Castle of Loarre, Spain 1100

The Castle of Loarre in Spain, built by Romanesque architects between the 11th and 13th centuries, is largely made of stone, a material that was abundant locally. This wasn’t just a matter of convenience. Stone was chosen for its durability, weight, and the sense of permanence it conveyed. The process of quarrying, transporting, and setting these stones was incredibly labor-intensive. You can imagine teams of workers, likely local peasants, spending years on this project. Their work has imbued the castle with a sense of social significance, reflecting the power and resources of the monarchy. The castle’s solid, geometric forms, the towers and thick walls, communicate a clear message: strength, security, and the ability to endure. Traditional building techniques are evident, but the way the castle integrates with the landscape shows a high degree of aesthetic sensibility, and sophistication. The Castle of Loarre shows us that there’s no real divide between art, craft and design. They are interwoven.