ARCHITECT, Swiss
(active 1040s in Vaud)

Interior view

1040s
Photo
Abbey church, Payerne (Vaud)

This abbey church was built between 1040 and 1050. Under the influence of Cluny a west front was constructed for a building which was initially planned to be narrower. In the interior square piers with projecting columns were used instead of round piers. The nave elevation is continued into the long choir and allowed a double row of windows in the main apse, which makes the interior very high and bright compared to other buildings of the period.

The abbey church of Payerne is one of the last perfectly preserved buildings of its type, and synthesizes the experience of almost a century of the work of the Cluniac architects.

The photo shows a view of the nave looking east.