Monolithic architecture

Monolithic architecture describes buildings which are carved, cast or excavated from a single piece of material, historically from rock. The most basic form of monolithic architecture is a rock-cut building, such as the monolithic churches of Ethiopia built by the Zagwe dynasty, or the Pancha Rathas in India. These are cut out of solid rock, to which they remain attached at the base. In most cases, this is evident from the remaining surrounding rock, but sometimes a building is cut from an outcrop, as in the Shore Temple in southern India, and only inspection at close quarters reveals that the building is monolithic.

The terms monolith and

to produce the solid structure.

An ancient example of a monolithic dome is that of the Mausoleum of Theodoric in Ravenna, Italy, the roof of which is made from a single stone.

See also

• Architecture of cathedrals and great churches
• Church architecture
• Early Christian art and architecture
• Statue of Ahimsa, largest monolithic sculpture

References

• Russell Sturgis, Sturgis' Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture and Building

External links

• Media related to Monolithic architecture at Wikimedia Commons

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