St.Michael´s church is a perfect
example of ottonic construction art. The ottonic
construction art was marked by extensive layout
of buildings in the tradition of early Christian
examples.
The monumentality of ottonic church interiors is
connected to the fact that until the middle of the
11th century wooden nave ceilings were kept as the
standard and only the side aisles were vaulted.
The emphasis on surface areas of walls and a
preferred use of pillars and rectangular pylons
add to that effect. The so-called "lower
saxon prop change", well-known and important
for the romanesque period, dates back to an idea
of bishop Bernward, who first realized this prop
change in St.Michael´s church.
The flat-roofed central structure of St.Michael
is structured into three bays by this prop change.
The wall construction is two-zoned: window openings
are located at the height of the roof, above the
arcade zone.
Another characteristic of the ottonic construction
style is the further development of the eastern
and western chancels, as it is found in St.Michael.
Analogously designed transepts with a crossing
tower connect to the east and west of the central
structure.
St.Michael is one of the earliest buildings with
a separated crossing.
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