Charlemagne’s Palaces: Aachen and Ingelheim – A Comparative Study
Charlemagne’s Palaces: Aachen and Ingelheim
Little remains of these once-grand structures. Some wine tasting may have occurred within their walls. What is preserved includes parts of the Aula Regia reconstruction and the Palatine Chapel.
Aachen: From Roman Spa to Imperial Residence
Aachen, originally known as Aix-la-Chapelle, was a Roman settlement renowned for its hot springs. Alcuin of York recounted discussions on theology between himself and Charlemagne while they bathed in these springs.
Ingelheim: Reconstructing a Palatine Complex
Located near Mainz on the banks of the Rhine, the Palatine complex of Ingelheim has been reconstructed based on archaeological excavations led by K. Weidemann. The design reflects a well-understood Roman villa typology. The complex included a monumental chamber closing the southern flank of the palace.
The exedra header, a feature also found in Cercadilla, was likely associated with the imperial family.
Aachen: The Second Rome
Einhard, Charlemagne’s biographer, noted that the emperor visited Ravenna in 787 and commissioned mosaics, marble pieces, and other artworks for his new imperial residence in Aachen. Construction was entrusted to Eudes de Metz, and by 805, the palace was likely completed.
The Palatine Chapel remains standing, directly connected to the Palatium. The layout consisted of the Hall Regi, a passage/poterie, and the chapel.
Today, only the Palatine Chapel, now Aachen Cathedral, and remnants of the throne room survive. Einhard mentioned that the area suffered an earthquake in the early 9th century.
Archaeological surveys have revealed evidence of structures now lost beneath the urban landscape, including pavilions with patios. The Aula Regia terminated in a semicircular apse, with additional apses to the north and south, resembling the Lateran Palace of Leo III.
The Palatine Chapel: A Unique Structure
The Palatine Chapel, distinct from structures like St. Vital, features an unusual design incorporating mausoleums. Construction began around 790, and it was consecrated by Leo III in 805. Originally dedicated to St. Mary, it served as the emperor’s private chapel. Among its relics was a piece of the cloak of St. Martin of Tours.
Sources suggest that artisans from the Mediterranean region, excluding those from the Byzantine Empire, were involved in its construction. Einhard likely referred to Italian artists and craftsmen, who brought elements from Ravenna.
Key Features of the Palatine Chapel
- Doors: Dating back to approximately 800 AD, these doors stand 4 meters tall and weigh 4500 kg, featuring protoman decoration of lions.
- Mosaics: Heavily restored, sometimes excessively, particularly during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm III based on historical descriptions.
- Plant: The chapel’s layout closely resembles that of San Vitale, featuring a large faceted ambulacrum and a quadrangular apse with entry stairs and a matroneum around the central dome.
- Façade: Conceived as a triumphal arch, the façade included galleries and polychrome marble.
- Interior: Smaller than St. Vital, the octagonal cupola’s mosaics are reconstructions from Charlemagne’s era, based on 19th-century descriptions and drawings. The central dome would have depicted the Pantocrator seated against a starry background, surrounded by the 24 elders of Revelation.