neo-romanesque
A revival of Romanesque architecture, characterized by heavily rusticated stonework, rounded arches, large forms, and steep roofs.
Pictured: Allegheny County Courthouse
Neo-Romanesque architecture is a late 19th and early 20th century revival of the medieval Romanesque style, which was in turn a revival of classical Roman architecture. This was a popular style for public architecture in Europe and America especially during the 1880s. It was often used in courthouses, churches, libraries, and public buildings. It was used in small rural towns, and also incorporated into many of the first steel-framed high-rise buildings.
Distinguishing features include turrets, rounded arches, hipped roofs, and very heavy rusticated stonework. Proportions in this style tend to run large, both in the overall building form and in the size of the details.
A major subset of this style is named Richardsonian Romanesque, after Boston architect Henry Hobson Richardson. This substyle is characterized by heavy rustication and strongly rounded forms, often accentuated with subtle variations in color.
Approximate Dates: 1870 to 1905
