Interior dome of Charlemagne's edifice

Abstract

Modeled after San Vitale in Vienna which in turn was modeled after the Church of Holy Sepucher in Jerusalem. The symbolism attached to the dome represented the heavenly sphere and divinity was appropriate both for the place from which Christ arose, and where he ruled through Charlemagne. The symbolism was further augmented by the mosaic of the symbols of the evangelists and the throne of Christ in glory surrounded by the martyrs of the church.