Editing Romanesque Revival Architecture (section)

== Churches ==

Philadelphia's churches embraced Romanesque Revival for buildings that expressed religious permanence through massive stone construction. The style's round arches connected to early Christian precedents, evoking the basilicas of Rome and the great pilgrimage churches of medieval Europe. Heavy masonry walls suggested sanctuary and protection, appropriate symbolism for religious function. Bell towers rose with fortress-like solidity, their round-arched openings providing visual connection to the nave below.<ref name="tatum"/>

Several Philadelphia churches demonstrate Romanesque Revival at various scales and interpretations. Large congregations built substantial stone churches with elaborate carved ornament, stained glass, and interior finishes of impressive quality. Smaller churches adapted the style's essential elements—round arches, heavy materials, bold massing—to more modest budgets and sites. These churches continue to serve their congregations, their Romanesque forms providing distinctive architectural presence within their neighborhoods.<ref name="ochsner"/>