Around 1000 florishinf abbeys and pelgrimroutes to Rome and Compostella gave Western architecture a boost. Especially the French region of Bourgondy became a lab for innovations in the evolution of what was to be called the romanesuqe style later on.[br]One of the prominent characteristics is the use of stone vaults. These vaults were a step forward compared to wooden ceilings. They offered a better protection against rain, snow, wind and fire, often caused by a bolt of lightning.

The barrel vault is derived from the circular arc. The stone vaults were constructed upon a wooden folding. When finished this folding could be removed since a circular arc and a barrel vaults are self supporting.