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Early Medieval to Carolingian Architecture
• Early medieval architecture was characterized by plain exteriors.
• Entrances became increasingly impressive and elaborate in the Carolingian period and beyond.
• The elaborate entrances - westworks - set the tone for later Romanesque and Gothic facades.
Monasticism• The abbey church
and the cloisters were the centers of prayer.
• The work center of every monastery was the scriptoria, where manuscripts were written and copied.
The Palatine Chapel - Aachen• During his trip to
Rome, where he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne was impressed by the Byzantine church of San Vitale.
• He had his own version of it built in his capital.
Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel
• This is the best preserved Carolingian building.
• It was designed by Otto of Metz, based on the octagonal plan of San Vitale.
• It is a much more vertical space, however.
The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
• Corinthian capitals are used on the columns.
• Supporting piers are of polished granite.
• Charlemagne’s throne is in a gallery above the door and facing the alter.
Corvey Church, Germany
Note the addition of a north and south transept, creating the cruciform shape that was characteristic of later Latin churches.
Transepts
St. Michael, Hildesheim
• The church was designed by St. Bernward, the Bishop of Hildesheim.
• Interior space is divided up into chancels, transepts and apses, all based on equal squares.
• Towers also cover the crossings.
Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Apse Apse
Aisle
Aisle
Nave
Transepts
Transepts