Aachen

A city in northwestern Germany which is the site of a palace complex of Carolingian buildings, particularly a chapel built by Odo of Metz for Charlemagne between 790-805. Aachen was the capital of Charlemagne's kingdom and the Palatine Chapel (also called Palace Chapel or Octagon), was part of the Cathedral of Aachen. This complex served as Charlemagne's court and national church of the empire. The chapel is the only surviving structure and the most important surviving example of Carolingian architecture. The chapel contains Charlemagne's marble-slab throne, which was used for the coronations of 32 Holy Roman emperors from 936-1531. Odo of Metz modeled it after the Byzantine-style Church of San Vitale at Ravenna.

[Aix la Chapelle]. One of the finest groups of Carolingian buildings is the palace complex at Aachen, in particular the chapel built by Odo of Metz for the Emperor Charlemagne between 792 and 805. The chapel stood on one side of a large courtyard opposite the main palace buildings, and was entered through a high, double-storeyed porch flanked by towers. The plan of the chapel — a tall, domed octagon with vaulted aisles—was evidently influenced by San Vitale in Ravenna and Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The sumptuous interior decoration included richly decorated capitals, vault mosaics and walls veneered with coloured marble panels, obviously inspired by the Ravenna and eastern churches, yet overall the chapel has a heavier, northern appearance with solid piers and barrel vaults. The westwork once connected the palace with the royal apartments, and the throne room was situated just inside the vestibule. Many precious relics-and objects were brought from afar to adorn the interior of the chapel, and it is still possible to see the exquisite bronze parapet and the gilded pulpit, among other treasures. Unfortunately the mosaic which once lined the dome was replaced by later restorers.

[Aix la Chapelle]. One of the finest groups of Carolingian buildings is the palace complex at Aachen, in particular the chapel built by Odo of Metz for the Emperor Charlemagne between 792 and 805. The chapel stood on one side of a large courtyard opposite the main palace buildings, and was entered through a high, double-storeyed porch flanked by towers. The plan of the chapel — a tall, domed octagon with vaulted aisles—was evidently influenced by San Vitale in Ravenna and Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The sumptuous interior decoration included richly decorated capitals, vault mosaics and walls veneered with coloured marble panels, obviously inspired by the Ravenna and eastern churches, yet overall the chapel has a heavier, northern appearance with solid piers and barrel vaults. The westwork once connected the palace with the royal apartments, and the throne room was situated just inside the vestibule. Many precious relics-and objects were brought from afar to adorn the interior of the chapel, and it is still possible to see the exquisite bronze parapet and the gilded pulpit, among other treasures. Unfortunately the mosaic which once lined the dome was replaced by later restorers.