\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \qj\li105\ri105 \f1 \b ROMANESQUE AND GOTHIC\par
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\ql \b0 As the Christians began their reconquest of the peninsula, there was a notable s
urge in the construction of Catholic places of worship. This was especially true in the north, where the Arabs had been unable to penetrate, and in the region of Catalonia. The dominant architectural style was based on the model of the Italian Romanesque
but went on to assimilate features characteristic of the Gothic style that was emerging in France. In fact, the pointed arch, the division of the chancel into radial chapels, and a marked verticality became common elements in religious architecture. Tra
its peculiar to the Spanish experience include the survival of Arab elements and the distinctive richness of decoration on the carved capitals that adorn the cloisters.
