Cloistered structure and spaces in the Carolingian comments to the Benedictine Rule

Through the reform of Aachen, introduced by Louis the Pious and Benedict of Aniane, the Benedictine Rule became the normative model of the Carolingian monasticism. The Benedictine Rule leads to an adaptation of the architectural structures and cloistered building, which is reflected in the provisions of the synod and in the Carolingian Capitularies of the first half of ninth century, adapted to the new horizon coming from the Carolingian reform. The comments to the Benedictine Rule of Smaragdus of Saint- Mihiel and of Ildemaro of Corbie are a testament to how it happened and they serve as an interpretative ideal tool. In this way, the life of the great abbeys in Europe – as well as the cloistered spaces and the cenobitic places of prayer, of work, of rest, of hospitality or of training – are explained to the monks who design their “cloisters” according to common construction modules always most recognizable and generalized.