Photos, videos and docs of Martin M. Miles, with the keywords: "Apulia"

Ginosa - Cine Foto Apollo

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 21:20:24 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Cine Foto Apollo has closed. The shutters are down for good.

Nardò - Guglia dell'Immacolata

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:45:47 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Nardò - Basilica cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 23:42:13 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Romans conquered Nardò in 269 BC and built the Via Traiana through it. After the fall of the Western Empire and following the battles between Byzantines and Goths, it was absorbed into the Byzantine Empire and, for a brief period, was annexed to the Lombard Kingdom. Between 901 and 924 Nardò was attacked and sacked by Saracens from Sicily. In 1055 the Normans conquered the town and the Benedictine monks were allowed to settle. The second half of the 13th century was followed by Angevin rule, which determined the birth and spread of feudalism.

An early Christian/Byzantine was the predecessor church when under Norman rule, the church was built in 1088. The building suffered from frequent earthquakes. So some arches inside were rebuilt in Gothic style and the floor was raised by 40 centimeters. In the second half of the 13th century, the church tower was built, which in the 14th century, was incorporated to enlarge the church, which also received a new facade.

In the middle of the 15th century, after earthquakes, renewed stabilization measures had to be carried out on the columns and arches. At the beginning of the 18th century, an extensive baroqueization took place with a new facade, main altar and renovation of the side chapels. In 1743 the town of Nardò was again severely damaged by an earthquake. The church tower, rebuilt afterward, fell into the left nave after a lightning strike in 1815.

The crucifix is called "Cristo Nero" and probably dates from the 13th/14th century. However, according to legend, it dates back to Nardò's Byzantine period. It is said to have been damaged during a Saracen attack and the bleeding of a finger is said to have frightened the Saracens.

Nardò - Basilica cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 23:07:08 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Romans conquered Nardò in 269 BC and built the Via Traiana through it. After the fall of the Western Empire and following the battles between Byzantines and Goths, it was absorbed into the Byzantine Empire and, for a brief period, was annexed to the Lombard Kingdom. Between 901 and 924 Nardò was attacked and sacked by Saracens from Sicily. In 1055 the Normans conquered the town and the Benedictine monks were allowed to settle. The second half of the 13th century was followed by Angevin rule, which determined the birth and spread of feudalism.

An early Christian/Byzantine was the predecessor church when under Norman rule, the church was built in 1088. The building suffered from frequent earthquakes. So some arches inside were rebuilt in Gothic style and the floor was raised by 40 centimeters. In the second half of the 13th century, the church tower was built, which in the 14th century, was incorporated to enlarge the church, which also received a new facade.

In the middle of the 15th century, after earthquakes, renewed stabilization measures had to be carried out on the columns and arches. At the beginning of the 18th century, an extensive baroqueization took place with a new facade, main altar and renovation of the side chapels. In 1743 the town of Nardò was again severely damaged by an earthquake. The church tower, rebuilt afterward, fell into the left nave after a lightning strike in 1815.

From 1892 to 1899, during necessary restorations, the baroque stucco was removed.

The nave

Nardò - Basilica cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 21:56:27 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Romans conquered Nardò in 269 BC and built the Via Traiana through it. After the fall of the Western Empire and following the battles between Byzantines and Goths, it was absorbed into the Byzantine Empire and, for a brief period, was annexed to the Lombard Kingdom. Between 901 and 924 Nardò was attacked and sacked by Saracens from Sicily. In 1055 the Normans conquered the town and the Benedictine monks were allowed to settle. The second half of the 13th century was followed by Angevin rule, which determined the birth and spread of feudalism.

An early Christian/Byzantine was the predecessor church when under Norman rule, the church was built in 1088. The building suffered from frequent earthquakes. So some arches inside were rebuilt in Gothic style and the floor was raised by 40 centimeters. In the second half of the 13th century, the church tower was built, which in the 14th century, was incorporated to enlarge the church, which also received a new facade.

In the middle of the 15th century, after earthquakes, renewed stabilization measures had to be carried out on the columns and arches. At the beginning of the 18th century, an extensive baroqueization took place with a new facade, main altar and renovation of the side chapels. In 1743 the town of Nardò was again severely damaged by an earthquake. The church tower, rebuilt afterward, fell into the left nave after a lightning strike in 1815.

From 1892 to 1899, during necessary restorations, the baroque stucco was removed.

Gallipoli - Centro storico

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 12:02:02 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The name of the town derives from ancient Greek and translates to "beautiful city". The Greek inhabitants sided with Pyrrhus and Taranto (= Tarent) against ancient Rome but after the defeat in 265 BC it became a Roman colony. After the fall of the Roman Empire, it was sacked by the Vandals and the Goths and was under Ostrogothic rule until 538, when it was conquered by the Byzantines. Gallipoli got rebuilt and experienced a period of commercial prosperity. After numerous incursions, the Arabs finally conquered it in 915 and remained here until 945. Reconquered by the Byzantines the first major restructuring and strengthening of the castle went underway.

In 1055 it was unsuccessfully sieged by the army of Roberto il Guiscardo who had to retire defeated in 1056. In 1132, after a year of siege, it was occupied by the Normans. In 1268, it was besieged by Charles I of Anjou´s troops. As many inhabitants were able to flee the city during the siege, the city was repopulated around 1300.

Gallipoli today is divided into two parts, the modern city ("borgo") to the right and the old city ("centro storico") to the left. The old town is located on an island, linked to the mainland by a bridge built in the 16th century.

Early morning

For more photos taken in Apulia click here:
www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1274028

Lido Marini - Martin´s Burger Planet

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 11:39:32 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Probably this colorful planet is bubbling with life in summer. In winter the planet and the neighboring Tiki Bar are closed.

Tricase - Madonna della Serra

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 22:21:46 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Madonna della Serra (aka "Santuario Maria Santissima Assunta"). is located on a hill called Serra di Tricase. According to local legend, the Virgin saved two sailors from a very strong storm and so the chapel was built.
The building dates back to the 16th century and is characterized by typical elements of fortified buildings. When it was erected the Salento coast was frequently attacked by Saracens.

Otranto - Cave di Bauxite

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 21:43:41 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Cave di Bauxite is located in the wilderness, just a few kilometers south of Otranto.

Bauxite was extracted from this mine until 1976. Then it was to be shut down and filled in. But before the depression created by the open pit mining was leveled again, a small lake had formed.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 21:00:15 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse, and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto" since the 1970s been translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

Under the elephant's feet is the artist´s signature "Pantal(eonis)"

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 20:46:38 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

The nave

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 20:31:51 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

The unicorn was a very rare species in the Middle Ages.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 20:17:47 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 14:07:48 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

Cain and Abel

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 13:55:54 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

Genesis 6:13-14

"So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. So make yourself an ark of cypress[ wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out."

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 12:47:43 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse, and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated into many languages. I followed his theories.

An ostrich - or a hybrid of ostrich and camel?

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 12:34:00 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated in many languages. I followed his theories.

The "Labours of the Months", are hidden under the bensches. April.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 22:57:24 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated in many languages. I followed his theories.

The "Labours of the Months", are hidden under the bensches. February and March.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 22:30:35 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated in many languages. I followed his theories.

A goat

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378

Otranto - Duomo di Otranto

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 22:10:22 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Otranto occupies the site of an ancient Greek city. It gained importance in Roman times, as it was the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.

After the end of the Roman Empire, it was in the hands of the Byzantine emperors until it surrendered to the Norman troops of Robert Guiscard in 1068. The Normans fortified the city and built the cathedral, that got consecrated in 1088. When Henry VI., son of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, married Constanze of Sicily in 1186 Otranto came under the rule of the Hohenstaufen and later in the hands of Ferdinand I of Aragón, King of Naples.

Between 1480 and 1481 the "Ottoman invasion" took place here. Troops of the Ottoman Empire invaded and laid siege to the city and its citadel. Legends tell that more than 800 inhabitants were beheaded after the city was captured. The "Martyrs of Otranto" are still celebrated in Italy, their skulls are on display in the cathedral. A year later the Ottoman garrison surrendered the city following a siege by Christian forces and the intervention of Papal forces.

Otranto had been one of the last Byzantine strongholds in Apulia, but finally, Robert Guiscard could take it. It had probably been such a stronghold, as Otranto had hosted an autocephalous bishopric, only dependent on the patriarchal see of Byzantium since 968. So (Roman) Catholicism had to perform something "convincing" for the so-long (Byzantine) Orthodox Christians. One was to erect a huge church. The Otranto Cathedral, seen in the center, was erected over the ruins of a Paleochristian church from 1080 on and was consecrated in 1088. It is 54 meters long by 25 meters wide and is built on 42 monolithic granite and marble columns.

I had returned to Otranto to see the unbelievable, breathtaking mosaic again. It was created by a monk named Pantaleon and his workshop between 1163 and 1165. Pantaleon lived at the monastery San Nicola di Casole, located a few kilometers south of Otranto.

The mosaic covers the nave, both aisles, the apse and the presbytery. This sums up to a total of 1596 m². About 10 000000 (10 million!) "tesserae" were used.

There are scholars, who have counted up to 700 different "stories", that are told here. Though, these "stories" are often disputed, as today's interpretations are mostly very "vague". German historian Carl Arnold Willemsen published the most important book about the mosaic in Italian " L'enigma di Otranto", that since the 1970s is translated in many languages. I followed his theories.

An elephant and a very gifted dog playing the harp.

As I have uploaded so many photos taken in Otranto already, I will upload now only a few. If you want to see more click here:

www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333378