Romanesque architecture is a term that describes the style of architecture which was used in Europe from the late 10th century until the 12th century when it changed to the Gothic style . Romanesque architecture is an architectural style of Medieval Europe , characterized by semi-circular arches , and evolving into the Gothic style , characterised by pointed arches , beginning in the 12th century . Although there is no consensus for the beginning date of the style , with proposals ranging from the 6th to the 10th centuries , examples can be found across the continent , making Romanesque architecture the first pan-European architectural style since Imperial Roman Architecture .