Architectural Styles
Merovingian
Alt names / subperiods
Timeline
Distinguishing Features
Geographic Presence
465-511
- Blend of Roman, early Christian (Basilicas) and local influences
- transition Roman to medieval
- rough/rustic stone
- simple functional decoration
- thick walls
- small windows
- timber roofs
- some towers
- semicircular or polygonal
- apse with altar
- covered entrance (narthex)
- crypts beneath the altar
- some columns & arches
- monastic cloisters,
- France
- Germany
- Belgium
- Netherlands
Common Building Types
Landmark buildings
Historic Accommodation Types
Custom Hotel Examples
- Basilicas
- Churches
- monasteries
- tombs
- Basilique de Saint-Remi (Reims)
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Paris)
- Basilica of Saint Martin Tours
- Saint Denis Basilica
- Baptistery of Saint John Poitiers
- Châlons-en-Champagne Churches
- Saint-Étienne Caen
- Church of Saint Paul Saint-Riquier
- Monastic guesthouses (hospitium / hospitalitas)
- Bishop’s / cathedral hospitality (lodging in ecclesiastical precincts or associated houses)
- Hospitals / xenodochia (charitable hostels)
- Royal and aristocratic hospitality (villae / estates)
- Remnant Roman road stations
- Urban lodging in private houses
- Commercial inns/taverns (where towns supported them)
- Pilgrim-route shelters (simple hostels near shrines, churches, monasteries.)
- Monastery of Saint-Martin, Tours (Gaul/France)
- Abbey of Saint-Denis (near Paris, Gaul/France)
- Lérins Abbey (Île Saint-Honorat, France)
- Jumièges Abbey (Normandy, France)
- Bobbio Abbey (Italy)
- Cathedral precinct hospitality in Merovingian cities such as Reims, Lyon, Arles
- Hospice of Great Saint Bernard Pass
Landmarks
Original Accommodation
Adapted Visitor Accommodation