A
Ruth D. Whitehouse
Aachen [Aix la Chapelle]. One of the finest groups Of Carolingian buildings is palace complex at Aachen, in particular chapel built by Odo Metz for Emperor Charlemagne between 792 and 805. The stood on one side a large courtyard opposite main buildings, was entered through high, double-storeyed porch flanked towers. plan — tall, domed octagon with vaulted aisles evidently influenced San Vitale Ravenna Hagia Sophia Constantinople. sumptuous interior decoration included richly decorated capitals, vault mosaics walls veneered coloured marble panels, obviously inspired eastern churches, yet overall has heavier, northern appearance solid piers barrel vaults.