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The Jvari Monastery (Georgian: ჯვარი, meaning cross) is one of the most iconic and historic sites in Georgia. Located near Mtskheta, the monastery is one of the most important religious and cultural sites in the country. Built in the 6th century, the monastery is known as one of the earliest examples of Georgian Christian architecture. It was built on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Nino, who brought Christianity to Georgia, erected a large wooden cross. Together with other historical monuments in Mtskheta, the Jvari Monastery has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994. The monastery is located on a hilltop with a beautiful view of the confluence of the Aragvi and Mtkvari Kura rivers and the historic town of Mtskheta. The building is an example of a tetraconch central dome structure with four apses. Despite its simple design, it is considered a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The Jvari Pass begins at the monastery. The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 2,379 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Caucasus. It is an important passage through the Caucasus Mountains to Russia. The area is particularly known for its rugged roads, and in winter the pass can be difficult to navigate due to heavy snowfall. The route offers breathtaking views of mountain peaks, valleys and rivers. The Georgian Military Road was originally used as a trade and military route. Today it is a busy road for freight transport to Russia.
The Jvari Monastery is located in Georgia, on a hilltop near the town of Mtskheta, about 20 kilometers north of the capital, Tbilisi. The ruins next to the Jvari Monastery are part of an old defensive structure and watchtower. The Jvari Monastery is located at a strategic point above Mtskheta, where the Aragvi and Mtkvari rivers meet. In many cases, these ruins are remnants from the same or slightly later period, when they supplemented the religious sites with military protection against potential invaders. This location offers breathtaking panoramic views and holds deep historical and religious significance. Mtskheta, one of Georgia's oldest cities, was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Iberia. The monastery is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its cultural and architectural importance.
Het Jvari-klooster (Georgisch: ჯვარი, wat kruis betekent) is een van de meest iconische en historische locaties in Georgië. Het klooster, gelegen bij Mtskheta, is één van de belangrijkste religieuze en culturele bezienswaardigheden van het land. Het klooster werd gebouwd in de 6e eeuw en staat bekend als een van de vroegste voorbeelden van Georgische christelijke architectuur. Het werd gebouwd op de plek waar volgens de overlevering de heilige Nino, die het christendom naar Georgië bracht, een groot houten kruis oprichtte. Samen met andere historische monumenten in Mtskheta staat het Jvari-klooster sinds 1994 op de UNESCO Werelderfgoedlijst. De ruïne naast het Jvari-klooster is een deel van een oude verdedigingsstructuur en wachttoren. Het Jvari-klooster bevindt zich op een strategisch punt boven Mtskheta, waar de rivieren Aragvi en Mtkvari samenkomen. In veel gevallen zijn deze ruïnes overblijfselen uit dezelfde tijdsperiode of iets later, waarbij ze de religieuze locaties aanvulden met militaire bescherming tegen mogelijke indringers. Het klooster is een voorbeeld van een tetraconch centrale koepelstructuur met vier apsissen. Ondanks zijn eenvoudige ontwerp wordt het beschouwd als een meesterwerk van middeleeuwse architectuur. Bij het klooster begint de Jvari-pas. De pas ligt op ongeveer 2.379 meter boven zeeniveau en biedt spectaculaire uitzichten op de Kaukasus. Het is een belangrijke doorgang door het Kaukasusgebergte naar Rusland. Het gebied is met name bekend om zijn ruige wegen, en in de winter kan de pas moeilijk begaanbaar zijn vanwege zware sneeuwval. De route biedt adembenemende uitzichten op bergtoppen, valleien en rivieren. De Georgische Militaire Weg werd oorspronkelijk gebruikt als een handels- en militaire route. Tegenwoordig is het een drukke weg voor vrachtvervoer richting Rusland.
I encountered this view while travelling Alberta Hwy 93, not far from Lake Louise. I parked my vehicle and climbed a hill on the far side of the road to find a view-point that would allow me to compose this image. It is of a mountainside ravaged by fire, only tree spindles remaining. But I found its appearance far from bleak, as gentle light fell upon the interesting mountain architecture the fire had revealed.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus region, at an altitude of about 2,170 metres. The first light of dawn in the foreground of the photo enhances the mystical character of the location, while the snow-capped peaks and the dark silhouettes of the church emphasize the dramatic atmosphere of the landscape. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The impressive snow-capped peaks of Mount Kazbek in the background are illuminated by the golden glow of the rising sun. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind the Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the Icy Peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for the ascent usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church serving as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the Caucasus.
Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century church in Georgia, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters near the village of Gergeti. It is located near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), overlooking the majestic Mount Kazbek in the Caucasus. The church is an important symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Due to its remote location, it offers spectacular and mystical views of the mountains.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus.
Musée National des Beaux-Arts Du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
Published and Awarded on 1X.com,
Stockholm, Sweden, May 2024
2nd Place and Gold Winner in Architecture,
The Budapest International Foto Awards 2024,
Budapest, Hungary, December 2024
Discover the portuguese architecture, the other face of the iberian architecture. I travelled along the Atlantic in search of key elements, shapes and perspectives. Order, geometries and proportions unite with the human presencies creating an almost magical result.
I learned about the recent history of Portuguese architecture, the most famous works and the less- known faces of these and other important architects. From Porto to Lisbon, land, sea, landscape and architecture; from the Tajo River to the Duero, from the Iberian land to the Atlantic Ocean, I was able to discover and enjoy the magical and unforgettable cities, nearby but also unknown.
I have visited emblematic buildings and the latest construction projects in a country that has been at the top of the architectural world for decades, from buildings with simple lines to the precise use of light.
The Basilica of Saint-Denis (French: Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, now formally known as the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis) is a large former medieval abbey church and present cathedral in the commune of Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. The building is of singular importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, is widely considered the first structure to employ all of the elements of Gothic architecture.
The basilica became a place of pilgrimage and a necropolis containing the tombs of the kings of France, including nearly every king from the 10th century to Louis XVIII in the 19th century. Henry IV of France came to Saint-Denis formally to renounce his Protestant faith and become a Catholic. The queens of France were crowned at Saint-Denis, and the royal regalia, including the sword used for crowning the kings and the royal sceptre, were kept at Saint-Denis between coronations.
The site originated as a Gallo-Roman cemetery in late Roman times. The archaeological remains still lie beneath the cathedral; the graves indicate a mixture of Christian and pre-Christian burial practices. Around the year 475 AD, St. Genevieve purchased some land and built Saint-Denys de la Chapelle. In 636, on the orders of Dagobert I, the relics of Saint Denis, a patron saint of France, were reinterred in the basilica. The relics of St-Denis, which had been transferred to the parish church of the town in 1795, were brought back again to the abbey in 1819.
In the 12th century, the Abbot Suger rebuilt portions of the abbey church using innovative structural and decorative features. In doing so, he is said to have created the first truly Gothic building. In the following century the master-builder Pierre de Montreuil rebuilt the nave and the transepts in the new Rayonnant Gothic style.
The abbey church became a cathedral on the formation of the Diocese of Saint-Denis by Pope Paul VI in 1966 and is the seat of the Bishop of Saint-Denis, currently (since 2009) Pascal Delannoy. Although known as the "Basilica of St Denis", the cathedral has not been granted the title of Minor Basilica by the Vatican.
The 86-metre (282-foot) tall spire, dismantled in the 19th century, is to be rebuilt. The project, initiated more than 30 years ago, was to have begun in May 2020, and is expected to take about 11 years at a cost of about €28 million.
History
Early churches
The cathedral is on the site where Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, is believed to have been buried. According to the "Life of Saint Genevieve", written in about 520, he was sent by Pope Clement I to evangelise the Parisii. He was arrested and condemned by the Roman authorities. Along with two of his followers, the priest Eleutherus and deacon Rusticus, he was decapitated on the hill of Montmartre in about 250 AD. According to the legend, he is said to have carried his head four leagues to the Roman settlement of Catulliacus, the site of the current church, and indicated that it was where he wanted to be buried. A martyrium or shrine-mausoleum was erected on the site of his grave in about 313 AD, and was enlarged into a basilica with the addition of tombs and monuments under Saint Genevieve. These including a royal tomb, that of Aregonde, the wife of King Clothar I.
Agorà Antica.
Tempio di Efesto, è il tempio antico meglio conservato della Grecia.
Era dedicato ad Efesto, l'antico dio del fuoco e ad Atena, dea della ceramica e dell'artigianato.
Secondo gli archeologi, il tempio fu costruito intorno al 450 a.C. all'estremità occidentale della città, in cima alla collina Agoreos Koronos, ed è un classico esempio di architettura dorica.
Il tempio fu progettato da Iktinus, uno dei talentuosi architetti che lavorarono anche al Partenone.
Ancient Agora.
Temple of Hephaestus, is the best preserved ancient temple in Greece.
It was dedicated to Hephaestus, the ancient god of fire and to Athena, goddess of ceramics and crafts.
According to archaeologists, the temple was built around 450 BC. at the western end of the city, atop the Agoreos Koronos hill, and is a classic example of Doric architecture.
The temple was designed by Iktinus, one of the talented architects who also worked on the Parthenon.
_MG_3437m
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus region, at an altitude of about 2,170 metres. The fog in the foreground of the photo enhances the mystical character of the location, while the snow-capped peaks and the dark silhouettes of the church emphasise the dramatic atmosphere of the landscape. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The impressive snow-capped peaks of Kazbek Mount Kazbek in the background are hidden by the fog. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind the Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the Icy Peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for the ascent usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church serving as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the Caucasus.
Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century church in Georgia, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters near the village of Gergeti. It is located near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), overlooking the majestic Mount Kazbek in the Caucasus. The church is an important symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Due to its remote location, it offers spectacular and mystical views of the mountains.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. De mist op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek Mount Kazbek op de achtergrond zijn door de mist niet zichtbaar. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus.
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrechtsburg:
The Albrechtsburg is a Late Gothic castle erected from 1471 till about 1495. It is located in the town centre of Meissen in the German state of Saxony. It is situated on a hill above the river Elbe, adjacent to the Meissen Cathedral.
In 929 King Henry I of Germany subdued the Slavic Glomacze tribe at the Siege of Gana and built a fortress within their settlement area, situated on a rock high above the Elbe river. This castle, called Misnia after a nearby creek, became the nucleus of the town and from 965 the residence of the Margraves of Meissen, who in 1423 acquired the Electorate of Saxony.
In 1423 Frederick I was appointed Elector of Saxony. His grandsons, Ernst and Albrecht, ruled over Saxony and Thuringia together from 1464 to 1485 and commissioned the master builder Arnold von Westfalen to build the first German palace on the site of the old margravial castle in 1471.
The castle was christened "Albrechtsburg" in 1676 after one of its first lords. But it was Albrecht's son, Georg the Bearded, who first took possession of Albrechtsburg Castle as his residence. During the Thirty Years' War the castle was badly damaged. Since then it has stood empty.
It was not until the beginning of the 18th century that Albrechtsburg Castle received more attention again, thanks to Augustus II the Strong, when he had the Meissen porcelain manufactory set up in the castle in 1710. Two years earlier Johann Friedrich Böttger and Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus had invented European porcelain. At first, Dresden was intended to be the manufactory, but Augustus the Strong chose the empty castle, isolated because of its location, because nowhere else would the secret of porcelain production have been so certain. On 6 June 1710, the porcelain manufactory began operations in the former princely residence, which was to make the "white gold" world-famous.
In the middle of the 19th century, the manufactory was moved to the newly built factory building and the castle stood empty again. Between 1864 and 1870, the old factory buildings were removed and the castle was rebuilt architecturally. The missing furniture was replaced by elaborate paintings on the late Gothic walls. The later well-known artist Alexander Linnemann from Frankfurt was also active in this process, e.g. in designing the new doors. At the end of the 19th century Albrechtsburg Castle was also made accessible to the public and still delights many visitors from home and abroad.
Reflecting a diverse mix of romantic styles of architecture, the Pena Place (Palácio da Pena) sprawls out on a summit within the Sintra Mountains, northwest of Lisbon. The palace was built originally as a summer home in the mid-1800’s for the royal family by Ferdinand II, on the site of the ruins of a 15th century convent that had been damaged by lightning and finally destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The palace was used by the royal family up until the Republican Revolution of 1910, and it was here that Queen Amélia was spending the night when she found out (by telephone) the monarchy had been abolished.
The ornate and brightly colored towers are true to the original construction, part of a late 20th century renovation. The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a very popular tourist destination, along with several other nearby sites including a Moorish castle. One of the best attractions is a well-tended forest reserve below the palace with trails, containing plants from Asia, the South Pacific, and North America, including mature Sequoia trees and tree ferns.
Joyau de l’architecture gothique flamboyante, l’église Saint-Maclou allie éclat et élégance.
Comme le veut la tradition normande, l’église Saint-Maclou possède une tour lanterne, mais celle-ci a la particularité de servir de clocher. Sa flèche de 83m de haut est l’œuvre de Jacques-Eugène Barthélémy et est édifiée de 1868 à 1872.
A jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture, the Saint-Maclou church combines brilliance and elegance.
As is the Norman tradition, the Saint-Maclou church has a lantern tower, but this one has the particularity of serving as a bell tower. Its 83m high spire is the work of Jacques-Eugène Barthélémy and was built from 1868 to 1872.
Doddinghurst, Essex – All Saints
These are more examples of Essex Churches that show the Architecture, the Interiors, the Exteriors and especially the Stained Glass Windows that I have taken over the last two to three years. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did visiting them.
Doddinghurst is a village about 3.8 miles outside Brentwood in Essex and the Church is situated in Church Lane.
The church was built in the 13th century with additions in the 14th (the timber-framed belfrey) and 16th centuries(the timber framed porch to the south door). A large part of the interior of the church was restored in 1887 as was the exterior. Here the walls were either rebuilt or refaced.
One of the bells in the tower was cast by Robert Mot who also made one for the ‘Mayflower’, the lead ship of the ‘Pilgim Fathers’.
The Bell Tower itself was in poor condition, so in 2001 restoration took place allowing the Belles to be rung again.
There are some fine examples of Victorian stained glass throughout the church, a nice church to visit.
Young Buddhist monks in training in the South Gallery.
Angkor Wat ("Capital Temple") is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world measuring 162.6 hectares. It was originally constructed in early 12th century by King Suryavarman II as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire and gradually transforming into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. It has become a symbol of Cambodia (national flag) and it is the country's prime attraction for visitors.
Angkor Wat combines two basic plans of Khmer temple architecture: the temple-mountain and the later galleried temple. It is designed to represent Mount Meru. Within the moat is the outer wall 3.6 kilometers long and there are three rectangular galleries, each raised above the next. At the center of the temple stands a quincunx of towers. Unlike most Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat is oriented to the west; scholars are divided as to the significance of this. The temple is admired for the grandeur and harmony of the architecture, its extensive bas-reliefs, and for the numerous devatas (deity) adorning its walls.
Back of Marischal College
Gothic Revival architecture. The building was constructed for and is on long-term lease from the University of Aberdeen, which still uses parts of the building to store its museum collections. Today, it provides corporate office space and public access to council services, adjacent to the Town House, the city's historic seat of local government. It is the second largest granite building in the world.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marischal_College
Aberdeen, Scotland
The poinsettia tree in the grand hall of The Breakers, in Newport Rhode Island. You have the splendor of the old architecture, the moody lighting, and spectators enjoying it all surrounded by electric lights with masks covering their faces. Past meets present.
view of old town and Kostel Svatého Víta (Saint Vitus Church) from Hrad Český Krumlov (Český Krumlov Castle) and Plášťový Most (Cloak Bridge)
Český Krumlov (German: Krumau or Böhmisch Krumau, also spelt Krummau) is a town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. It has about 13,000 inhabitants. It is known as a tourist centre, which is among the most visited places in the country. The historic centre with the Český Krumlov Castle complex is protected by law as an urban monument reservation, and since 1992, it has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
The Saint Vitus Church in Český Krumlov is a significant sight of the late Gothic from 1407-1439 with later modifications. In 1995, the Church was declared part of the National Cultural Heritage.
The Church of St. Vitus is a Gothic three naval construction from the period of 1407-1439. It was built on the foundations of an older building from the year 1309. The Gothic entrance portal was erected in 1410. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Church continued to be extended and modified.
The Church is formed by three parallel arcades merged with a five-sided elongated presbyterium; there are rectangular multistoried sacristies on both sides with the Chapels of Resurrection and the St. John of Nepomuk Chapel, and the antechamber situated on the northern side. The occidental façade of the church incorporates a tower with quadrangular Roman window openings on the landing level changing to eight-sided openings higher up. The uppermost part of the spire is pseudogothic in style, dating to 1893-1894.
Stained Glass Care....
The new Peel Memorial Centre (hospital) in down town Brampton is a wonderful piece of modern architecture. the main entrance way glows at night with this iridescent pale colour scheme that is a modern version of stained-glass and is really pretty to look at.
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Azeula Fortress (Koroghli or Kojori Fortress) is located in Tbilisi, 2 km south of Kojori settlement, on Mount Azeula. There are stunning views from the fortress. This is a perfect place for a picnic and relaxing in nature. If you are very busy and having no much time, Kojori Forest and the fortress will become your friend and it will fill you with unexpected impressions.
History
Until the XV century, Kojori Fortress was called Agara Fortress. It is known that Tabakhmela, Tsavkisi, Shindisi and Kojori were called Agaras in ancient times. An important caravan route passed through these Agaras. The agara fortress was built on the crossroad of these routes. This fortress is sometimes called as Korogli Fortress too. This name has been established since the XVIII century. The famous geographer of the XVIII century Vakhushti Bagrationi calls Kojori Fortress Azeula.
Azeula fortrtress is built on a high mountain peak of volcanic origin that makes it difficult for the enemy to reach and conquer it. This fortress had a great strategic importance for feudal Georgia. During the "Great Turkism", Agarata fortress was into the hands of the enemy. In 1118 he was occupied by David the Builder and later he gave it to Ivan Orbeli 1123.
In 1177, Demna Batonishvili and Ivane Orbeli were arranging conspiracy in Agarata fortress. In the same year, King George took over the fortress after a 25 days siege. Agara's fortress was became the possession of King George and Queen Tamar. Azeula has long been considered as the abbey of Georgian kings.
In September 1795, during the invasion of Agha-Mohammad-Khan in Georgia, the Georgians were fighting against the Persian invaders near the Azeula fortress. Here was the fight between Georgian Junkers and the Russian XI Army. The bodies of the killed people were taken to Tbilisi and buried near the wall of the Great City Council, but many Junkers were buried there near the Azeula fortress. Nowadays, a memorial is erected to honor the memory of the Junkers.
Architecture
The general plan of Azeula fortress doesn’t exist. It has been renovated many times. The ruins of the fence and its two towers at the south-western and northeastern ends are preserved. The fortress is built of crushed stone and brick. Its oldest layer dates back to the second half of the XI century, and fragments of the wall date back to the XVI-XVIII centuries.
In the very heart of Georgia – Tbilisi, on the majestic Trialeti ridge, Mount Udzo is located. It rises 1,416 m above sea level, from here you can see a panorama of the expanses of Georgian forests.
It is on Mount Udzo that the Church of St. George is located. Towering above the rest of the world, the building is viewed from all sides, there is a feeling that, regardless of the path, the blessing of St. George accompanies the one walking. There is no sense of strangeness in this place, everyone who comes here becomes a guest. The good-natured atmosphere encourages relaxation and true enjoyment of nature and medieval architecture. The temple is especially beautiful in summer, when all the greenery bloomed and enveloped the foot of Mount Udzo.
Often the most beautiful places in Georgia have a fascinating history, and St. George's Church is no exception. According to legend, in the Middle Ages, around the 10th century, a man wanted a son so much that he personally erected a monastery in the name of St. George and tirelessly prayed to the saint for a son. The sufferer's wish was fulfilled. Hence came both the name of the mountain and the church – Udzo – translated from Georgian as "childless". And now the monastery has become a place of attraction for all people who want a child. When people came to the temple to pray, they left donations at the tree, which they called the cherished one.
Part of the Canary Wharf light show in January 2019. We must have been the only ones to get a shot of this bridge with no one walking through it. Mind you we had to wait a while before we finally got an unobstructed view.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Doddinghurst, Essex – All Saints
These are more examples of Essex Churches that show the Architecture, the Interiors, the Exteriors and especially the Stained Glass Windows that I have taken over the last two to three years. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did visiting them.
Doddinghurst is a village about 3.8 miles outside Brentwood in Essex and the Church is situated in Church Lane.
The church was built in the 13th century with additions in the 14th (the timber-framed belfrey) and 16th centuries(the timber framed porch to the south door). A large part of the interior of the church was restored in 1887 as was the exterior. Here the walls were either rebuilt or refaced.
One of the bells in the tower was cast by Robert Mot who also made one for the ‘Mayflower’, the lead ship of the ‘Pilgim Fathers’.
The Bell Tower itself was in poor condition, so in 2001 restoration took place allowing the Belles to be rung again.
There are some fine examples of Victorian stained glass throughout the church, a nice church to visit.
A closer view of one of the black cats on the roof of the Black Cat House.
The Cat House, designed by the architect Friedrich Schefel, was built in 1909. Friedrich Schefel and Heinrich Scheel are regarded as pioneers of Riga Art Nouveau architecture. The building was owned by a wealthy Latvian trader who, out of bitter resentment for not being admitted to the Great Guild, put cat figures bearing expressive postures on the roof of his building. Tails of the cat figures were turned to the Great Guild building thus expressing the owner's attitude towards the offending organization of traders. The Cat House, built in the style of a medieval castle, was completed with colours of Art Nuveau palette, bringing colourfulness and romantics to the entire city and a share of sarcasm on the turrets of the house too.
This spherical panorama was taken in the Presbytery at Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, England. Architecturally, the cathedral is outstanding both for its scale and stylistic details. Having been built originally in a monumental Romanesque style, the galilee porch, lady chapel and choir were rebuilt in an exuberant Decorated Gothic style. The present building dates back to 1083, and it was granted cathedral status in 1109.
The east end of the cathedral, shown here, was completed in 1252. The Presbytery was built to house the shrine of St Etheldreda, the founder of the original monastery that occupied this site from 673. The shrine attracted pilgrims for centuries until it was destroyed in the Reformation. At the top of the image you can see the ornately carved wooden choir stalls. Above them are the organ pipe console and the 14th century central octagon tower lantern. If you look closely you can also see the finely decorated Victorian ceiling of the nave leading off into the distance beyond the octagon tower.
Following the roof down towards the bottom of the image leads us to the great east window of St Etheldreda's Chapel and, below this, the glowing High Altar. On the right is an example of one of the beautiful Victorian stained glass windows that surround the Presbytery.
Ref: en.wikipedia.org
In St Pancras train station
you can experience the magic of Christmas like never before with much-loved Christmas Tree, this year partnering with Universal Pictures UK to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated film of the season: Wicked.
Christmas is about experiences and this tree, fuelled by imagination, immersion and a little bit of festive magic, provides the best thing to see this Christmas in London.
The stunnafying tree is an ode to the Emerald City featured in Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, based on the global blockbuster stage musical. Standing at 11 metres-high, this beacon of striking green and opulent gold showcases the splendour of the film, while complementing St. Pancras’s architecture
The tree is a visual spectacle designed to delight from all angles, immersive Ozian booths form the base and will delight with photo opportunities and music from the film. While illuminated towers house tiny windows with characters and iconic film features. The most amazyfying of all the details lies within the centre of the tree, where a hidden diorama of the wonderful land of Oz awaits in all its glorious hand-crafted detail for visitors to discover.
More: stpancras.com/news-events/st-pancras-international-2024-w...
Doddinghurst, Essex – All Saints
These are more examples of Essex Churches that show the Architecture, the Interiors, the Exteriors and especially the Stained Glass Windows that I have taken over the last two to three years. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did visiting them.
Doddinghurst is a village about 3.8 miles outside Brentwood in Essex and the Church is situated in Church Lane.
The church was built in the 13th century with additions in the 14th (the timber-framed belfrey) and 16th centuries(the timber framed porch to the south door). A large part of the interior of the church was restored in 1887 as was the exterior. Here the walls were either rebuilt or refaced.
One of the bells in the tower was cast by Robert Mot who also made one for the ‘Mayflower’, the lead ship of the ‘Pilgim Fathers’.
The Bell Tower itself was in poor condition, so in 2001 restoration took place allowing the bells to be rung again.
There are some fine examples of Victorian stained glass throughout the church, a nice church to visit.
Mehrere Bundesländer, nicht alle, veranstalten in unregelmäigen Abständen Landesgartenschauen, bekannt unter der Abkürzung LAGA. In Sachsen findet sie 2022 vom 23. April bis 9. Oktober in der durch ihre Renaissancearchitektur bekannten Stadt Torgau an der Elbe statt. Der größte Bereich der LAGA ist der seit dem 19. Jahrhundert bestehende Stadtpark auf dem Glacis der ehemaligen Festung Torgau. Die Festung Torgau entwickelte sich im 17. und 18. Jahrhundert aus einer Erweiterung der mittelalterlichen Stadtmauer. 1811 wurde sie als sächsische Festung unter König Friedrich August I. auf Anforderung Napoleon Bonaparte ausgebaut. Nach Ende der Befreiungskriege musste Torgau 1815 vom Königreich Sachsen an Preußen übergeben werden. Die Festung wurde nun als preußische Festung weiter ausgebaut, bis sie 1889 aufgegeben und in den folgenden Jahrzehnten größtenteils abgerissen wurde. Der Stadtpark, den wir vor fünf Jahren zuletzt gesehen hatten, wurde durch Blumenbeete, einen Ornissteg genannten Steg zur Beobachtung der Vögel auf dem See und erneuerte Wege deutlich und nachhaltig aufgewertet. Daneben gibt es den "Jungen Garten" mit Spielplätzen, Sport- und Skate-Anlagen, das neu erschlossene Erholungsgelände der Eichwiesen, durch das man zu den Elbwiesen gelangt mit einem Aussichtsturm und ein kleineres Areal am Weg von der Elbe zum Schloss mit einem Konzertplatz und einer Dahlenschau.
Several German federal states, not all, hold state garden shows at irregular intervals, known by the abbreviation LAGA. In Saxony, it is being held in 2022 from 23 April to 9 October in the town of Torgau on the Elbe, famous for its Renaissance architecture. The largest area of the LAGA is the city park, which has existed since the 19th century on the glacis of the former Torgau Fortress. Torgau Fortress developed in the 17th and 18th centuries from an extension of the medieval city wall. In 1811 it was expanded as a Saxon fortress under King Friedrich August I at the request of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the end of the Napoleonic Wars, Torgau had to be handed over from the Kingdom of Saxony to Prussia in 1815. The fortress was now further developed as a Prussian fortress until it was abandoned in 1889 and largely demolished in the following decades. The city park, which we last saw five years ago, has been significantly and sustainably upgraded with flower beds, a footbridge called Ornissteg for bird watching on the lake and renewed paths. In addition, there is the "Young Garden" with playgrounds, sports and skating facilities, the newly developed recreational area of the Eichwiesen (Oak Meadows), through which one can reach the Elbe meadows with a lookout tower, and a smaller area on the path from the Elbe to the Renaissance castle with a concert area and a dahlia show.
Excerpt from Wikipedia:
St. Lorenz (St. Lawrence) is a medieval church of the former free imperial city of Nuremberg in southern Germany. It is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. The church was badly damaged during the Second World War and later restored. It is one of the most prominent churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
The nave of the church was completed by around 1400. In 1439, work began on the choir in the form of a hall church in the late German Sondergotik style of Gothic architecture. The choir was largely completed by 1477 by Konrad Roriczer,[1] although Jakob Grimm completed the intricate vaults.
In the choir one can find the carving of the Angelic Salutation by Veit Stoss, and the monumental tabernacle by Adam Kraft. The latter includes a prominent figure of the sculptor himself.
The building and furnishing of the church was cared of by the city council and by wealthy citizens. This is probably the reason why the art treasures of St. Lawrence were spared during the iconoclasm during the Reformation period. Despite St. Lawrence being one of the first churches in Germany to be Lutheran (1525), the wealthy citizens of Nuremberg wanted to preserve the memory of their ancestors and refused the removal of the donated works of art.
The west facade is richly articulated, reflecting the wealth of the Nuremberg citizens. The facade is dominated by the two towers, mirroring St. Sebald and indirectly Bamberg Cathedral with a sharp towering West portal doorway, and an indented rose window 9 metres in diameter.
Wells Cathedral, formally the Cathedral Church of St Andrew, is a Church of England cathedral in Wells, Somerset, England. It is the seat of the bishop of Bath and Wells and the mother church of the diocese of Bath and Wells. There are daily Church of England services in the building, and in 2023 it was reported to receive over 300,000 visitors per year. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building. The cathedral precincts contain the Bishop's Palace and several buildings linked to its medieval chapter of secular canons, including the fifteenth-century Vicars' Close.
The earliest record of a church on the present site is a charter of 766. A bishopric was established in 909, however in 1090 the cathedral of the diocese was moved to Bath Abbey and remained there until Wells became co-cathedral in 1218. The remains of the tenth-century cathedral lie to the south of the present building, beneath the cloister. The present cathedral has a cruciform plan with a chapter house attached to the north and a cloister to the south, and is largely the result of two building campaigns which took place between c. 1180 to c. 1260 and c. 1285 to c. 1345. The western half of the cathedral, including the nave and western transepts, belongs primarily to the first building phase and is constructed in the Early English style of Gothic architecture. The east end, including the lady chapel, eastern transepts, chapter house, and central tower, belongs to the second phase and uses the Decorated Gothic style; it also retains much medieval stained glass. Two towers were added to the west front between 1385 and 1410 in the Perpendicular Gothic style, and the cloisters were remodelled in the same style between 1420 and 1508. The cathedral was restored over the course of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Wikipedia
Ludwigsburg Palace, nicknamed the "Versailles of Swabia", is a 452-room palace complex of 18 buildings located in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Its total area, including the gardens, is 32 ha (79 acres) – the largest palatial estate in the country. The palace has four wings: the northern wing, the Alter Hauptbau, is the oldest and was used as a ducal residence; the east and west wings were used for court purposes and housing guests and courtiers; the southern wing, the Neuer Hauptbau, was built to house more court functions and was later used as a residence.
Eberhard Louis, Duke of Württemberg, appointed Philipp Joseph Jenisch to direct the work and construction began in 1704. In 1707, Jenisch was replaced with Johann Friedrich Nette, who completed the majority of the palace and surrounding gardens. Nette died in 1714, and Donato Giuseppe Frisoni finished much of the palace facades. In the final year of construction, Eberhard Louis died and the Neue Hauptbau's interiors were left incomplete. Charles Eugene's court architect, Philippe de La Guêpière, completed and refurbished parts of the New Hauptbau in the Rococo style, especially the palace theatre. Charles Eugene abandoned the palace for Stuttgart in 1775. Duke Frederick II, later King Frederick I, began using Ludwigsburg as his summer residence in the last years of Charles Eugene's reign. Frederick and his wife Charlotte, Princess Royal, resided at Ludwigsburg and employed Nikolaus Friedrich von Thouret to renovate the palace in the Neoclassical style. Thouret converted much of Ludwigsburg's interiors over the reign of Frederick and later life of Charlotte. As a result of each architect's work, Ludwigsburg is a combination of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, and Empire style architecture.
The constitutions of the Kingdom and Free People's State of Württemberg were ratified at Ludwigsburg Palace, in 1819 and 1919 respectively. It was the residence for four of Württemberg's monarchs and some other members of the House of Württemberg and their families. The palace was opened to the public in 1918 and survived World War II intact. It underwent periods of restoration in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1990s and again for the palace's 300th anniversary in 2004. The palace had more than 350,000 visitors in 2017 and has hosted the Ludwigsburg Festival every year since 1947.
Surrounding the palace are the Blooming Baroque (Blühendes Barock) gardens, arranged in 1954 as they might have appeared in 1800. Nearby is Schloss Favorite, a hunting lodge built in 1717 by Frisoni. Within the palace are two museums operated by the Landesmuseum Württemberg dedicated to fashion and porcelain respectively.
Sagrada Família, Barcelona, España.
El Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia, conocido simplemente como la Sagrada Familia, es una basílica católica de Barcelona (España), diseñada por el arquitecto Antoni Gaudí. Iniciada en 1882, todavía está en construcción (noviembre de 2016). Es la obra maestra de Gaudí, y el máximo exponente de la arquitectura modernista catalana.
La Sagrada Familia es un reflejo de la plenitud artística de Gaudí: trabajó en ella durante la mayor parte de su carrera profesional, pero especialmente en los últimos años de su carrera, donde llegó a la culminación de su estilo naturalista, haciendo una síntesis de todas las soluciones y estilos probados hasta aquel entonces. Gaudí logró una perfecta armonía en la interrelación entre los elementos estructurales y los ornamentales, entre plástica y estética, entre función y forma, entre contenido y continente, logrando la integración de todas las artes en un todo estructurado y lógico.
La Sagrada Familia tiene planta de cruz latina, de cinco naves centrales y transepto de tres naves, y ábside con siete capillas. Ostenta tres fachadas dedicadas al Nacimiento, Pasión y Gloria de Jesús y, cuando esté concluida, tendrá 18 torres: cuatro en cada portal haciendo un total de doce por los apóstoles, cuatro sobre el crucero invocando a los evangelistas, una sobre el ábside dedicada a la Virgen y la torre-cimborio central en honor a Jesús, que alcanzará los 172,5 metros de altura. El templo dispondrá de dos sacristías junto al ábside, y de tres grandes capillas: la de la Asunción en el ábside y las del Bautismo y la Penitencia junto a la fachada principal; asimismo, estará rodeado de un claustro pensado para las procesiones y para aislar el templo del exterior. Gaudí aplicó a la Sagrada Familia un alto contenido simbólico, tanto en arquitectura como en escultura, dedicando a cada parte del templo un significado religioso.
The Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia, known simply as the Sagrada Familia, is a Roman Catholic basilica in Barcelona, Spain, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí. Begun in 1882, it is still under construction (November 2016). It is Gaudí's masterpiece and the greatest exponent of Catalan modernist architecture.
The Sagrada Familia is a reflection of Gaudí's artistic plenitude: he worked on it for most of his professional career, but especially in his later years, where he reached the culmination of his naturalistic style, synthesizing all the solutions and styles he had tried up to that point. Gaudí achieved perfect harmony in the interrelationship between structural and ornamental elements, between plasticity and aesthetics, between function and form, between content and container, achieving the integration of all the arts into a structured and logical whole. The Sagrada Familia has a Latin cross plan, five central naves, a three-aisled transept, and an apse with seven chapels. It boasts three façades dedicated to the Birth, Passion, and Glory of Jesus. When completed, it will have 18 towers: four at each portal, making a total of twelve for the apostles, four over the transept invoking the evangelists, one over the apse dedicated to the Virgin, and the central dome tower in honor of Jesus, which will reach 172.5 meters in height. The temple will have two sacristies next to the apse and three large chapels: the Assumption Chapel in the apse and the Baptism and Penance Chapels next to the main façade. It will also be surrounded by a cloister designed for processions and to isolate the temple from the exterior. Gaudí applied a highly symbolic content to the Sagrada Familia, both in architecture and sculpture, dedicating each part of the temple to a religious significance.
A majestic example of medieval architecture, the Castle of the Princes of Acaja towers over Fossano’s historic center with its corner towers and inner courtyard. Built in the 14th century as a fortress, it was later transformed into a noble residence, preserving its grandeur and timeless charm.
The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty, now in Uzbekistan. The name Rēgistan means "Sandy place" or "desert" in Persian.
The Registan was a public square, where people gathered to hear royal proclamations, heralded by blasts on enormous copper pipes called dzharchis - and a place of public executions. It is framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) of distinctive Islamic architecture.
The three madrasahs of the Registan are: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420), the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646–1660) and the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619–1636). Madrasah is an Arabic term meaning school.
The Registan was the heart of the ancient city of Samarkand of the Timurid dynasty, now in Uzbekistan. The name Rēgistan means "Sandy place" or "desert" in Persian.
The Registan was a public square, where people gathered to hear royal proclamations, heralded by blasts on enormous copper pipes called dzharchis - and a place of public executions. It is framed by three madrasahs (Islamic schools) of distinctive Islamic architecture.
The three madrasahs of the Registan are: the Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420), the Tilya-Kori Madrasah (1646–1660) and the Sher-Dor Madrasah (1619–1636). Madrasah is an Arabic term meaning school.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church built in the Renaissance style located in Vatican City, the papal enclave that is within the city of Rome, Italy. It was initially planned by Pope Nicholas V and then Pope Julius II to replace the aging Old St. Peter's Basilica, which was built in the fourth century by Roman emperor Constantine the Great. Construction of the present basilica began on 18 April 1506 and was completed on 18 November 1626.
Designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter's is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world by interior measure. While it is neither the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome (these equivalent titles being held by the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome), St. Peter's is regarded as one of the holiest Catholic shrines. It has been described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."
Catholic tradition holds that the basilica is the burial site of Saint Peter, chief among Jesus's apostles and also the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). Saint Peter's tomb is supposedly directly below the high altar of the basilica, also known as the Altar of the Confession. For this reason, many popes have been interred at St. Peter's since the Early Christian period.
St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people. St. Peter's has many historical associations, with the Early Christian Church, the Papacy, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic Counter-reformation and numerous artists, especially Michelangelo. As a work of architecture, it is regarded as the greatest building of its age. St. Peter's is one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major papal basilica, all four of which are in Rome, and is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Contrary to popular misconception, it is not a cathedral because it is not the seat of a bishop; the cathedra of the pope as bishop of Rome is at Saint John Lateran.
St. Peter's is a church built in the Renaissance style located in the Vatican City west of the River Tiber and near the Janiculum Hill and Hadrian's Mausoleum. Its central dome dominates the skyline of Rome. The basilica is approached via St. Peter's Square, a forecourt in two sections, both surrounded by tall colonnades. The first space is oval and the second trapezoidal. The façade of the basilica, with a giant order of columns, stretches across the end of the square and is approached by steps on which stand two 5.55 metres statues of the first-century apostles to Rome, Saints Peter and Paul.
The basilica is cruciform in shape, with an elongated nave in the Latin cross form but the early designs were for a centrally planned structure and this is still in evidence in the architecture. The central space is dominated both externally and internally by one of the largest domes in the world. The entrance is through a narthex, or entrance hall, which stretches across the building. One of the decorated bronze doors leading from the narthex is the Holy Door, only opened during jubilees.
The interior dimensions are vast when compared to other churches. One author wrote: "Only gradually does it dawn upon us – as we watch people draw near to this or that monument, strangely they appear to shrink; they are, of course, dwarfed by the scale of everything in the building. This in its turn overwhelms us."
The nave which leads to the central dome is in three bays, with piers supporting a barrel vault, the highest of any church. The nave is framed by wide aisles which have a number of chapels off them. There are also chapels surrounding the dome. Moving around the basilica in a clockwise direction they are: The Baptistery, the Chapel of the Presentation of the Virgin, the larger Choir Chapel, the altar of the Transfiguration, the Clementine Chapel with the altar of Saint Gregory, the Sacristy Entrance, the Altar of the Lie, the left transept with altars to the Crucifixion of Saint Peter, Saint Joseph and Saint Thomas, the altar of the Sacred Heart, the Chapel of the Madonna of Column, the altar of Saint Peter and the Paralytic, the apse with the Chair of Saint Peter, the altar of Saint Peter raising Tabitha, the altar of St. Petronilla, the altar of the Archangel Michael, the altar of the Navicella, the right transept with altars of Saint Erasmus, Saints Processo and Martiniano, and Saint Wenceslas, the altar of St. Jerome, the altar of Saint Basil, the Gregorian Chapel with the altar of the Madonna of Succour, the larger Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, the Chapel of Saint Sebastian and the Chapel of the Pietà. The Monuments, in a clockwise direction, are to: Maria Clementina Sobieski, The Stuarts, Benedict XV, John XXIII, St. Pius X, Innocent VIII, Leo XI, Innocent XI, Pius VII, Pius VIII, Alexander VII, Alexander VIII, Paul III, Urban VIII, Clement X, Clement XIII, Benedict XIV, St Peter (Bronze Statue), Gregory XVI, Gregory XIV, Gregory XIII, Matilda of Canossa, Innocent XII, Pius XII, Pius XI, Christina of Sweden, Leo XII. At the heart of the basilica, beneath the high altar, is the Confessio or Chapel of the Confession, in reference to the confession of faith by St. Peter, which led to his martyrdom. Two curving marble staircases lead to this underground chapel at the level of the Constantinian church and immediately above the purported burial place of Saint Peter.
The entire interior of St. Peter's is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs, architectural sculpture and gilding. The basilica contains a large number of tombs of popes and other notable people, many of which are considered outstanding artworks. There are also a number of sculptures in niches and chapels, including Michelangelo's Pietà. The central feature is a baldachin, or canopy over the Papal Altar, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The apse culminates in a sculptural ensemble, also by Bernini, and containing the symbolic Chair of Saint Peter.
One observer wrote: "St Peter's Basilica is the reason why Rome is still the centre of the civilized world. For religious, historical, and architectural reasons it by itself justifies a journey to Rome, and its interior offers a palimpsest of artistic styles at their best ..."
The American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson described St. Peter's as "an ornament of the earth ... the sublime of the beautiful.
A seeming mass of tangled webs actually has a well planned architecture. The single line of web in the center branches off (the bow-tie shaped rainbows that follow the central strand) to a globular mass, as seen by the arcs of out of focus web in the background and foreground. Spider webs refract light so beautifully!
This image showcases the beautiful Baroque cityscape of Modica, a jewel of Sicily, as seen from the vantage point of the Church of San Pietro. The foreground is dominated by the church's intricate statues, each standing tall on stone pedestals, representing saints who contribute to the spiritual gravitas of the site. This church, a masterpiece of the Sicilian Baroque style, was rebuilt in the late 17th century after the devastating earthquake of 1693, which shaped much of the architectural history of the Val di Noto region.
The city of Modica, visible in the background, unfolds like a living postcard with its tiers of pastel-colored and ochre-toned buildings stacked along the hillside. This historical layering reflects centuries of architectural evolution, with medieval and Renaissance influences nestled alongside the more dominant Baroque features. The narrow streets and traditional balconies adorned with plants create a picturesque and inviting atmosphere that has earned Modica a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Architecturally, the area is defined by its harmony of form and function, with limestone facades and terracotta rooftops blending seamlessly into the rugged Sicilian landscape. The Church of San Pietro itself is a prime example, featuring an ornate facade, detailed carvings, and a grand staircase leading to its entrance, which enhances its imposing presence. Surrounding structures complement this aesthetic with arches, columns, and wrought-iron details that highlight the artisanship of the period.
Modica is also celebrated for its culinary traditions, particularly its unique chocolate, which follows a centuries-old Aztec recipe introduced by the Spanish. The city's chocolatiers craft this delicacy with a grainy texture and rich flavor, making it a must-try for visitors. Alongside chocolate, Modica's markets and restaurants offer a range of Sicilian specialties, such as arancini, cannoli, and pasta dishes that reflect the island's diverse cultural influences. This blend of history, architecture, and gastronomy makes Modica a captivating destination for any traveler.
RX_02825_20240512_Modica
Excerpt from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre-Dame_Basilica_(Montreal):
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal (French: Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal) is a minor basilica of the Catholic Church in the historic Old Montreal district of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. It is located at 110 Notre-Dame Street West, at the corner of Saint Sulpice Street. It is situated next to the Saint-Sulpice Seminary and faces the Place d'Armes square.
The interior of the church is amongst the most dramatic in the world and regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. The vaults are coloured deep blue and decorated with golden stars, and the rest of the sanctuary is decorated in blues, azures, reds, purples, silver, and gold. It is filled with hundreds of intricate wooden carvings and several religious statues. Unusual for a church, the stained glass windows along the walls of the sanctuary do not depict biblical scenes, but rather scenes from the religious history of Montreal. It also has a Casavant Frères pipe organ, dated 1891, which comprises four keyboards, 99 stops using electromagnetic action and an adjustable combination system, 7000 individual pipes, and a pedal board.
Approximately 11 million people visit Notre-Dame Basilica every year, making it one of the most visited monuments in North America. In 2023, Notre-Dame was named the 6th most beautiful building in the world by Angi, a home service publication which analyzes TripAdvisor reviews. The publication ranked Notre-Dame de Paris second and Barcelona's Sagrada Família first.
photo rights reserved by Ben
The Gergeti Trinity Church, located in Georgia, is situated on a mountain top near the village of Gergeti, near Stepantsminda Kazbegi in the Caucasus region, at an altitude of about 2,170 metres. The first light of dawn in the foreground of the photo enhances the mystical character of the location, while the snow-capped peaks and the dark silhouettes of the church emphasize the dramatic atmosphere of the landscape. This area is popular with hikers and photographers for its breathtaking views and historical value. The impressive snow-capped peaks of Mount Kazbek in the background are illuminated by the golden glow of the rising sun. The Georgian Orthodox church was built in the 14th century and is a beautiful example of medieval Georgian architecture. The church is an important national symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists every year. Behind the Gergeti Trinity Church lies Kazbek (in Georgian: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), with an altitude of 5,054 meters one of the highest and most famous mountains in Georgia and the Greater Caucasus. Although the mountain is hidden in this photo, Kazbek is known for its impressive presence and mythological significance. Kazbek is an extinct stratovolcano. The name Mkinvartsveri means the Icy Peak in Georgian. The mountain is popular among mountaineers and adventurers. The standard route for the ascent usually starts from Stepantsminda, with the Gergeti Trinity Church serving as the starting point. Kazbek is often covered in snow and ice, which adds to the spectacular and mysterious appearance of the region. On clear days, the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of the Caucasus.
Gergeti Trinity Church is a 14th-century church in Georgia, located at an altitude of 2,170 meters near the village of Gergeti. It is located near Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), overlooking the majestic Mount Kazbek in the Caucasus. The church is an important symbol of Georgia and attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Due to its remote location, it offers spectacular and mystical views of the mountains.
De Gergeti Trinity Church, gelegen in Georgië, bevindt zich op een bergtop bij het dorp Gergeti, nabij Stepantsminda Kazbegi in de Kaukasus-regio, op ongeveer 2170 meter hoogte. Het eerste zonlicht van de ochtend op de voorgrond van de foto versterkt het mystieke karakter van de locatie, terwijl de besneeuwde bergtoppen en de donkere silhouetten van de kerk de dramatische sfeer van het landschap benadrukken. Dit gebied is geliefd bij wandelaars en fotografen vanwege het adembenemende uitzicht en de historische waarde. De indrukwekkende besneeuwde toppen van de Kazbek op de achtergrond worden verlicht door de gouden gloed van de opkomende zon. De Georgisch-orthodoxe kerk is gebouwd in de 14e eeuw en is een prachtig voorbeeld van middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk is een belangrijk nationaal symbool van Georgië en trekt jaarlijks veel pelgrims en toeristen. Achter de Gergeti Trinity Church ligt de Kazbek (in het Georgisch: მყინვარწვერი, Mkinvartsveri), met een hoogte van 5.054 meter een van de hoogste en bekendste bergen in Georgië en de Grote Kaukasus. Hoewel de berg op deze foto verscholen is, staat Kazbek bekend om zijn indrukwekkende aanwezigheid en mythologische betekenis. Kazbek is een uitgedoofde stratovulkaan. De naam Mkinvartsveri betekent de IJzige Top in het Georgisch. De berg is populair onder bergbeklimmers en avonturiers. De standaardroute voor de beklimming begint meestal in Stepantsminda, waarbij de Gergeti Trinity Church als startpunt dient. Kazbek is vaak bedekt met sneeuw en ijs, wat bijdraagt aan de spectaculaire en mysterieuze uitstraling van de regio. Op heldere dagen biedt de top een prachtig panoramisch uitzicht over de Kaukasus.
Discover the portuguese architecture, the other face of the iberian architecture. I travelled along the Atlantic in search of key elements, shapes and perspectives. Order, geometries and proportions unite with the human presencies creating an almost magical result.
I learned about the recent history of Portuguese architecture, the most famous works and the less- known faces of these and other important architects. From Porto to Lisbon, land, sea, landscape and architecture; from the Tajo River to the Duero, from the Iberian land to the Atlantic Ocean, I was able to discover and enjoy the magical and unforgettable cities, nearby but also unknown.
I have visited emblematic buildings and the latest construction projects in a country that has been at the top of the architectural world for decades, from buildings with simple lines to the precise use of light.
The photograph captures a rustic facade in San Gimignano, a medieval hill town in Tuscany renowned for its remarkably preserved architecture. The weathered wooden door is set within a rough archway of brick and stone, revealing centuries of wear and repair. The walls display a tapestry of textures: pale stucco, exposed terracotta bricks, and patches of dark moss that cling to the mortar. Above the door, a small rectangular window secured by an iron grid reinforces the impression of a building that was both a home and a place of defense. The muted colorsâochre, sienna, and grayâevoke the earthy palette typical of Tuscan villages.
Historically, San Gimignano flourished between the 11th and 13th centuries as a stop along the Via Francigena, the pilgrimage route connecting Canterbury and Rome. The townâs strategic location brought wealth, which funded the construction of its famous towers and sturdy stone dwellings. The modest structure in this image is a contrast to those towers, embodying instead the working life of ordinary artisans or merchants who supported the townâs prosperity. The heavy door and barred window hint at a time when security and privacy were precious commodities in a bustling trade center.
The brick pavement at the threshold, glistening with a trace of moisture, reflects the Mediterranean climate that shapes both architecture and daily life here. Narrow alleys like this one wind between ancient walls, channeling cool air during the hot Tuscan summers. The construction techniquesâbrick infill, wooden lintels, and lime plasterâare examples of vernacular traditions that have persisted for generations. Despite the visible decay, the composition radiates an understated dignity, testament to San Gimignanoâs capacity to endure through wars, plagues, and economic shifts.
Beyond its architectural treasures, San Gimignano is celebrated for its culinary heritage. The surrounding hills produce Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a crisp white wine prized since medieval times. Local kitchens serve robust dishes like wild boar ragù, pecorino cheese, and handmade pici pasta. As you stand before this old doorway, it is easy to imagine the aroma of fresh bread or simmering sauces drifting from within, blending the townâs rich history with the simple pleasures of Tuscan cooking.
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A quaint pedestrian street in Évora, Portugal, during twilight. The cobblestone pathway glistens under the warm glow of streetlights, enhancing the charm of the historic architecture. The buildings, with their white-washed walls and terracotta roofs, showcase traditional Portuguese design, complete with ornate balconies and windows. A few people are seen walking with umbrellas, suggesting a gentle rain is adding to the ambiance of this peaceful evening. The scene invites you to wander through this quaint European town, soaking in its tranquil atmosphere after dusk.
The Courtyards Festival of Córdoba is a courtyard competition in Córdoba, Spain held since 1921 and generally held during the first and second week of the month of May. Participants decorate and open their courtyards for free so that they can be visited during festival hours. In 1980 they were declared a Fiestas of National Tourist Interest of Spain, and after a long process, they managed to be add to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on December 6, 2012.
The courtyards during the Festival are separated in two types. Monumental and stately courtyards are courtyards inside palaces of the local aristocracy or notable religious buildings. Competition courtyards are those participated in the competition. The competition courtyards are categorized as courtyards with old architecture (pre 70's buildings) and courtyards with modern or renovated architecture. The Festival continued to receive higher number of visitors. In 2018, there were 150,000 visitors during the Festival
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Nestling in the water meadows alongside the River Itchen and in the shadow of St Catherine’s Hill lies the ancient Hospital of St Cross. Renowned for the tranquility of its setting and the beauty of its architecture, the Hospital is one of England’s oldest continuing almshouses.
Had a great tour guide in Genoa, Italy and learned so much about the town and country. The city's main square, which connects the historic center with the modern city, was stunning with such a nice mixture of different types of architecture. The fountain was lit up at night with huge images related to Genoa projected on the building behind it. Such a cool vibe.