Pre-Romanesque

Pre-Romanesque refers to a period in European art and architecture that occurred before the development of the Romanesque style, roughly from the late 7th to the late 10th century. It is characterized by a blend of local traditions and influences from the Byzantine and Islamic worlds. This style often features simple, solid forms, decorative elements, and the use of stone in construction, reflecting a transition from the earlier, more fragmented styles of the Early Middle Ages. Pre-Romanesque structures often include churches and monasteries, marking a significant evolution in medieval architecture leading to the more elaborate Romanesque period.