The Imperial Abbey of Farfa: Architectural Currents of the Early Middle Ages.
W. Eugene Kleinbauer|Charles B. McClendon
The Benedictine abbey of Farfa was one the most important monastic centers medieval Europe. As an imperial establishment, patronize and protected by Charlemagne his successors yet situated only thirty miles northeast Rome, often found at center events involving papacy Empire. While its historical importance has long been recognized, physical remains have received little attention until now. This book Charles B. McClendon is unique in combining assessment Farfa's place overall development architecture with analysis abbey's role. based study on a detailed architectural survey church extensive excavations site carried out under co-direction between 1978 1983. By examining archaeological, architectural, sources, reconstructs various phases growth layout from late antiquity to early Renaissance, analyzes circumstances which they were built, relates findings currents day. He shows, for example, that ninth-century additions Abbot Sichardus reflect Carolingian revival plan Old St. Peter's Rome; design other features points influence north Alps; east end church, extensively rebuilt mid-eleventh century, should be considered major monument Romanesque period. Demonstrating each phase history reflects latest developments not Italy but also north, makes clear provides valuable understanding dynamic forces helped shape Middle Ages. Scholarship best. . volume will standard reference many years come.-Richard Krautheimer, New York University
The American Historical Review