Vézelay
In this view down the nave of a French monastic church built in the early twelfth century, almost all the elements of Romanesque architecture are visible: a “tunnel” vault, here enlivened with black and while stone ribbing; round arches between the piers (here made up of several columns); and relatively small windows. Romanesque churches impress by their sober solidity, which is, however, often relieved, as here, by carved capitals above the columns. Some Romanesque churches also boasted wall paintings. (Andrea Jemolo / akg-images.)