(architects unknown) (consecrated 973). Church of Saint Cyriakus [stone masonry]. Gernrode, Germany.

In most ways, the Church of Saint Cyriakus is typical of basilica-plan churches in basic structure: A portal introduces the open space of the nave, orienting attention to the sanctuary. Basilicas of classical antiquity actually allowed more light to pour in; this one has a massive, fortress-like quality to it. Developments separating this structure from earlier basilicas include the elaboration of the front portal into a full westwork, and the bracketing of the transept by two sharply-pinacled towers that dominate the overall flow of solid and empty space inherent to the structure. Another unique characteristic of this church is the abbreviated clerestory.

A major binding measure is the interior and exterior repeating of two functional arches inscribed in a larger, blind arch. The arrangement of masonry shows clear forethought and creates a harmonizing texture throughout the facade. An interplay of medium and tiny openings helps to break up the rigid, bastion-like tone of the facade, which heavily favors mass. Simplicity is repeated in the nave, which supports the directional emphasis on the apse, one of two sources of rich decorative development in an otherwise spartan formatting of flat planes. The other is the ceiling, which is built on cross-directional timber and adorned with abstracted, iconic decorations consistent in tone to that of the apse.