Carolingian and Ottonian
Architecture
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
• In a dangerous
age, even monks
lived in fortified
communities.
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.
Charlemagne’s Palace Complex
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 Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
Bronze Doors
Aachen
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
The Carolingian Renaissance
The 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.
The Carolingian Renaissance
The Palatine Chapel
Charlemagne’s Throne
The Carolingian Renaissance
Lorsch Gatehouse
Carolingian Architecture
Lorsch Gatehouse
Germigny-des-Pres
Built for the Bishop of Orleans
Germigny-des-PrÉs
Built for the Bishop of Orleans
Germigny-des-PrÉs
Built for the Bishop of Orleans
Corvey Church, Germany
Corvey Church, Germany
Transepts
Note the addition of a north and south transept, creating the
cruciform shape that was characteristic of later Latin
churches.
Ottonian Architecture
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 Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Transepts
Aisle
Apse
Nave
Aisle
Transepts
Apse
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Ceiling
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Nave Capital
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Transepts
Ottonian Architecture
St. Michael Hildesheim 1010-1033
Details of Bronze Doors
Doors
Finis