High Middle Ages Images

White Tower the oldest portion of the compound.

1.Tower of London: London, United Kingdom

The Tower is actually a compound of structures built through the ages for varying purposes, mostly as expressions of royal power. The oldest is the White Tower, begun by William the Conqueror in 1078 to keep London's native Saxon population in check. Later rulers added other towers, walls, and fortified gates, until the buildings became like a small town within a city. Until the reign of James I (beginning in 1603), the Tower was also a royal residence. But above all, it was a prison for important captives.

The Tower, besides being a royal palace, a fortress, and a prison, was also an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, and, in 1675, an astronomical observatory.

2. Ponte Vecchio: Florence, Italy

The oldest and most famous bridge across the Arno, the Ponte Vecchio we know today was built in 1345 by Taddeo Gaddi to replace an earlier version. The characteristic overhanging shops have lined the bridge since at least the 12th century.

3. Book of Kells 

Before mechanical printing every stage in the creation of a medieval book required intensive labor, sometimes involving the collaboration of entire workshops. Parchment for the pages had to be made from the dried hides of animals, cut to size and sewn into quires; inks had to be mixed, pens prepared, and the pages ruled for lettering. A scribe copied the text from an established edition, and artists might then embellish it with illustrations, decorated initials, and ornament in the margins. The most lavish medieval books were bound in covers set with enamels, jewels, and ivory carvings.

The Book of Kells is one of the most famous of these books.  The book illustrates the four Gospels using  Christian iconography and insular art (island - British Isle art).  The book is written in Latin.

4. Bayeux Tapestry

Is a long embroidered cloth that depicts the events that led to the Norman conquest of England and the Battle of Hastings.  It is annotated in Latin.

5. Notre Dame: Paris, France

Is considered the finest example of French Gothic Architecture.  This type of architecture is characterized by pointed arches, rib vaulting, lightness (vast expansive stained glass windows), soaring spaces (height made possible by flying buttresses), and decorative sculptures.  

11. Westminster Abbey: London, United Kingdom

Westminster is a gothic church and the traditional location of coronation and burial of English and later British royals. It is also known as Poet's Corner because Chaucer was buried there because he was master of the Kings Works. Other famous authors have been buried or memorialized alongside Chaucer. 

6. St. Basil Cathedral: Moscow, Russia

St. Basil Cathedral is located in Moscow, Russia. This cathedral was built during the reign of Ivan IV in the Red Square to commemorate the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.  It is the most famous site at Red Square.  

7. Basilica di Santa Maria del Flore; Florence, Italy

Referred to as Il Duomo the structure's dome was one of the largest in the world until recent years. It remains the largest brick dome ever built. The cathedral is known for its Renaissance dome designed by Brunelleschi. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Florence.