AIX-LA-CHAPELLE
CATHEDRAL
Charlemagne's architects studied geography and climate well when they erected this link between the Romanesque-Lombardic style of the south and the Gothic of the north.
That portion of the present cathedral at Aix-la-Chapelle which was built by Charlemagne is the octagonal projection toward the east. It forms a truly regal mausoleum, and for twelve hundred years has well stood the march of time.
It is supposed to have been the most magnificent church edifice of Charlemagne's era throughout all Europe, though it was seriously [{291}]injured by an earthquake a few years after its completion.
Later it was plundered by the Normans, and it suffered disastrous fires in 1146, 1234, 1236, and 1656, having in consequence undergone many material changes.
Its external features have been considerably added to, but the prototype of the round and octagonal churches, subsequently erected in Germany, is here visible to-day in all its comparative novelty.
The granite and porphyry columns which support the arches giving upon the interior of the octagon were once taken and carried to Paris, but fortunately they were returned and again put into position.
The choir of the church, as it now is, was not begun until 1353, and was finished in the century following. It is pure Gothic of the most approved variety, whereas the octagon church is as pure Romanesque; and the two components do not blend or mingle in the least.
In the roof of the octagon is a remarkable specimen of modern wall and roof decoration, which might better have been omitted.
There is a cloister leading from the northwest chapel which has recently been restored.[{292}] It is a delightful retreat, and has the "stations of the cross" displayed upon its inner wall.