What was a significant motivation behind the construction of Romanesque cathedrals?

The construction of Romanesque cathedrals was significantly motivated by the increase in pilgrimages during the medieval period. As Christianity spread and became more established, pilgrimage routes developed, leading to an influx of people traveling to sites believed to hold religious significance, such as those containing relics of saints. Cathedrals were constructed to accommodate these pilgrims, often becoming the focal points of these journeys.

The architecture of Romanesque cathedrals, with their sturdy stone construction, semi-circular arches, and expansive interiors, was designed to serve both liturgical functions and the practical needs of large numbers of visitors. The need for spaces that could house worship services for the faithful and facilities for pilgrims further drove the ambition to build grand and enduring structures. This development also reflected a broader trend in society where faith, devotion, and collective religious experiences became central to community life.

Other motivations, while relevant to the context of the time, do not capture the primary impetus behind the construction of these significant structures as directly as the phenomenon of pilgrimage.