Description
The north portal between the narthex and the nave is much smaller than the central portal, and has a smaller tympanum that is set directly into the wall. The tympanum is surrounded by two thick archivolts- the other with a pattern of vines and the inner with foliate shapes within medallions The tympanum contains New Testament scenes which occurred after the Resurrection of Christ. The lower register contains the story of Christ appearing to the pilgrims at Emmaus (Luke, xxiv, 13 35). There is some scholarly dispute about the subject matter of the upper register- some say it is Christ appearing to the apostles (Luke xxiv 33-49) or the Ascension.
Below the tympanum are capitals.
Scholars disagree about the date of the side portals. Some say they were built before the fire of 1120, others think they were originally planned for another part of the building. Still others believe that they were the first stage of a building plan that was later changes to incorporate the large central portal.
This view shows the north aisle of the basilica. Note the groin vaults with ribs between them. Also visible are the historiated capitals at the springing points of the arches
