Sacred Structures and Poetic Tributes

This chapter examines the architectural and spiritual significance of newly built churches and cathedrals in the late 500s, likening them to the skyscrapers of the era. It focuses on the works of poet Venantius Fortunatus, whose panegyrics celebrate the beauty of these edifices and the virtues of the bishops involved in their creation. Through detailed analysis of his poetry, the chapter reveals how Fortunatus's compliments blend admiration for personal merit with a rich literary tradition, reflecting a hopeful spirit amidst the challenges of his time.