The Middle Ages , an age of imposing castles, majestic cathedrals and fortified villages, offers a fascinating panorama of architecture and design, where doors also play a fundamental role .
True ancestors of modern wooden doors , medieval doors were not only physical barriers, but also symbols of power, protection and status . Driven by curiosity, we went to discover the different types of fixtures used during the Middle Ages, analyzing materials, construction methods and decorative styles that characterized this historical period.
Castle Gates: Security and Power
Solid Swing Doors
Medieval castle gates were primarily designed for security. These often huge and heavy barriers were made of solid wood , reinforced with iron bands and studs. The most commonly used material was oak , chosen for its strength and resistance to attack.
Drawbridge and Gates
The drawbridge was a distinctive feature of medieval castles, accompanied by a massive gate. These gates were built to withstand sieges and featured complex mechanisms to raise and lower them. The gate was usually covered in iron , with massive hinges and strong bolts to ensure a secure closure.
Doors of Cathedrals and Churches: Majesty and Spirituality
Decorated Doors
Medieval cathedrals and churches had doors that not only served to protect the building, but also to impress and inspire the faithful . These doors were often decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs depicting biblical scenes, saints, and symbolic motifs. Bronze was a common material for cathedral doors, used to create intricately detailed decorative panels.
Romanesque and Gothic Portals
Romanesque cathedral doors were generally arched and massive, with a solid and heavy design. With the advent of Gothic architecture, doors became taller and more slender, often topped with carved tympanums and flanked by small columns and niches containing statues.
Home Doors: Functionality and Style
Doors of Farmhouses
Medieval rural homes had much simpler doors than those of castles and cathedrals. They were generally made of oak or pine, with a sturdy but simple design. The doors of peasant houses often had a deadbolt system and sometimes a small slit or window to see who was knocking.
Doors of the Merchants' Houses
In the cities, the houses of merchants and artisans had more elaborate doors than rural dwellings. These doors, while still maintaining a certain robustness, could be decorated with carvings and often had a smaller door integrated, a sort of little door, for everyday use, leaving the main door closed for security.
Construction Techniques and Materials
Construction and Fixing
Medieval construction techniques were advanced for their time. Doors were often assembled with wooden pins and iron reinforcements , using advanced carpentry techniques to ensure stability and durability. Hinges were sturdy and often artistically crafted, for both large and small doors.
Materials Used
In addition to oak, other types of wood such as pine and chestnut were also used to build doors. Iron was the main material for reinforcements and decorations, due to its strength and workability . In some cases, for the doors of religious buildings, bronze and copper were used for decorative panels and handles.
From the Middle Ages to Today, the Importance of Doors in History
Doors in the Middle Ages were not simply barriers between the inside and the outside, but works of art and engineering. From massive castle gates to elaborate cathedral doors, to the simple yet functional doors of rural homes, each door told a story of protection, status and style .
Understanding medieval door and window types not only gives us a glimpse into the life and culture of the time, but also inspires us to consider how we can integrate quality and historical elements into our modern homes. For advice and suggestions on how to make your home doors unique, contact the experts at Porte Italiane on 0941 901 172 .
