Why the Romantic architecture of the 18th century still excites us

Romanticism is described as a period of transition and upheaval. Around 1800, there was a renewed interest in Gothic architecture. Architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel brought his impressions from his travels to Italy and Greece, initially incorporating them into his paintings and later into his buildings. 

Traditional architectural theory gave way to a sensitive architectural aesthetic, focusing on the viewer's emotions and imagination. Different building elements were used to evoke these feelings. 

Romantic architecture isn't a distinct style like Brutalism. Instead, the term describes the transitional period between the waning of Classicism and the rise of Historicism. 

However, both of these eras—and at their thresholds— carry various features influenced by Romantic literature, painting, and music. 

Typical for both Classicism and Historicism is the rediscovery of ruins as cultural heritage and the popularization of national monuments. Bygone architectural styles, such as Gothic, were restored and reinterpreted during the Romantic era. 

In Neo-Gothic buildings (1830–1900), an idealized view of the Middle Ages influenced design, with Gothic elements like skeletal structures, tall windows, numerous gables, pointed domes, and stained glass dominating architectural ideals. 

Romantic architecture ended with the transition from Romantic Historicism to the more austere form of Historicism. 

Classicism began around 1770 with its first stylistic expression, Louis-Seize, named after French King Louis XVI. This style had its roots in the preceding Rococo era. At the end of the 18th century, Romanticism emerged in literature and lasted until about 1835. In painting, Romanticism persisted until the mid-19th century. Around 1840, during the Biedermeier period, Romanticism also began influencing architecture. 

This influence lasted until around 1870, at which point Historicism began to take hold, marking this phase as “Romantic Historicism”. By 1870, strict Historicism left little room for romantic ideals. However, in music, Romanticism continued well into the early 20th century.

One of the key figures in Romantic architecture was Karl Friedrich Schinkel (1781–1841), who was responsible for numerous buildings in Berlin, such as the Berlin Institute of Technology and the Schinkel School of Architecture. He also played a major role in the reconstruction of two famous buildings, which will be mentioned shortly. The British were also pioneers of Historicism. 

Romantic architecture is particularly visible in castles, fortresses, and churches. Here are five examples that represent the style: 

1. Stolzenfels Castle, Koblenz 
This Neo-Gothic castle in the Middle Rhine Valley is an outstanding example of Rhine Romanticism, reflecting the region's landscape and culture. After renovation, it served as the residence of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. 

2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Allgäu 
Neuschwanstein Castle is an idealized and romanticized vision of a medieval knight’s castle. Built from 1869 onwards for the Bavarian King Ludwig II, the king passed away before it was completed. Today, it is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks.

3. Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen 
The story of Rheinstein Castle reflects the Romantic era’s fascination with ruins. It was one of the first destroyed castles along the Rhine to be rebuilt during the Rhine Romanticism movement. Architect Schinkel emphasized preserving the medieval structure. 

4. Cologne Cathedral, Cologne 
The attempt to complete Cologne Cathedral in the 19th century reflects the fascination with medieval buildings during the Romantic period. In 1833, Ernst Friedrich Zwirner was appointed master builder and had to balance the romantic ideas of Friedrich Wilhelm IV with Karl Friedrich Schinkel's cost-consciousness. 

Today, Romantic architecture can still be found everywhere, particularly in popular landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle. While it may not play a significant role in modern architecture, its influence is visible in cities across Europe and America – if you look closely.