The Saint–Martin basilica in Aime
I recently had the opportunity to organize a photo shoot of the early Romanesque basilica of Aime, in the French Alps. Because of COVID, the church was closed to the public (it is not used for religious purposes anymore, only as a space for exhibitions), and that made things easier for photography.
Located on the Roman road between Milan and Vienne via the Great Saint Bernard Pass, the church was built as part of a priory during the so–called “first Romanesque age”, around Year 1000, over an earlier and much smaller church built during the 5th or 6th century. Remains of that church can still be seen, as future uploads will show over the next few days.
This basilica is an amazing and gorgeous piece, not only because it is very old, but also because it has been kept over the centuries in a very authentic and realistic condition, as you can see from photos of the inside.
The main apse and its two side apsidioles are slightly off–center and exhibit obvious signs of Lombard influence. Architects, masons and assorted stone cutters would regularly cross the Alps from Italy into France, and it is through their influence that the “Lombard” style spread into France during the 11th century.
The Saint–Martin basilica in Aime
I recently had the opportunity to organize a photo shoot of the early Romanesque basilica of Aime, in the French Alps. Because of COVID, the church was closed to the public (it is not used for religious purposes anymore, only as a space for exhibitions), and that made things easier for photography.
Located on the Roman road between Milan and Vienne via the Great Saint Bernard Pass, the church was built as part of a priory during the so–called “first Romanesque age”, around Year 1000, over an earlier and much smaller church built during the 5th or 6th century. Remains of that church can still be seen, as future uploads will show over the next few days.
This basilica is an amazing and gorgeous piece, not only because it is very old, but also because it has been kept over the centuries in a very authentic and realistic condition, as you can see from photos of the inside.
The main apse and its two side apsidioles are slightly off–center and exhibit obvious signs of Lombard influence. Architects, masons and assorted stone cutters would regularly cross the Alps from Italy into France, and it is through their influence that the “Lombard” style spread into France during the 11th century.