George R. Hoelzeman wrote:
> I would also add some Methodist churches and of course, Catholic churches.
> Although the East experimented with the basilica plan, the centrally
> planned style characterized by San Vitale (Ravenna) and Hosios Lukos, et
> al. became the dominant form there. The use of the greek cross capped with
> a dome ideally suited the Eastern liturgical and iconographical scheme,
> especially after Iconoclasm and Nicea II (787). The Palatine Chapel of
> Charlemagne at Aachen is an example of a North European adaptation of this
> plan.
It's arguable to what extent major churches in northern Europe derive
from te basilica rather than the Greek model epitomized by Hagia Sophia
in Constantinople. The typical north European major church *is*
centrally planned architecturally even if this is obscured
liturgically. It is designed around a central tower with 4 short wings
to support it, with the sanctuary in the eastern limb, the people in the
western limb and the choir underneath the tower. Not so very different
from Hagia Sophia etc. This form is found in England, France, Germany
and perhaps elsewhere -- certainly it was aspired to elsewhere. But as
the building of the main church became higher the central feature became
smaller -- a feature particularly obvious in the cathedrals of the Ile
de France. And naves became significantly longer to accomodate
processions (and possibly congregations) as well as under the basilican
influence of Italy (and the prestigious basilicas of Rome).
Note that this explains the origin of transepts as well as of central
towers. The central tower was perhaps the most difficult edifice
mediaeval builders tried to erect -- but they were continually trying to
build these central features. In many places the building of shrines at
the east end meant a great lengthening of the eastern arm of the
building and in many places the choir was moved from under the central
tower (or in some places in the western arm) into the eastern arm.
> And this is certianly more than anyone wanted to know!
I expect this is too.
--
simon
[log in to unmask] (work) Cambridge
[log in to unmask] (home) England
http://www.kershaw.demon.co.uk
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