Carolingian and Ottonian Architecture

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Carolingian and Ottonian Architecture
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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.

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Monasticism

• In a dangerous age, even monks lived in fortified
  communities.

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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.

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Charlemagnes Palace Complex
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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.

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Charlemagnes 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.

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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
Bronze Doors Aachen
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel

• Corinthian capitals are used on the columns.
• Supporting piers are of polished granite.
• Charlemagnes throne is in a gallery above the
  door and facing the alter.

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The Carolingian RenaissanceThe Palatine Chapel
Charlemagnes Throne
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The Carolingian RenaissanceLorsch Gatehouse
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Carolingian ArchitectureLorsch Gatehouse
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Germigny-des-PrÉsBuilt for the Bishop of Orleans
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Germigny-des-PrÉsBuilt for the Bishop of Orleans
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Germigny-des-PrÉsBuilt for the Bishop of Orleans
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Corvey Church, Germany
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Corvey Church, Germany
Transepts
Note the addition of a north and south transept,
creating the cruciform shape that was
characteristic of later Latin churches.
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Ottonian Architecture
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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.

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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
Transepts
Aisle
Apse
Nave
Apse
Aisle
Transepts
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
Ceiling
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
Nave Capital
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
Transepts
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Ottonian ArchitectureSt. Michael Hildesheim
1010-1033
Details of Bronze Doors
Doors
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Finis