A consideration on the two-tower facade of Santa Maria de Ripoll
Yasuyuki Ogura
Santa Maria de Ripoll, the cultural center of Catalonia in middle age, has a two-tower facade which is hard to find Catalonia. Most early Romanesque churches have no tower on west since it was more common just one placed side aisles. Therefore, question inevitably arises as why adopted against architectural tradition Catalonia.
Some previous studies suggested that West-work Carolingian era origin facade. The however, completely different from does not tribune over narthex, characteristic element West-work; thus, can be said connection between two structures is, at least, weak.
The author will focus fact abbots and monks often visited Rome after 10th century, where emperor pope were attempting rebuild imperial had been symbolized by city gate with twin towers. By doing so, wish point out structure contemporary Odiron’s addition towers Cluny II, should related ancient Roma terms symbolical meaning, also evocative image Heavenly Jerusalem situated entrance walled city.