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Ingelheim am Rhein - Sharing Heritage

Palatine Chapel

The small Palatine Chapel presented a ground plan, uncommon in those days, with three semi-circular apses that were arranged in the shape of a trifoliate leaf. This exemplifies, that the master builders used the Mediterranean architecture as a source of inspiration. The relief depicting a winged horse, which may have belonged to the decoration of the Palatine Chapel, also illustrates extensive cultural references: the relief style stems from Lombard art, the motif of the winged horses probably originates from Persian or Byzantine silk fabrics.
    • The picture shows a reconstruction of the Palatine Chapel, about the year 800.

      The picture shows a reconstruction of the Palatine Chapel, about the year 800.

    • In 2004, during archaeological excavations, semi-circular traces of walls were found (upper part of the picture). These are the remnants of the first Palatine Chapel on the site.

      In 2004, during archaeological excavations, semi-circular traces of walls were found (upper part of the picture). These are the remnants of the first Palatine Chapel on the site.

    • The abbey church of Saint John in Müstair (Graubünden, Switzerland) was built at about the same time as the Ingelheim Palatine Chapel and also has three apses.

      The abbey church of Saint John in Müstair (Graubünden, Switzerland) was built at about the same time as the Ingelheim Palatine Chapel and also has three apses.

    • The relief depicting winged horses may have belonged to the decoration of the Palatine Chapel. It shows motives from Italic, Southern French, Lombard and Syrian sources.

      The relief depicting winged horses may have belonged to the decoration of the Palatine Chapel. It shows motives from Italic, Southern French, Lombard and Syrian sources.

    • The detail shows the rare motif of a winged horse with a nursing foal.

      The detail shows the rare motif of a winged horse with a nursing foal.

    • This relief panel from Pavia (Italy) is an example that can be compared to the relief depicting winged horses. It shows close links as to style, motifs and composition. (Pavia, Musei Civici)

      This relief panel from Pavia (Italy) is an example that can be compared to the relief depicting winged horses. It shows close links as to style, motifs and composition. (Pavia, Musei Civici)

    • The silk fabric originates from Syria or Constantinople. It was made in the 9th century and shows the large impact of the motives from the relief depicting winged horses. (Vatican, Biblioteca Apsotolica Vaticana, Museo Sacro)

      The silk fabric originates from Syria or Constantinople. It was made in the 9th century and shows the large impact of the motives from the relief depicting winged horses. (Vatican, Biblioteca Apsotolica Vaticana, Museo Sacro)

    • The relief panel originates from Limans (Southern France). During the Early Medieval Period, the representation of young animals in the act of drinking was extremely rare. (Limans)

      The relief panel originates from Limans (Southern France). During the Early Medieval Period, the representation of young animals in the act of drinking was extremely rare. (Limans)