Carolingian
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Germigny-des-Prés Church
Germigny-des-Pres, France
806
This Carolingian oratory near Orléans was built in 806 by Bishop Theodulf, Charlemagne's adviser. Containing rare Byzantine mosaics, it is one of the oldest and most unique churches in France.
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Aachen Cathedral
Aachen, Germany
790
Commissioned by Charlemagne in 786, this is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe. A graceful Gothic choir was added to the Carolingian core in the 15th century. Inside are several major relics and early medieval artworks.
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Imperial Abbey of Lorsch
800
This ruined abbey with a well-preserved gatehouse is a rare and important survival of Carolingian architecture. Charlemagne attended its consecration in 774.
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St-Philibert-de-Grand-Lieu
France
814-39
St-Philibert is a Carolingian church, monastery and pilgrimage site dating from 814-39. Although it was sacked by the Vikings in 858, the sarcophagus of St. Philibert (839) can still be seen.
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Martinskirche
Linz, Austria
Founded by Charlemagne, the 8th-century Church of St. Martin in Linz is the oldest church in Austria that still retains most of its original form.
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Carolingian Chapel
Surviving from the original 8th-century monastery church is a Carolingian chapel; its small apse is visible next to the main 12th-century apses. The chapel is now used as a sacristy and is not open to visitors.
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Crypt
Beneath the church is a Carolingian crypt, with an apse at each end. It is not normally open to the public.
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Palatine Chapel
Begun in 786 for the palace of Charlemagne, the Palatine Chapel is one of the most important surviving examples of Carolingian architecture. It is well preserved and now serves as the nave of Aachen Cathedral.
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Westwork
The Westwork of Aachen Cathedral is of Carolingian origin but most of it dates from the 17th and 19th centuries. The west portal contains the great bronze doors known as the Wolf's Doors, which were cast around 800 for the Palatine Chapel.
