What role do portals serve in Romanesque architecture?

Portals in Romanesque architecture serve as significant visual narratives and expressions of faith, effectively functioning as "billboards" that convey theological themes and biblical stories to the viewer. During the Romanesque period, many people were illiterate, making these dramatic, carved scenes an essential medium for teaching the stories and values of Christianity.

The sculptures, often adorning the tympanum above the door, depicted scenes such as the Last Judgment, portraying Christ as a judge, which served to remind the congregation of the realities of sin and redemption. This not only invited worshippers into the sacred space but also reinforced the messages of the church's teachings. Portals, therefore, acted as a crucial point of connection between the spiritual realm and the everyday lives of the people, helping to educate and spiritually guide them.

The other options do not encompass the full significance of portals in Romanesque architecture. They were not solely entryways or sources of natural light; while they may have offered some structural support, their primary function was to convey meaning, making them a vital aspect of religious engagement during that period.