Finally, Italian Gothic architecture is a hybrid of Romanesque and Gothic styles. One of the distinguishing features was that the Italians constructed a toned-down form of Gothic architecture while retaining their Romanesque architecture and local church-building customs. They accomplished this by using Roman stones as building materials instead of the Germanic stones used in northern Europe. Gothic architecture in Italy transformed the classical world order. It brought ancient Rome to life through architectural sculpture and painted decoration. The style also had a profound effect on France and Spain, where it evolved into Renaissance art. In conclusion, Italy altered Gothic traditions by using Roman stones as building materials instead of the Germanic stones used in northern Europe.