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Palatine Chapel Jessica Frankowski


 * Palati**[[image:exteriorviewjf.jpg width="157" height="204" align="right" caption="Image 1"]]**ne Chapel**

The Palatine Chapel is located in Aachen, Germany. This chapel was built in honor of the emperor Charlemagne. The Palatine Chapel used to be called the Chapel of Charlemagne’s Palace. Today, it is called the Aachen Cathedral, which is one of the four most famous buildings in Germany (english.ningbo.gov.cn). The construction of the Palatine Chapel was authorized by Otto of Metz in 792 C.E. In 805 C.E., the Chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary by Pope Leo III. (en.wikipedia.org/). “The building is a centrally planned, domed chapel” (en.wikipedia.org/) “A sixteen sided ambulatory with a gallery overhead encircling the central octagonal dome.” The chapel is entered from the west through a monumental atrium, a large open roofed entrance hall. On the east side there is a square apse, an altar. Above the altar there is an image of Christ in Majesty. The chapel also has an upper gallery which was used as a royal space. This was a place for the king or emperor. This form of architecture combines elements from Classical, Byzantine, and Pre-Romanesque architecture. The towers on the western side and the simple decoration of the outside façade are examples of the Romanesque period (german210.blogspot.com/). The Chapel is also an example of the Caroligian Style, the Frankish dynasty found by Pepin III (Charlemagne’s father). The Chapel is decorated with “marble slabs, bronzework, stucco decoratioin, and mosaics” (german210.blogspot.com/). The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy was used as a primary inspiration in the building of the Palatine Chapel. Charlemagne visited the Church of San Vitale and decided to use the structure of the building in this palace. One of the most noticeable similarities between the Church of San Vitale and the Palatine Chapel are the purple marble columns.


 * Charlemagne**

Charlemagne is the “greatest rule in Europe in the centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire” (mythencyclopedia.com). He was emperor from 768 to 814 C.E. and during this time he conquered most of western Europe. By conquering the lands of western Europe, he converted many pagan, non-Christians, people to Christianity. After Charlemagne ruled for 32 years, he was named “Emperor of the Romans” ( mythencyclopedia.com). Also, Charlemagne was focused on reviving the education and arts as well as military and political skills. Charlemagne has copious legends of his military exploits, strength, and devotion. A great deal of these legends were placed into the History of Charles the Great and Orlando. When Charlemagne died in 814 C.E., a vault was buried in the cathedral. After he was buried in the Cathedral, it became a site for coronations. This Cathedral was a site for coronations for over 600 years. On Christmas Day 800 C.E., Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope. At this time, a thorn was placed inside the Cathedral. “By placing inside of his chapel, Charlemagne merged his secular authority with his religious ties” (german210.blogspot.com/). He felt as if he was a true leader of both religion and secular, no religious or spiritual basis, law.


 * Aachen,** [[image:germanyjf.jpg width="203" height="207" align="left" caption="Image 4"]]**G****ermany**

During the Middle Ages (786-787 C.E.), Aachen was the capital of the Charlemagne Empire. At this time, Aachen was titled the “Heart of Europe” (english.ningbo.gov.cn). Today, the city of Aachen has 1814 medium sized enterprises with 113,000 employees (english.ningbo.gov.cn). The city of Aachen is well known for their advances made in the medical field.

The Aachen Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe. During the Gothic Period, a choir hall was built to help”sustain the enormous flow of pilgrims” (en.wikipedia.org). In 1414 C.E., on the 600th anniversary of Charlemagne’s death, a two-part Capella vitrea (glass chapel) was built. Inside the choir of the Cathedral there is The Shrine of St. Mary. This Shrine dates from 1220-1239.
 * Aachen Cathedral**


 * Work Cited:**

"MRS 210: The Court of Charlemagne: Aachen's Palatine Chapel." __german210.blogspot.com__. 29 May 2008. 20 Nov 2008 .

"Charlemagne - Myth Encyclopedia - Life and Achievements." __mythencyclopedia.com__. 2008. 20 Nov 2008 .

"Aachen of Germany." __ningbo.gov.cn__. 21 Mar 2006. 20 Nov 2008 .

"Aachen Cathedral - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia." __wikipedia.org__. 13 Nov 2008. 20 Nov 2008 .

"Palatine Chapel in Aachen - Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia." __wikipedia.org__. 24 Oct 2008. 20 Nov 2008 .


 * Image 1:** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_Chapel_in_Aachen


 * Image 2:** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_Chapel_in_Aachen


 * Image 3:** http://www.nndb.com/people/180/000085922/charlemagne-1-sized.jpg


 * Image 4:** http://www.railbookers.com/images/maps/germany.gif


 * Image 5:** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palatine_Chapel_in_Aachen