These structures have been given the name Westwerk. One of the finest to survive is at the abbey church of Corvey in Westphalia, built 873-85.
Westwerk
German word, "Western work of art". Central space at the Western façade of medieval cathedrals vaulted on the ground floor, pompous on the floor above.
westwork(from German Westwerk): An entrance area at the west end of a church with upper chamber and usually with a tower or towers. It is normally broader than the width of the nave and aisles. Westwork is sometimes used synonymously with narthex.
 See also: Nave, Sculpture, Column, Gothic, Monument
  
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