The mendicant orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominicans, had a significant impact on church architecture of the thirteenth- and fourteenth centuries. These orders were founded on the principles of poverty and simplicity, and their churches reflected this ethos. Mendicant churches were typically large and open, with simple naves and few decorations. They were also often located in urban areas, where they could serve the poor and marginalized.

One of the most important ways in which the mendicant orders influenced church architecture was through their emphasis on preaching. Mendicant friars were trained to be preachers, and their churches were designed to accommodate large congregations. Mendicant churches typically had large naves with clear sightlines to the pulpit, so that everyone in the congregation could hear the sermon clearly.

Another important influence of the mendicant orders on church architecture was their focus on the Eucharist. Mendicant churches typically had large choirs and sanctuaries, where the Mass could be celebrated for large congregations. Mendicant churches also often had elaborate stained glass windows and other decorative elements that focused on the Eucharist.

Specific examples of mendicant churches that influenced church architecture of the thirteenth- and fourteenth centuries include:

• Santa Croce, Florence: This Franciscan church was begun in 1294 and is one of the largest churches in the world. It is known for its simple nave and large choir, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people.
• Santa Maria Novella, Florence: This Dominican church was begun in 1278 and is another example of a large, open mendicant church. It is known for its simple nave and its elaborate stained glass windows.
• The Church of the Jacobins, Toulouse: This Dominican church was begun in 1230 and is one of the most famous examples of mendicant architecture. It is known for its simple nave and its large rose window.
• The Church of the Friars Minor, London: This Franciscan church was begun in 1224 and is one of the largest churches in medieval England. It is known for its simple nave and its large choir.

The mendicant orders also influenced the cities in which they were located in a number of ways:

• They provided social services to the poor and marginalized: Mendicant friars were involved in a variety of social services, such as feeding the poor, caring for the sick, and burying the dead. This helped to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized in the cities where they lived.
• They promoted education: Mendicant friars were also involved in education, and they founded many schools and universities. This helped to raise the literacy rate and improve the educational level of the population.
• They influenced the arts and culture: Mendicant friars were also involved in the arts and culture, and they produced many works of art, literature, and music. This helped to enrich the cultural life of the cities where they lived.

Specific examples of how the mendicant orders influenced the cities in which they were located include:

• The Franciscans established a network of hospitals throughout Europe. These hospitals provided care to the poor and sick, and they played an important role in improving the health of the population.
• The Dominicans founded many schools and universities throughout Europe. These schools and universities provided education to people from all walks of life, and they helped to raise the literacy rate and improve the educational level of the population.
• The mendicant orders also influenced the arts and culture of the cities in which they lived. For example, the Franciscan friar Giotto was one of the most famous painters of the fourteenth century. He painted frescoes in many churches and chapels throughout Italy, including the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, which is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Western art.

Overall, the mendicant orders had a significant impact on both church architecture and the cities in which they were located. Their churches were designed to accommodate large congregations and to focus on the Eucharist. They also provided social services, education, and cultural enrichment to the cities where they lived.