A main similarity between the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture was they both used the Latin cross layout for their cathedrals. However, the two styles differed immensely with Romanesque architecture representing religious and political stability as well as strength through its massiveness and thick walls (almost fortress-like). Romanesque style architecture also was known for its arcades with rows of arches, and its arches being constructed as semi-circular. As for Gothic, they were much more known for their verticality and thinner structures, looking as if they were almost reaching to the heavens. Unlike the Romanesque Gothic architecture used pointed arches and were well known for their flying buttresses.