the skills of the craftsmen and the careful attention to details. However, the overwhelming majority of structures were built for practical and often necessary purposes rather than artistic grandeur. The remnants of those that have managed to survive serve as a lasting reminder of the architectural achievements of the time.