The Romanesque style was a step forward to a stable design centered around the shape of the cross

This includes a lit ceiling, a tall spire in the center of the cross, round arched and massive with thick stone walls.

The design is more balanced than any before, better thought out, better accessorized in windows and light, sculpture and decoration.

The Church was gaining wealth and popularity and massive, large, expensive churches were seen as status symbols for various towns and the towns people would spend their lives working on building the church.

It was the main industry in some towns, and each churches' design built upon the last churches' success.