Have you ever walked into an ancient church, looked up, and felt a sudden sense of rhythm in the stone surrounding you? You might not have realised it, but you were likely looking at one of the most defining features of medieval design. If you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, you have probably stumbled upon the term “Ottonian” and found yourself wondering: What is the arcade in Ottonian architecture?
The Ottonian era, spanning roughly from 936 to 1024 AD, served as a crucial bridge between the earlier Carolingian empire and the massive Romanesque style that followed. But the real magic lies in the details. This guide unveils the secrets of arcades in Ottonian architecture, from their precise definition to the iconic examples that still stand today.
What Is Ottonian Architecture? Setting the Stage
Before we can fully answer the question, what is the arcade in Ottonian architecture?, we need to understand the world in which these structures were built. Imagine Europe in the 10th century. The Holy Roman Empire was rising under the rule of the Ottonian dynasty—specifically Otto I, Otto II, and Otto III. This was a time of consolidation, power, and a massive revival of the arts and religion in what is now Germany.
Ottonian architecture is often described as a blend of styles. It took the solid, heavy roots of Carolingian architecture (think Charlemagne) and mixed them with the sophisticated, spiritual influences of Byzantine art. The result was something entirely new: a style emphasising symmetry, massive walls, and deep spiritual symbolism.
The Historical Backdrop
This era wasn’t just about building churches; it was about empire-building. After the collapse of Charlemagne’s power, Otto the Great sought to restore the glory of Rome. To do this, he encouraged a building spree. The churches from this period were designed to be imposing fortresses of faith. They featured westworks (monumental entrance facades), flat ceilings, and, crucially, the rhythmic use of arcades to guide the eye and support the structure.
To help you visualise where Ottonian architecture fits in the timeline, take a look at the comparison below. It shows how this unique style served as a stepping stone in history.
Architectural Style Comparison
FeatureCarolingian (Pre-900s)Ottonian (936–1024 AD)Romanesque (Post-1024 AD)
Primary Focus : Reviving Roman classicism , geometric clarity, and heavy massing . Massive scale and rounded arches
The Arcade Simple, uniform columns Rhythmic alternation (Pier-Column) heavy, thick piers and consistent arches
Interiors often have darker, smaller windows. Vast, flat walls for frescoes. Articulated bays and vaulting
Example Palatine Chapel, Aachen , St. Michael’s, Hildesheim , Durham Cathedral
By understanding this context, you can see that Ottonian architecture features were not just accidents; they were deliberate choices to show power and piety.
What Is the Arcade in Ottonian Architecture? Core Definition and Design
Now, let’s dive into the heart of the matter. When we ask, ” What is the arcade in Ottonian architecture?, we are talking about a specific architectural element that defines the interior and exterior character of these buildings.
In the simplest terms, an arcade is a series of arches carried by columns or piers. It sounds simple. But in the hands of Ottonian masons, this simple concept became a complex tool for storytelling and engineering.
The Anatomy of an Ottonian Arcade
Unlike a simple doorway, an arcade creates a pathway or a visual pattern. In Ottonian churches, you will typically find arcades separating the nave (the central part of the church where people stand) from the aisles (the walkways on the side).
Here is a breakdown of the key components you would see if you were standing in front of one:
- The Arch: The curved top section, usually semi-circular during this time.
- The Pier: A square or rectangular upright support.
- The Column: A rounded support, often topped with a decorated capital.
- The Spandrel: The triangular space between the curves of the arches.
Blind Arcades vs Open Arcades
One of the most interesting Ottonian architectural features is the use of two different types of arcades.
- Open Arcades: These are the functional ones. They act as a bridge between the main church floor and the side aisles. They support the heavy walls above them while allowing people to move freely.
- Blind Arcades: This is where the artistry comes in. A “blind” arcade is attached directly to a wall. There is no opening to walk through. It is purely decorative, used to break up large, flat expanses of stone masonry. It creates shadows and depth, making a heavy fortress-like wall look lighter and more elegant.
The Rhythmic Alternation
If there is one “secret” to identifying an Ottonian arcade, it is the rhythm. Unlike later styles that used the same column over and over, Ottonian architects loved patterns.
They frequently used a system called Saxon Alternation. This is a pattern of support. Instead of just Column-Column-Column, they would arrange them as:
- Pier – Column – Pier
- Pier – Column – Column – Pier (This is known as the A-B-B-A rhythm).
This rhythmic variation breaks the monotony of the long stone hall. It creates a musical quality to the architecture, guiding your eye toward the altar with a sense of movement.
Historical Evolution: How Arcades Emerged in Ottonian Design
To fully grasp the answer to what the arcade is in Ottonian architecture, we have to look at where it came from. These structures didn’t just appear out of nowhere. They were the result of a slow evolution of engineering and taste.
Roots in the Past
The architects of the Ottonian period were looking backwards to move forward. They were heavily inspired by Christian Rome and the Byzantine Empire. The early Christian basilicas of Rome featured long rows of uniform columns.
However, the Ottonians faced a problem. They wanted to build taller and heavier churches. Thin, uniform columns couldn’t always support the massive weight of the stone walls needed for these larger structures.
The Influence of Otto III
The evolution peaked under the reign of Otto III. He was deeply connected to the Byzantine court (his mother was a Byzantine princess), and he brought a love for grandeur to Germany. Under his influence, the arcade architecture definition shifted from purely structural to symbolic.
During this time, the arcade began to represent the “city of God.” The repetitive arches symbolised the order of the heavens. The use of alternate colored stones—often red and white voussoirs in the arches—was a direct nod to designs found in places like Constantinople and Cordoba.
The Shift to Verticality
As the 10th century turned into the 11th, we see a distinct change. The arcades became taller. The walls above the arcades (the clerestory) were smoothed out to allow for massive frescoes (wall paintings). The arcade became the “frame” for the spiritual art above it.
- 950s: We see simple, heavy piers and modest blind arcades on exteriors.
- 1000s: We begin to see the complex, multi-tiered arcades and the rhythmic column variances that define the style.
Iconic Examples: Arcades in Famous Ottonian Buildings
You can read about definitions all day, but architecture is meant to be experienced. To truly understand what the arcade is in Ottonian architecture, we need to visit the sites where these stone giants still stand. Here are the most iconic examples of Ottonian arcades.
St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim
If there is one building you must know, it is St. Michael’s Church. Built around 1010-1033 under the guidance of Bishop Bernward, this church is the textbook definition of Ottonian design.
- The Arcade Secret: Here, you will see the famous “double bay” system. The arcade follows a specific rhythm: Pier – Column – Column – Pier.
- Why It Matters: This rhythm divides the church into distinct squares or “bays.” It creates a sense of calculated harmony. The columns themselves are famous for their block capitals, which transition the round column into the square arch support—a distinct Ottonian innovation.
St. Cyriakus in Gernrode
This is one of the oldest surviving examples, founded in 961. It gives us a glimpse into the early experiments with the arcade.
- The Arcade Secret: St. Cyriakus features a gallery above the nave arcade. This was a new idea at the time. It added a second level of arches above the main ones, creating a vertical layering that draws the eye upward.
- Visual Impact: The mixture of heavy piers and lighter columns here shows the architects figuring out how to balance weight and beauty.
Magdeburg Cathedral (Early Foundations)
While much of the current cathedral is Gothic, the foundations and some historical records point to a massive Ottonian predecessor built by Otto the Great.
- The Arcade Secret: Historical reconstruction suggests it used massive recycled columns from Italy, integrating antiques into the new arcade. This was a power move, literally holding up the new empire with the “bones” of the old Roman one.
The Church of St. Pantaleon in Cologne
This church showcases the use of the blind arcade perfectly.
- The Arcade Secret: If you look at the “Westwork” (the massive western front), it is decorated with rows of arches that lead nowhere. These blind arcades wrap around the towers, breaking up the fortress-like appearance and adding a play of light and shadow that changes as the sun moves across the sky.
Secrets and Innovations: Hidden Genius of Ottonian Arcades
When we explore what the arcade is in Ottonian architecture, we uncover some hidden engineering genius. These weren’t just stacks of rocks; they were sophisticated machines for worship.
Engineering Resilience
One of the biggest secrets is earthquake resistance and load distribution. By alternating heavy square piers with round columns, Ottonian builders created a safety net. If a round column failed or cracked, the massive square piers were there to take the load of the roof. This redundancy is a big reason why these churches are still standing 1,000 years later.
The Acoustic Role
Have you ever heard a Gregorian chant? It sounds haunting and beautiful. Ottonian arcades played a huge role in this. The shape of the arches and the hard stone surfaces helped bounce sound waves down the nave. The rhythm of the arcade actually helped break up echoes, ensuring that the spoken word of the priest could be heard clearly, while the singing resonated.
The “Cushion” Capital
A small but mighty innovation was the Cushion Capital (or Cube Capital). In previous eras, capitals (the top of the column) were intricately carved with leaves (Corinthian style). The Ottonians simplified this into a geometric cube with rounded bottom corners.
- Why? It was easier to carve, looked cleaner, and visually supported the heavy arches better. It became a hallmark of the style.
Colour and Contrast
We tend to think of medieval churches as grey and drab. But originally, the arcades in medieval churches were vibrant. The arches often featured alternating stone colours (red sandstone and white limestone). This striped effect wasn’t just decoration; it helped emphasise the geometry of the arch, making the structure look more organised and “divine.”
Modern Influence and Legacy of Ottonian Arcades
You might be thinking, “This is ancient history, why does it matter?” The answer is that the Ottonian architecture influence is still felt in how we build today.
The Path to Romanesque and Gothic
The Ottonian arcade was the testing ground for the Romanesque style. The experiments with alternating piers and columns gave later architects the confidence to build even higher. Without the Ottonian arcade, the soaring heights of Gothic cathedrals like Notre Dame might never have happened. They proved that a wall didn’t have to be solid to be strong.
Modern Echoes
Today, you can see echoes of these arcades in Neo-Romanesque buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. Many university campuses, courthouses, and museums use the rhythmic arcade to convey a sense of authority and permanence. Even in modern luxury hotels, the “colonnade” or hallway of arches is used to create a grand entrance—a trick borrowed directly from the Ottonian playbook.
Restoration and Survival
Sadly, many Ottonian buildings were damaged during WWII, particularly St. Michael’s in Hildesheim. However, the restoration of these arcades became a symbol of cultural resilience. Rebuilding them required relearning the secrets of the 10th-century masons, proving that the technology of the past still held value.
FAQs: Quick Answers on Ottonian Arcades
What is the arcade in Ottonian architecture?
In Ottonian architecture, an arcade is a series of arches supported by columns or piers. They serve as structural supports to separate the nave from the aisles and are also used decoratively (blind arcades) on walls to create visual rhythm and depth.
How do Ottonian arcades differ from Romanesque ones?
Ottonian arcades are known for their specific rhythmic alternation of supports (like Pier-Column-Pier), flat ceilings, and lighter feel. Romanesque arcades, which came later, tend to be heavier, with thicker walls, consistent massive piers, and are often paired with stone vaulting rather than flat timber ceilings.
Where can I see the best Ottonian arcades today?
The best examples are in Germany. St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim is the most famous. Other great sites include St. Cyriakus in Gernrode and the Church of St. Pantaleon in Cologne.
Why were blind arcades common in Ottonian buildings?
Blind arcades were used to break up the monotony of massive, flat stone walls. They added texture, shadow, and artistic detail to the exterior of the church without compromising the fortress-like strength of the masonry.
What materials were used in Ottonian arcade construction?
Builders primarily used locally sourced stone, such as limestone, sandstone, and tufa. They often used different colored stones to create striped patterns in the arches, and timber was used for the flat ceilings resting above the arcades.
