Sénanque Abbey, France 1148

Sénanque Abbey in France, built during the Romanesque period, embodies the period's architectural and spiritual ideals through its arches and stonework. The arches, repeated throughout the structure, symbolize both physical support and spiritual passage. These rounded arches evoke a sense of solemnity reminiscent of ancient Roman aqueducts, structures designed for practical purposes that became symbols of empire and order. In the abbey, they frame views of the cloistered garden, connecting the earthly realm with the divine. This design echoes the arch motif found in Byzantine mosaics, where they frame holy figures. The form evokes a sense of the sacred, shaping our perception and leading the eye upwards, towards the heavens. The arch, therefore, is not merely a structural element but a cultural symbol—a potent and enduring sign that speaks to the cyclical nature of history and the persistence of human aspirations.