O portal principal da Igreja Matriz de Barcelos, construída no século XIV por iniciativa de D. Pedro, 3.º Conde de Barcelos, é um notável exemplar da transição do românico para o gótico na arquitetura portuguesa. Apresenta cinco arquivoltas ogivais decoradas, assentes em finos colunelos redondos e prismáticos, com bases adornadas por rosetas. Os capitéis exibem uma rica combinação de motivos vegetalistas e zoomórficos, incluindo aves a beber de um cálice e animais devorando figuras humanas, refletindo temas de purificação e punição. Este portal, caracterizado pelas suas robustas portas de madeira e pelo trabalho escultórico na pedra local, é um importante marco do património religioso e histórico do norte de Portugal.

The main portal of the Mother Church of Barcelos, built in the 14th century on the initiative of Pedro, 3rd Count of Barcelos, is a remarkable example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic in Portuguese architecture. It has five decorated ogival archivolts resting on slender round prismatic columns, with bases adorned with rosettes. The capitals display a rich combination of plant and zoomorphic motifs, including birds drinking from a chalice and animals devouring human figures, reflecting themes of purification and punishment. This portal, characterized by its sturdy wooden doors and sculptural work in the local stone, is an important landmark in the religious and historical heritage of northern Portugal.

My first Pixel Shift photo upload taken at Gloucester Cathedral yesterday (these are the original lavatories,) While taking the exposure a young lady entered the old cloister toilets, stood there for a couple of seconds then left, she's barely visible in the background, her face is just to the lower right handside of the far end wall window.

Manfrotto Tripod, Pentax Remote, Lens = Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART, edited in Snapseed on iPad Pro.

For an in depth description of Pixel Shift :-

www.pentaxforums.com/articles/photo-articles/how-pentax-k...

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Italian pronunciation: [katteˈdraːle di ˈsanta maˈriːa del ˈfjoːre]; in English "Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Flowers") is the main church of Florence, Italy. Il Duomo di Firenze, as it is ordinarily called, was begun in 1296 in the Gothic style with the design of Arnolfo di Cambio and completed structurally in 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi. The exterior of the basilica is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink bordered by white and has an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival façade by Emilio De Fabris.

The cathedral complex, located in Piazza del Duomo, includes the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. These three buildings are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site covering the historic centre of Florence and are a major attraction to tourists visiting Tuscany. The basilica is one of Italy's largest churches, and until development of new structural materials in the modern era, the dome was the largest in the world. It remains the largest brick dome ever constructed.

The cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Florence, whose archbishop is currently Giuseppe Betori.

Santa Maria del Fiore was built on the site of an earlier cathedral dedicated to Saint Reparata. The ancient structure, founded in the early 5th century and having undergone many repairs, was crumbling with age, according to the 14th-century Nuova Cronica of Giovanni Villani, and was no longer large enough to serve the growing population of the city. Other major Tuscan cities had undertaken ambitious reconstructions of their cathedrals during the Late Medieval period, such as Pisa and particularly Siena where the enormous proposed extensions were never completed.

Giotto's bell tower (campanile)

The new church was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio and approved by city council in 1294. Di Cambio was also architect of the church of Santa Croce and the Palazzo Vecchio. He designed three wide naves ending under the octagonal dome, with the middle nave covering the area of Santa Reparata. The first stone was laid on September 9, 1296, by Cardinal Valeriana, the first papal legate ever sent to Florence. The building of this vast project was to last 140 years; Arnolfo's plan for the eastern end, although maintained in concept, was greatly expanded in size.

After Arnolfo died in 1310, work on the cathedral slowed for thirty years. When the relics of Saint Zenobius were discovered in 1330 in Santa Reparata, the project gained a new impetus. In 1331, the Arte della Lana, the guild of wool merchants, took over patronage for the construction of the cathedral and in 1334 appointed Giotto to oversee the work. Assisted by Andrea Pisano, Giotto continued di Cambio's design. His major accomplishment was the building of the campanile. When Giotto died in 1337, Andrea Pisano continued the building until work was halted due to the Black Death in 1348.

In 1349, work resumed on the cathedral under a series of architects, starting with Francesco Talenti, who finished the campanile and enlarged the overall project to include the apse and the side chapels. In 1359, Talenti was succeeded by Giovanni di Lapo Ghini (1360–1369) who divided the center nave in four square bays. Other architects were Alberto Arnoldi, Giovanni d'Ambrogio, Neri di Fioravante and Andrea Orcagna. By 1375, the old church Santa Reparata was pulled down. The nave was finished by 1380, and by 1418, only the dome remained incomplete.

On 18 August 1418, the Arte della Lana announced an architectural design competition for erecting Neri's dome. The two main competitors were two master goldsmiths, Lorenzo Ghiberti and Filippo Brunelleschi, the latter of whom was supported by Cosimo de Medici. Ghiberti had been the winner of a competition for a pair of bronze doors for the Baptistery in 1401 and lifelong competition between the two remained sharp. Brunelleschi won and received the commission.

Ghiberti, appointed coadjutator, drew a salary equal to Brunelleschi's and, though neither was awarded the announced prize of 200 florins, was promised equal credit, although he spent most of his time on other projects. When Brunelleschi became ill, or feigned illness, the project was briefly in the hands of Ghiberti. But Ghiberti soon had to admit that the whole project was beyond him. In 1423, Brunelleschi was back in charge and took over sole responsibility.

Work started on the dome in 1420 and was completed in 1436. The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Eugene IV on March 25, 1436, (the first day of the year according to the Florentine calendar). It was the first 'octagonal' dome in history to be built without a temporary wooden supporting frame. It was one of the most impressive projects of the Renaissance. During the consecration in 1436, Guillaume Dufay's motet Nuper rosarum flores was performed. The structure of this motet was strongly influenced by the structure of the dome.

The decoration of the exterior of the cathedral, begun in the 14th century, was not completed until 1887, when the polychrome marble façade was completed with the design of Emilio De Fabris. The floor of the church was relaid in marble tiles in the 16th century.

The exterior walls are faced in alternate vertical and horizontal bands of polychrome marble from Carrara (white), Prato (green), Siena (red), Lavenza and a few other places. These marble bands had to repeat the already existing bands on the walls of the earlier adjacent baptistery the Battistero di San Giovanni and Giotto's Bell Tower. There are two side doors: the Doors of the Canonici (south side) and the Door of the Mandorla (north side) with sculptures by Nanni di Banco, Donatello, and Jacopo della Quercia. The six side windows, notable for their delicate tracery and ornaments, are separated by pilasters. Only the four windows closest to the transept admit light; the other two are merely ornamental. The clerestory windows are round, a common feature in Italian Gothic.

During its long history, this cathedral has been the seat of the Council of Florence (1439), heard the preachings of Girolamo Savonarola and witnessed the murder of Giuliano di Piero de' Medici on Sunday, 26 April 1478 (with Lorenzo Il Magnifico barely escaping death), in the Pazzi conspiracy.

For further information please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_del_Duomo,_Florence

Florence (/ˈflɒrəns/ FLOR-əns; Italian: Firenze [fiˈrɛntse] ( listen)) is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the Metropolitan City of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 382,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1,520,000 in the metropolitan area.

Florence was a centre of medieval European trade and finance and one of the wealthiest cities of the time, is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, and has been called "the Athens of the Middle Ages". A turbulent political history includes periods of rule by the powerful Medici family, and numerous religious and republican revolutions. From 1865 to 1871 the city was the capital of the recently established Kingdom of Italy.

The Historic Centre of Florence attracts 13 millions of tourists each year, and Euromonitor International ranked the city as the world's 89th most visited in 2012, with 1.8 million visitors. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982. The city is noted for its culture, Renaissance art and architecture and monuments. The city also contains numerous museums and art galleries, such as the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, and still exerts an influence in the fields of art, culture and politics. Due to Florence's artistic and architectural heritage, it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Florence is an important city in Italian fashion, being ranked in the top 51 fashion capitals of the world; furthermore, it is a major national economic centre, as well as a tourist and industrial hub. In 2008, the city had the 17th highest average income in Italy.

For further information please visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence

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The West Door which leads into the gavit, or entrance hall, of the Monastery-Cathedral of St John the Baptist at Hovhannavank, 45 minutes drive from Yerevan.

There was a wooden church here as early as the 4th Century, but the current building consists of a 5th Century basilica on the north (not visible in this shot), now used as a chapel for personal prayer, and a 13th Century cathedral. The door into the main cathedral itself is visible in the background and, like this one, has some lovely stonecarving.

photo rights reserved by Ben

The region around Mount Kazbek and Stepantsminda is home to several ancient settlements and historical sites, often linked to Georgian legends and medieval architecture. The most famous and iconic site is undoubtedly the Gergeti Trinity Church 14th century. While the church itself was never a settlement, its surroundings served as a sanctuary for local communities for centuries. Around Gergeti Trinity Church, on the slopes of Mount Kazbek, there were once several small settlements and temporary dwellings used by shepherds and monks. These played an important role in both the spiritual and everyday life of the region and were closely connected to the church. The mountain slopes surrounding the church were often used as summer pastures for Georgian shepherds, who brought their sheep and cattle to graze in the alpine meadows. They built temporary stone huts or used natural caves as shelter. These simple dwellings typically consisted of small stone shelters, often without windows. Some huts were partially built underground to retain warmth during the cold months. They were scattered along the mountain trails leading to the church and further up to the Gergeti Glacier.

During wars and invasions—such as those by the Persians, Mongols, and Ottomans—local inhabitants often sought refuge in the mountains. Some settlements were abandoned after conflicts and fell into ruin. While many of these old villages are no longer inhabited, their remains continue to be a fascinating part of the Kazbeg region’s history.

In de regio rond Mount Kazbek en Stepantsminda bevinden zich meerdere oude nederzettingen en historische locaties, vaak verbonden met Georgische legendes en middeleeuwse architectuur. De bekendste en meest iconische plek is zonder twijfel de Gergeti Trinity Church 14e eeuw. Hoewel de kerk zelf geen nederzetting was, fungeerde de omgeving lange tijd als een toevluchtsoord voor lokale gemeenschappen. Rond Gergeti Trinity Church, op de hellingen van Mount Kazbek, lagen vroeger verschillende kleine nederzettingen en tijdelijke verblijven van herders en monniken. Deze speelden een belangrijke rol in zowel het spirituele als het alledaagse leven in de regio en waren vaak nauw verbonden met de kerk. De berghellingen rondom de kerk dienden in de zomer als weidegrond voor Georgische herders, die hier hun schapen en koeien lieten grazen. Ze bouwden tijdelijke stenen hutten of maakten gebruik van natuurlijke grotten als onderdak. Deze eenvoudige onderkomens bestonden vaak uit kleine stenen schuilplaatsen, meestal zonder ramen. Sommige hutten waren gedeeltelijk ondergronds gebouwd om beter bestand te zijn tegen de kou. Ze lagen verspreid langs de bergpaden die leidden naar de kerk en verder naar de Gergeti-gletsjer. Tijdens oorlogen en invasies – zoals die van de Perzen, Mongolen en Ottomanen – zochten de bewoners vaak hun toevlucht in de bergen. Sommige nederzettingen werden na conflicten verlaten en raakten in verval. Hoewel veel van deze oude dorpen niet meer bewoond zijn, blijven hun overblijfselen een intrigerend onderdeel van de geschiedenis van de regio.

Prague is a delightful city to explore on foot with its extraordinary architecture, charming cobblestone lanes and enchanting churches, squares and buildings.

Old Town revolves around Old Town Square which is laced in history and architectural genius and remains the historic heart and the soul of the city. Many believe it is the grandest, most magnificent square in all of Eastern Europe with its intricate pathways of cobblestone streets reminiscent of medieval times and its brightly-hued pastel buildings each with a history of its own right.

thirdeyemom.com/2016/06/23/a-walking-tour-of-prague-old-t...

South bell tower of Notre Dame such amazing details to ponder.

Construction began in 1163 on Île de la Cité, under the reign of King Louis VII, and the cathedral was largely completed by 1345, although many modifications and additions were made over the following centuries. It is one of the oldest and most well-known cathedrals in the world.

To the heros of Paris, Paris fire department Brigade des sapeurs-pompiers de Paris, heroes as with all firefighters in the world. A great thank you for saving a world treasure. 🙏🙏

Interior

Stonecaving on a pillar in the 13th Century gavit, an entrance hall of sort of super-narthex, at the Monastery-Cathedral of St John the Baptist at Hovhannavank, 45 minutes drive from Yerevan.

There was a wooden church here as early as the 4th Century, but the current building consists of a 5th Century basilica on the north (not visible in this shot), now used as a chapel for personal prayer, and a 13th Century cathedral through the door just below centre of shot.

The cupola of the main church has been damaged twice times in earthquakes - in 1679 and 1919, rebuilt both times, and the building suffered further damage in the 1988 earthquake which is a central event in shaping contemporary Armenia.

It is in good condition now and there is an active conservation programme.

Tilshead, in the heart of Salisbury Plain, is a village currently with a population of 358, near the source of the River Till (hence the name). Its population was more than twice as large in the years during and after the Second World War; this is still an area dominated by military facilities.

The village parish church is St Thomas a Becket, the earliest elements of which date from the early 12th Century, including the nave and, inside, the font. It is Grade I listed. The chancel was added in the mid-13th Century. The chequered flint and limestone gives it a distinctive appearance.

This description incorporates text from the website of the Salisbury Plain Benefice, of which St Thomas a Becket, Tilshead, is now a part.

Stonecaving on a pillar in the 13th Century gavit, an entrance hall of sort of super-narthex, at the Monastery-Cathedral of St John the Baptist at Hovhannavank, 45 minutes drive from Yerevan.

There was a wooden church here as early as the 4th Century, but the current building consists of a 5th Century basilica on the north (not visible in this shot), now used as a chapel for personal prayer, and a 13th Century cathedral through the door just below centre of shot.

The cupola of the main church has been damaged twice times in earthquakes - in 1679 and 1919, rebuilt both times, and the building suffered further damage in the 1988 earthquake which is a central event in shaping contemporary Armenia.

It is in good condition now and there is an active conservation programme.

Holy Trinity is the only medieval church in Coventry that is still complete and its 72 metre high spire is one of the tallest non-cathedral spires in the UK. Here it is photographed towering over part of the 2004 Priory Place development by CDP.

Rottingdean, East Sussex, England

I spent a few days in Devon during the middle of January, and on my way down drove through Dorset, calling in at Corfe Castle on the way. The village itself is also known by that name.

This must surely have been one of the most impressive castles in England when it was at the height of its power. For hundreds of years Corfe Castle, on the Isle of Purbeck in the east of Dorset, was one of the strongest castles in the country. There had been fortifications on the site for several hundred years before the Normans decided to build a larger castle. Building commenced in the 1080's and it was finally overcome in the English Civil War in 1646, when Parliamentarian troops infiltrated the castle in disguise. The castle was subsequently undermined (or slighted), with severe damage being caused to the walls and the buildings.

photo rights reserved by Ben

On the shores of the Zhinvali Reservoir lies the famous Ananuri Fortress, a historical site dating back to the 16th-17th centuries. The fortress not only offers an insight into Georgian history, but also a beautiful view of the lake. Within the Ananuri complex is a well-preserved church with impressive stone carvings and frescoes. Ananuri is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance. It is an ideal place for photography, picnics and relaxing in nature, making it a must-see destination for travelers in Georgia. The church itself has a long history and was badly damaged during a fire in 1739. Many of the original frescoes were lost, and only fragments of them remain visible on the walls and pillars today. On the south wall is a partially preserved representation of the Last Judgement, a theme often depicted in Orthodox churches to remind believers of the Day of Judgement and the eternal consequences of their actions. The dome of the church, although not visible in the photo, is an architectural highlight and symbolizes heaven. Together with the iconostasis and the surviving frescoes, the church provides a beautiful picture of the rich religious and artistic traditions of medieval Georgia.

The Ananuri Fortress is a historical complex in Georgia, located on the banks of the Zhinvali Reservoir, about 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi. One of the most visited attractions in the country. The complex consists of several defensive structures, such as towers, churches and walls, which were strategically placed to withstand attacks. The Church of the Savior is the most striking structure within the complex. The fresco on the south wall of the church of the Ananuri complex depicts the Last Judgement, one of the most dramatic and meaningful themes in Christian art. This imagery was popular in Orthodox churches, especially in the Middle Ages, because it reminded believers of God's judgment and the ultimate destiny of souls after death. At the center of the composition, Christ is often depicted seated on a throne. He is usually surrounded by angels and saints, who are witnesses to the judgment. On the right side, the righteous are depicted being led to heaven by angels. On the left, sinners are often depicted in dark and chaotic scenes, being led to hell by demons. The gates of heaven are often shown as a glorious, orderly place with angels and saints. In contrast, hell contains images of flames, monsters, and sinners suffering, sometimes with symbolic punishments for specific sins. The Last Judgement served not only as a religious theme, but also as a moral lesson. It was meant to remind believers to prepare for the day of judgment by living virtuously and confessing their sins.

Aan de oevers van het Zhinvali-reservoir ligt het beroemde Ananuri-fort, een historische plek die dateert uit de 16e-17e eeuw. Het fort, dat een van de meest bezochte bezienswaardigheden van het land is, biedt niet alleen een fascinerende inkijk in de Georgische geschiedenis, maar ook een prachtig uitzicht op het omliggende landschap. Het fort diende als de residentie van de Aragvi-hertogen, een machtige dynastie in Georgië. Het complex speelde een belangrijke rol in de verdediging van de regio tegen invallen en oorlogen. Het complex bestaat uit meerdere verdedigingsstructuren, zoals torens, kerken en muren, die strategisch waren geplaatst om aanvallen te weerstaan. De Verlosserkerk -Church of the Savior is het meest opvallende bouwwerk binnen het complex. De ingang van een kerk is rijkelijk versierd met verfijnd steenhouwwerk. Het portaal toont ingewikkelde geometrische en florale patronen, kenmerkend voor de middeleeuwse Georgische architectuur. De kerk zelf heeft een lange geschiedenis en werd zwaar beschadigd tijdens een brand in 1739. Veel van de originele fresco's gingen verloren, en slechts fragmenten ervan zijn vandaag de dag nog zichtbaar op de muren en pilaren. Op de zuidmuur bevindt zich een gedeeltelijk bewaard gebleven voorstelling van het Laatste Oordeel, één van de meest dramatische en betekenisvolle thema's in de christelijke kunst. Deze voorstelling was populair in orthodoxe kerken, met name in de middeleeuwen, omdat het gelovigen herinnerde aan het oordeel van God en de uiteindelijke bestemming van de zielen na de dood. Centraal in de compositie is Christus vaak afgebeeld, zittend op een troon. Hij wordt meestal omringd door engelen en heiligen, die getuigen zijn van het oordeel. Aan de rechterkant worden de rechtvaardigen afgebeeld, die naar de hemel worden geleid door engelen. Aan de linkerkant worden de zondaars vaak in donkere en chaotische scènes weergegeven, waar ze door demonen naar de hel worden geleid. De hemelpoort wordt vaak getoond als een glorieuze, ordelijke plek met engelen en heiligen. De hel daarentegen bevat beelden van vlammen, monsters, en zondaars die lijden, soms met symbolische straffen voor specifieke zonden. Het Laatste Oordeel diende niet alleen als een religieus thema, maar ook als een morele les. Het moest gelovigen eraan herinneren zich voor te bereiden op de dag van het oordeel door een deugdzaam leven te leiden en hun zonden te belijden. De vervaagde kleuren en details weerspiegelen de eeuwenoude geschiedenis en benadrukken de rol van kunst in het overbrengen van theologische en morele boodschappen.

Durham Cathedral's main pipe organ is the 4th largest in the UK. It has a grand total of 5746 pipes It was originally built in 1876-77 as has been maintained by the same Durham-based organ conservation firm since 1905. In October and November 2022, repairs were carried out to ensure the organ remains fully operational.

The chancel of St Peter and St Paul's Church in Worth, Kent.

A Rua da Alegria, em Trancoso, outrora conhecida como Rua da Judiaria, é um testemunho vivo da história e beleza da vila. Localizada no centro histórico medieval, outrora protegida pelas muralhas de D. Dinis, esta via empedrada com fachadas em granito conserva o traçado estreito característico da região. A antiga praça-forte, com importância estratégica na defesa da fronteira, viu esta sua rua transformar-se num atrativo turístico singular: há cerca de 40 anos, uma moradora iniciou o cultivo de hortênsias que, no final de junho, florescem abundantemente, decorando ambos os lados da rua e atraindo visitantes e fotógrafos. As hortênsias, agora símbolo da rua, coexistem com a memória da presença judaica, visível em insígnias nas ombreiras, e com a arquitetura medieval preservada, refletindo técnicas construtivas tradicionais da Beira Interior.

Rua da Alegria, in Trancoso, formerly known as Rua da Judiaria, is a living testimony to the history and beauty of the village. Located in the medieval historic center, once protected by the walls of D. Dinis, this cobbled street with granite facades retains the narrow layout characteristic of the region. The old stronghold, strategically important in defending the border, saw this street become a unique tourist attraction: about 40 years ago, a resident began growing hydrangeas, which bloom profusely at the end of June, decorating both sides of the street and attracting visitors and photographers. The hydrangeas, now a symbol of the street, coexist with the memory of the Jewish presence, visible in the insignia on the doorposts, and with the preserved medieval architecture, reflecting traditional construction techniques from Beira Interior.

This magnificent Grade I-listed church is adjacent to Port Eliot House in St Germans in east Cornwall and is unlike any other in the county. On the site of an earlier Saxon cathedral and subsequent priory, it was rebuilt in the 12th century by the canons in the Norman style. There is a magnificent Norman west door, and most of the Norman west front remains. The two towers are extremely rare in England, and were started in the early 13th century during the transitional period from Norman to Gothic. The north tower has an octagonal top in the Early English style on a square Norman base while the south tower has two 15th century stages added. Simon Jenkins regards this as one of England's Thousand Best Churches. For more details please see greatenglishchuches.co.uk/html/st_germans.html.

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The Prague Castle Complex

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Prague - Czech Republic - Europe

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Trinity Church in Jersey, the parish of which covers the rural central north of the island, has existed on this site since at least the year 1090 and the chancel dates from around then. I cannot find a date for the construction of the present nave, although the transepts and tower are said to have been added in the 15th Century. Eventually, the south transept was transformed into a porch, and the north transept into a Lady Chapel.

As with other Jersey churches, there was substantial iconoclasm and desecration by Puritans as the Channel Islands became strongly Calvinistic in the immediate aftermath of the Reformation – perhaps that explains why the tower was struck by lightning three times between 1629 and 1648! Some degree of decoration began to return to Trinity in the late 19th Century.

photo rights reserved by Ben

High on a narrow mountain ridge, overlooking the endless, rust-colored hills of the Georgian-Azerbaijani borderlands, stands a solitary watchtower. This is the tower of the Natlismtsemeli Monastery, part of the ancient David Gareja complex, founded in the 6th century by the Syrian monk David Garejeli. In the Middle Ages, the monastery was not only a center of faith but also of learning, art, and manuscript production. But its remote location — far from cities and fortified walls — made it vulnerable. The watchtower was built as a lookout to spot approaching danger: raiding forces, Persians, Mongols, or later steppe bandits. Yet it also served to welcome pilgrims arriving via the winding sand tracks that led to the monastery. The road to Natlismtsemeli is far from easy. Narrow, dusty trails snake through the hilly semi-desert, often little more than faint paths worn into the earth. In wet seasons they turn to slippery mud; in summer they dry out into hard-packed, rutted tracks carved by years of footsteps and wheels. For pilgrims and visitors, the journey itself becomes an act of devotion: hours of driving across a barren, unmarked terrain, guided only by the landscape. These roads are passable only by rugged vehicles — or on foot, for those who truly seek the silence. And yet, that difficulty is part of the place’s power. The journey strips away urgency, quiets the mind, and brings the traveler closer to what matters. You don’t arrive here by accident — you come because you are willing to seek, to be silent, and to slow down. Today, the tower is empty. Yet it still keeps watch — not over danger, but over memory. Over the hard, simple life of hermits who chose solitude and prayer. The paths below have grown quiet, but the stones still speak — of faith, endurance, and the truth that even in the most desolate landscapes, meaning endures.

In the remote hills near Georgia’s border with Azerbaijan stands a lone watchtower, once part of the ancient Natlismtsemeli Monastery. Built in the 6th century, the monastery served both as a spiritual center and a refuge. Reaching it means navigating dusty, rugged paths — a journey as demanding as it is meaningful. Though the tower is no longer in use, it remains a silent witness to centuries of faith, solitude, and the quiet strength of those who chose to live far from the world.

Hoog op een smalle bergrug, uitkijkend over de eindeloze, roestkleurige heuvels van de Georgisch-Azerbeidzjaanse grensstreek, staat een eenzame wachttoren. Dit is de toren van het Natlismtsemeli-klooster, onderdeel van het eeuwenoude David Gareja-complex, dat in de 6e eeuw werd gesticht door de Syrische monnik David Garejeli. In de middeleeuwen was het klooster niet alleen een centrum van geloof, maar ook van studie, kunst en manuscriptproductie. Maar deze afgelegen ligging, ver van steden en beschermende muren, maakte het kwetsbaar. De wachttoren werd gebouwd als uitkijkpost om tijdig dreigingen te signaleren: invallen van plunderende troepen, Perzen, Mongolen of later, rovers uit de steppe, maar ook pelgrims verwelkomen die via kronkelende zandwegen hun weg naar het klooster vonden. De weg naar het Natlismtsemeli-klooster is geen gemakkelijke. Smalle, stoffige zandpaden slingeren zich door het heuvelachtige halfwoestijnlandschap, vaak nauwelijks meer dan sporen in de aarde. In regenachtige seizoenen veranderen ze in glibberige modderbanen; in de zomer zijn ze kurkdroog, met diepe sporen uitgesleten door jaren van voetstappen en wielen. Voor pelgrims en bezoekers is de reis ernaartoe al een oefening in toewijding: urenlang rijden over verlaten terrein zonder bewegwijzering, met enkel het landschap als gids. De wegen zijn vaak alleen met een terreinwagen bereikbaar — of te voet, voor wie de stilte écht wil ervaren. Maar juist die moeilijkheid draagt bij aan de kracht van de plek. De reis filtert haast uit het hoofd, brengt de reiziger terug tot het essentiële, en maakt de ontmoeting met het klooster des te intenser. Hierheen kom je niet toevallig — je komt omdat je bereid bent te zoeken, te zwijgen, en te vertragen. Tegenwoordig is de toren verlaten. Toch waakt ze nog steeds — niet langer over gevaar, maar over herinnering. Over het harde, eenvoudige leven van kluizenaars die kozen voor stilte en afzondering. De paden hieronder zijn stil geworden, maar de stenen spreken nog. Over geloof, volharding, en het besef dat zelfs in de leegste landschappen betekenis kan schuilen.

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A photo dedicated to Ronnie James Dio & band Rainbow

In the later afternoon hour I visited old tower. It is a place that I visited first time in a childhood, it was a carefree time when my hero was Robin Hood. Anyway it is good to be back here after so many years, in my eyes I had tears of joy, I was happy as a little boy. After 45 minutes of hard walking you get a reward, a fantastic panorama view. I enjoyed while drinking Mountain Dew. I prepared to do a photo of this nice location together with gorgeous old tree that was decorated with various color lights. But wait what happened… Stars are coming closer, they can walk, and I heard they even talk!

Blue star: Howdy sport, this old fort is our home you are welcome anytime, my hobby is to speak in rhyme, my art name is mr. Dime. Btw my real name is Dane, I adore Spain. I was in Barcelona, it is pretty city. Yasha: Nice to meet you all. My name is Yasha, I love Russia.

Red star: Hey buddy, my name is Maddy, I was a champion in ping-pong. What is your favorite song? I love rap song Come With Me from Puff Daddy? Yasha: I love many songs I can’t choose just one but for you I recommend Dio - Born On The Sun.

Green star: Hi pal, my name is Alfred, you can call me Al. I used to sing choral music in church. Do you have cigarette Pall Mall? Yasha: No I don’t, I never smoke.

All stars danced & sung together: liar lier pants on fire. Yasha: I really never tried cigarette, don’t bet you will lose.

White star: Mate my name is Kate, this was fate that we meet for the last day of old year. You can see my relatives on the flag of United States of America. Yasha: You guys are nuts.

All stars sung together: We are nuts and we are crazy about peanuts, do you have any in your pocket? Yasha: Unfortunately I don’t have any, next time I will bring you many.

Yellow star: Mamma mia, I am Adelina, I was born in Italy in Messina. Dear friend I don’t want that our friendship ever end. Yasha: Me neither. Let’s make a photo of you all together so I can have it forever as a nice memory. Stars agreed.

All stars together: We wish you happy New Year and nice weekend. Yasha: I wish you the same from my heart.

After photo session I turn away for a few seconds and I looked one more time to fantastic view on Adriatic Sea. When I look back to the old stone walls I couldn’t see any of my friend stars. Maybe they felt stress so they were hiding because some hikers entered inside the old fortress. Perhaps it was just my dream or imagination, maybe this conversation never happened but on the other hand I have this photo as evidence. It is pity that you couldn’t see in real playful stars dance.

P.s. This is a riddle that I can't explain, I hope I am not insane, I wish to see this stars again.

I wish happy New Year everybody on planet earth & planet Mars. I recommend you 2 songs: Rainbow - Stargazer, Bob Catley - The Tower.

See where this picture was taken. [?]

St Andrew’s Church in the Somerset village of Blagdon (pop. 1,116), was built in the 15th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.

The church has a 35-metre-high tower, one of the tallest in Somerset. Apart from the tower, rest of the church was rebuilt in 1907–09 by Lord Winterstoke (of the Wills tobacco family). A piscina with a 12th Century frieze of the four Evangelists has somehow survived multiple re-buildings and attests to a Norman church on the same site.

Augustus Toplady was serving as curate of St Andrew's in the 1760s when he wrote the hymn Rock of Ages. It is believed that he was inspired to write the lyrics while sheltering under a rock in nearby Burrington Combe.

This description incorporates text from the English Wikipedia.

Noyon has one of the earliest cathedrals in the gothic style, begun in the 2nd half of the 12th century. Characteristically for that era a four-storey elevation with tribunes supports the already daring height of 22,7 meters.

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A Ponte Velha de Vizela é um importante monumento medieval localizado na cidade de Vizela, em Portugal. Construída originalmente durante a época romana, a ponte passou por reconstruções e reparações durante o período medieval.

A ponte é composta por três arcos desiguais de estilo românico, com um tabuleiro quase horizontal e rampas de acesso. Acredita-se que a ponte possa ter tido uma conexão com a Ponte do Arco de Vila Fria, localizada próxima.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, widely known as St Mary Redcliffe, is the main Church of England parish church for the Redcliffe district of Bristol. The first reference to a church on the site appears in 1158, with the present building dating from 1185 to 1872. The church is considered one of the country’s finest and largest parish churches as well as an outstanding example of English Gothic architecture. The church is so large it is sometimes mistaken for Bristol Cathedral by tourists. It has, unsurprisingly, Grade I listed status.

The church is notable for its many large stained glass windows, decorative stone vaults, flying buttresses, rare hexagonal porch and massive Gothic spire. With a height of 84 metres to the top of the weathervane, St Mary Redcliffe is the second-tallest structure in Bristol and the sixth-tallest parish church in the country. The church spire is a major Bristol landmark, visible from across the city and until the completion of Castle Park View in 2020, was the tallest structure ever to have been erected in Bristol.

St Mary Redcliffe has received widespread critical acclaim from various architects, historians, poets, writers and monarchs. Queen Elizabeth I, on a visit to the church in 1574, described St Mary Redcliffe as “The fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in England”; Simon Jenkins gives St Mary Redcliffe the maximum five-star rating in his book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’, one of only eighteen to receive such a rating, describing it as a “masterpiece of English Gothic”; and Nikolaus Pevsner says that “St Mary Redcliffe need not fear comparison with any other English parish church”.

This description incorporates text from the English Wikipedia.

The Church of St Andrew in Cheddar, Somerset, dates from the 14th Century and has been designated as a Grade I listed building. It is part of the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells. It was restored in 1873 by William Butterfield.

The tower, which rises to 30 metres (100 feet) and dates from around 1423,

A trip to Winchester Cathedral. July 2018

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winchester_Cathedral

O Batistério de Pisa, situado na famosa Piazza dei Miracoli, é uma notável obra arquitetónica que se destaca pela sua grandiosidade e beleza. Construído em estilo românico-pisano, este edifício circular é o maior batistério de Itália, com um impressionante perímetro de 107 metros.

A construção do Batistério iniciou-se em 1153, sob a direção do arquiteto Diotisalvi. É de notar que todas as famílias pisanas concordaram em pagar uma taxa especial e elevada para financiar esta imponente obra. O edifício apresenta uma interessante evolução estilística: enquanto o piso térreo exibe características românicas, a galeria superior e a cúpula, acrescentadas no século seguinte, revelam influências góticas, sendo obra dos mestres Nicola e Giovanni Pisano.

Uma das características mais notáveis do Batistério de Pisa é a sua acústica perfeita, que o torna não apenas um local de importância religiosa, mas também um espaço de grande interesse acústico e arquitetónico. Esta magnífica estrutura, juntamente com a Catedral e a famosa Torre Inclinada, forma um conjunto monumental que atrai visitantes de todo o mundo, testemunhando a riqueza histórica e cultural de Pisa.

Kasteel Duurstede is een middeleeuws kasteel in Wijk bij Duurstede, provincie Utrecht. Het kasteel is rond 1260 gesticht door Zweder I van Zuylen van Abcoude, telg uit een van de belangrijkste families in de regio. Het kasteel ligt op een sprookjesachtig kasteeleiland en is omringd door een gracht. Het kasteel heeft een rijke geschiedenis en is door de eeuwen heen meerdere malen verbouwd en uitgebreid. Het kasteel is opengesteld voor publiek en kan bezocht worden tijdens Open Monumentendag. Het is ook een populaire locatie voor evenementen, zoals concerten. Het kasteel is momenteel in gebruik als het Huis van de Gemeente.

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The Zhinvali Reservoir, also known as the Jinvali Reservoir, is a beautiful artificial lake in Georgia. It is located in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, about 70 kilometers north of the capital Tbilisi. This reservoir is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings of mountains and forests. The Zhinvali Reservoir was created in 1985 by the construction of the Zhinvali Dam on the Aragvi River. The main purpose of the dam and reservoir is to supply Tbilisi with drinking water, electricity production and irrigation. The dam is 102 meters high and is an essential part of Georgia's energy and water infrastructure. The area around the reservoir is characterized by a breathtaking landscape of green hills and high mountains. The water itself has a striking blue or turquoise hue, depending on the light and the season. In the vicinity of the lake you can spot wildlife and enjoy hiking trails that lead through the beautiful nature. On the shores of the lake lies the famous Ananuri Fortress, a historical site dating back to the 16th-17th centuries. The fortress not only offers an insight into Georgian history, but also a beautiful view of the lake. Within the Ananuri complex is a well-preserved church with impressive stone carvings and frescoes. Ananuri is recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance. It is an ideal place for photography, picnics and relaxing in nature, making it a must-see destination for travelers in Georgia.

The Ananuri Fortress is a historical complex in Georgia, located on the banks of the Zhinvali Reservoir, about 70 kilometers north of Tbilisi. There is an interesting legend about the origin of the name of the fortress, which has been passed down through the centuries in different versions, but with the same core. The legend tells of a siege of the fortress of Ananuri, during which the enemy soldiers surrounded the fortress and waited for the inhabitants to become exhausted from a lack of resources. Despite the long duration, the inhabitants showed no sign of surrender. What the invaders did not know was that the fortress was connected to the Aragvi River by a secret tunnel, which allowed them to escape and fish. After some time, the enemies discovered this and began to search for the entrance to the tunnel, but in vain. One day, they found a girl named Ana outside the fortress and tried to force her to reveal the location of the tunnel. Ana refused and was tortured and killed. In the end, the inhabitants of Ananuri won the battle, and in memory of Ana they named the fortress after her. Ana came from Nuri, a nearby village, which explains the name "Ananuri".

Het Zhinvali-reservoir, ook wel bekend als het Jinvali-reservoir, is een prachtig kunstmatig meer in Georgië. Het bevindt zich in de regio Mtskheta-Mtianeti, ongeveer 70 kilometer ten noorden van de hoofdstad Tbilisi. Dit stuwmeer is een populaire toeristische bestemming vanwege zijn schitterende turquoise wateren en de schilderachtige omgeving van bergen en bossen. Het Zhinvali-reservoir werd in 1985 aangelegd door de bouw van de Zhinvali-dam op de rivier de Aragvi. Het belangrijkste doel van de dam en het reservoir is het leveren van drinkwater aan Tbilisi, elektriciteitsproductie en irrigatie. De dam is 102 meter hoog en vormt een essentieel onderdeel van de energie- en waterinfrastructuur van Georgië. Het gebied rond het reservoir wordt gekenmerkt door een adembenemend landschap van groene heuvels en hoge bergen. Het water zelf heeft een opvallende blauwe of turquoise tint, afhankelijk van de lichtval en het seizoen. In de buurt van het meer kun je wilde dieren spotten en genieten van wandelpaden die door de prachtige natuur lopen. Aan de oevers van het meer ligt het beroemde Ananuri-fort, een historische plek die dateert uit de 16e-17e eeuw. Het fort, dat een van de meest bezochte bezienswaardigheden van het land is, biedt niet alleen een fascinerende inkijk in de Georgische geschiedenis, maar ook een prachtig uitzicht op het omliggende landschap. Het fort diende als de residentie van de Aragvi-hertogen, een machtige dynastie in Georgië. Het complex speelde een belangrijke rol in de verdediging van de regio tegen invallen en oorlogen. Het complex bestaat uit meerdere verdedigingsstructuren, zoals torens, kerken en muren, die strategisch waren geplaatst om aanvallen te weerstaan. Er is een interessante legende over de oorsprong van de naam van het fort, die in verschillende versies door de eeuwen heen is doorgegeven, maar met eenzelfde kern. De legende gaat over een belegering van het fort van Ananuri, waarbij de vijandige soldaten het fort omsingelden en wachtten tot de inwoners uitgeput zouden raken door een gebrek aan middelen. Ondanks de lange tijdsduur gaven de bewoners geen teken van overgave. Wat de indringers niet wisten, was dat het fort via een geheime tunnel verbonden was met de rivier de Aragvi, waarmee ze konden ontsnappen en vissen. Na enige tijd ontdekten de vijanden dit en begonnen ze te zoeken naar de ingang van de tunnel, maar tevergeefs. Op een dag vonden ze een meisje, genaamd Ana, buiten het fort en probeerden haar te dwingen de locatie van de tunnel te onthullen. Ana weigerde en werd gemarteld en gedood. Uiteindelijk wonnen de bewoners van Ananuri de strijd, en ter herinnering aan Ana noemden ze het fort naar haar. Ana kwam uit Nuri, een nabijgelegen dorp, wat de naam "Ananuri" verklaart.