https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/2823135 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/105/57/EF/323415.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/2823135 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:32:41 +0000 Wed, 03 Jun 2026 19:32:41 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53174964 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-14,doc-53174964 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 20:10:36 +0000 2025-08-01T15:36:26+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53174964"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/49/64/53174964.4ad66aa8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="189" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that a small community of hermits lived here in the 6th century. A century later the group was led by (Saint) Eudes and after him by Eudes´ nephew (Saint) Theofrede. Theofrede got killed by the locals - and so he became a martyr named Saint Chaffre.<br /> <br /> The monastery adopted the Benedictine rule in 817 and found support from Louis the Pious. In the following two centuries three churches were erected here. All collapsed due to the unstable ground. The current, former abbey church was built from 1074 on.<br /> <br /> The monastery (and the relics of Saint Chaffre) were just a day´s walk from Le Puy, where the Via Podiensis started and many pilgrims gathered. It may well be, that the wealthiness of the abbey, was related to the pilgrim-business.<br /> <br /> It has a polychrome facade with a unique frieze under the roof, but the interior is remarkable as well. The nave is Romanesque, but got altered a couple of times, the Gothic choir was done end of the 15th century, replacing an olderone. Along the nave are still Romanesque capitals. <br /> <br /> <br /> A "Master of Beasts" holding two gryphons</div> Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille – Saint Chaffre <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53174964"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/49/64/53174964.4ad66aa8.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="189" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that a small community of hermits lived here in the 6th century. A century later the group was led by (Saint) Eudes and after him by Eudes´ nephew (Saint) Theofrede. Theofrede got killed by the locals - and so he became a martyr named Saint Chaffre.<br /> <br /> The monastery adopted the Benedictine rule in 817 and found support from Louis the Pious. In the following two centuries three churches were erected here. All collapsed due to the unstable ground. The current, former abbey church was built from 1074 on.<br /> <br /> The monastery (and the relics of Saint Chaffre) were just a day´s walk from Le Puy, where the Via Podiensis started and many pilgrims gathered. It may well be, that the wealthiness of the abbey, was related to the pilgrim-business.<br /> <br /> It has a polychrome facade with a unique frieze under the roof, but the interior is remarkable as well. The nave is Romanesque, but got altered a couple of times, the Gothic choir was done end of the 15th century, replacing an olderone. Along the nave are still Romanesque capitals. <br /> <br /> <br /> A "Master of Beasts" holding two gryphons</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53097240 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-04,doc-53097240 Sat, 04 Oct 2025 20:33:37 +0000 2025-07-01T15:23:33+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53097240"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/40/53097240.8f204d59.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="192" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The abbey at Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire was founded on the banks of the Loire river mid 7th century. It is one of the oldest abbeys of the Benedictine rule in France.<br /> <br /> The story starts in 672, when some of its monks traveled to Montecassino (Italy), dug up the remains of St. Benedict of Nursia (+ 547) and his sister St. Scholastica and brought them home. After the relics had reached at Fleury Abbey it which was renamed Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire - and due to the relics became a major place of pilgrimage.<br /> <br /> A famous school and a scriptorium existed here in the late 10th century.<br /> <br /> The erection of the church started around 1071. When the church was consecrated in 1108, the long nave was not completed. <br /> <br /> The abbey thrived, but times got rougher. In 1562, the abbey was pillaged by Huguenots. The buildings were restored, but looted and destroyed again during the French Revolution. Saint-Benoît's monks left the abbey and so the history of the convent ended after more than 1100 years.<br /> <br /> The abbey church had escaped destruction and got restored in the 19th century. In 1944, the convent was refounded the abbey buildings were rebuilt by Benedictine monks after World War II. So the history of the convent was just interrupted for about 150 years.<br /> <br /> The massive porch tower is named "Tour de Gauzlin", named for Abbot Gaucelin who commissioned it. This tower, which rests on fifty columns, forms a unique porch. Here you will find extraordinary capitals.<br /> <br /> <br /> Daniel in the lions' den – with Habakkuk (?)</div> Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire - Abbaye de Fleury <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53097240"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/40/53097240.8f204d59.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="192" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The abbey at Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire was founded on the banks of the Loire river mid 7th century. It is one of the oldest abbeys of the Benedictine rule in France.<br /> <br /> The story starts in 672, when some of its monks traveled to Montecassino (Italy), dug up the remains of St. Benedict of Nursia (+ 547) and his sister St. Scholastica and brought them home. After the relics had reached at Fleury Abbey it which was renamed Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire - and due to the relics became a major place of pilgrimage.<br /> <br /> A famous school and a scriptorium existed here in the late 10th century.<br /> <br /> The erection of the church started around 1071. When the church was consecrated in 1108, the long nave was not completed. <br /> <br /> The abbey thrived, but times got rougher. In 1562, the abbey was pillaged by Huguenots. The buildings were restored, but looted and destroyed again during the French Revolution. Saint-Benoît's monks left the abbey and so the history of the convent ended after more than 1100 years.<br /> <br /> The abbey church had escaped destruction and got restored in the 19th century. In 1944, the convent was refounded the abbey buildings were rebuilt by Benedictine monks after World War II. So the history of the convent was just interrupted for about 150 years.<br /> <br /> The massive porch tower is named "Tour de Gauzlin", named for Abbot Gaucelin who commissioned it. This tower, which rests on fifty columns, forms a unique porch. Here you will find extraordinary capitals.<br /> <br /> <br /> Daniel in the lions' den – with Habakkuk (?)</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52940420 tag:ipernity.com,2025-05-21,doc-52940420 Wed, 21 May 2025 16:12:39 +0000 2025-01-01T15:05:40+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52940420"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/04/20/52940420.5522910a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, is located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese. Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 3000 to 1400 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece. Crete was later ruled by Rome, then successively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Byzantine Empire again, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1898 Crete, whose people had for some time wanted to join the Greek state, achieved independence from the Ottomans, formally becoming the Cretan State. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913.<br /> <br /> Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. With a municipal population of about 180.000 it is the fourth largest city in Greece. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. As a major center of the Minoan civilization it often considered Europe's oldest city.<br /> <br /> The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greeceand the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.<br /> <br /> The museum began in 1883 as a simple collection of antiquities; it was about the time when the Minoan civilization was beginning to be rediscovered, and shortly before the first excavations using proper scientific methods. It was also during the period when Crete was a virtually autonomous part of the Ottoman Empire, after the Pact of Halepa of 1878, later followed by the independent Cretan State (1898-1913). The political situation helped to keep Cretan finds on the island during a crucial period of discoveries.<br /> <br /> The museum is located in the town centre. It was built between 1937 and 1940 on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint-Francis which was destroyed by earthquake in 1856.<br /> Lid with painted "Master of Beasts".<br /> <br /> 7th c. BC</div> Heraklion - Archaeological Museum <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52940420"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/04/20/52940420.5522910a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, is located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese. Crete was the center of Europe's first advanced civilization, the Minoans, from 3000 to 1400 BC. The Minoan civilization was overrun by the Mycenaean civilization from mainland Greece. Crete was later ruled by Rome, then successively by the Byzantine Empire, Andalusian Arabs, the Byzantine Empire again, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. In 1898 Crete, whose people had for some time wanted to join the Greek state, achieved independence from the Ottomans, formally becoming the Cretan State. Crete became part of Greece in December 1913.<br /> <br /> Heraklion is the largest city and the administrative capital of the island of Crete. With a municipal population of about 180.000 it is the fourth largest city in Greece. The greater area of Heraklion has been continuously inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, making it one of the oldest inhabited regions in Europe. As a major center of the Minoan civilization it often considered Europe's oldest city.<br /> <br /> The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greeceand the best in the world for Minoan art, as it contains by far the most important and complete collection of artefacts of the Minoan civilization of Crete.<br /> <br /> The museum began in 1883 as a simple collection of antiquities; it was about the time when the Minoan civilization was beginning to be rediscovered, and shortly before the first excavations using proper scientific methods. It was also during the period when Crete was a virtually autonomous part of the Ottoman Empire, after the Pact of Halepa of 1878, later followed by the independent Cretan State (1898-1913). The political situation helped to keep Cretan finds on the island during a crucial period of discoveries.<br /> <br /> The museum is located in the town centre. It was built between 1937 and 1940 on a site previously occupied by the Roman Catholic monastery of Saint-Francis which was destroyed by earthquake in 1856.<br /> Lid with painted "Master of Beasts".<br /> <br /> 7th c. BC</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52748690 tag:ipernity.com,2025-01-12,doc-52748690 Sun, 12 Jan 2025 16:42:42 +0000 2024-08-01T14:50:36+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52748690"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/90/52748690.75bdff85.240.jpg?r2" width="169" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Meigle was probably the site of an important early medieval Pictish monastery, the centre of which was the present church and churchyard. There was a holy site here even before the Picts were Christianised in the 6th and 7th centuries.<br /> <br /> Picts (picti ‘the painted ones’) is the name used by the Romans in late antiquity for peoples in Scotland. The name is attributed to the widespread custom of tattooing. The peoples referred to by the Romans as the Picts were probably not one ethnic group, but different peoples with different cultural traditions, who nevertheless formed political and military alliances in the face of common enemies. The origin of the Picts is unclear. Their language and culture disappeared when the kingdoms of the Picts and the Celtic Scots were united under Kenneth MacAlpin in 843 AD.<br /> <br /> The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum has an exceptional collection of carved Pictish stones<br /> <br /> According to the information this stone (Meigle 2) depicts Daniel in the lion's den and is interpreted in local folklore as Vanora, the wife of King Arthur, being thrown to the wild animals as punishment for her forced infidelity.</div> Meigle - Sculptured Stone Museum <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52748690"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/86/90/52748690.75bdff85.240.jpg?r2" width="169" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Meigle was probably the site of an important early medieval Pictish monastery, the centre of which was the present church and churchyard. There was a holy site here even before the Picts were Christianised in the 6th and 7th centuries.<br /> <br /> Picts (picti ‘the painted ones’) is the name used by the Romans in late antiquity for peoples in Scotland. The name is attributed to the widespread custom of tattooing. The peoples referred to by the Romans as the Picts were probably not one ethnic group, but different peoples with different cultural traditions, who nevertheless formed political and military alliances in the face of common enemies. The origin of the Picts is unclear. Their language and culture disappeared when the kingdoms of the Picts and the Celtic Scots were united under Kenneth MacAlpin in 843 AD.<br /> <br /> The Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum has an exceptional collection of carved Pictish stones<br /> <br /> According to the information this stone (Meigle 2) depicts Daniel in the lion's den and is interpreted in local folklore as Vanora, the wife of King Arthur, being thrown to the wild animals as punishment for her forced infidelity.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52525170 tag:ipernity.com,2024-07-04,doc-52525170 Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:32:34 +0000 2023-12-01T16:54:13+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52525170"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/70/52525170.44050ea3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="160" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure".<br /> <br /> In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León.<br /> <br /> Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels.<br /> Santa María la Nueva originally dates back to the 11th century, but was set on fire by the citizens of Zamora and destroyed in á riot named "Motín de la Trucha” in 1158. It preserves the apse and the primitive southern wall in Romanesque style, being of the same style the later reconstruction, around 1200. <br /> <br /> It once had a basilica floor plan with three naves and a semicircular apse separated by a pointed toral arch, with communication with the naves. With its reconstruction it was transformed into a single nave.<br /> <br /> <br /> Daniel in the lion's den in the typical pose of a "Master of Beasts"</div> Zamora - Santa María la Nueva <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52525170"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/51/70/52525170.44050ea3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="160" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure".<br /> <br /> In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León.<br /> <br /> Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels.<br /> Santa María la Nueva originally dates back to the 11th century, but was set on fire by the citizens of Zamora and destroyed in á riot named "Motín de la Trucha” in 1158. It preserves the apse and the primitive southern wall in Romanesque style, being of the same style the later reconstruction, around 1200. <br /> <br /> It once had a basilica floor plan with three naves and a semicircular apse separated by a pointed toral arch, with communication with the naves. With its reconstruction it was transformed into a single nave.<br /> <br /> <br /> Daniel in the lion's den in the typical pose of a "Master of Beasts"</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52245420 tag:ipernity.com,2023-12-19,doc-52245420 Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:20:24 +0000 2023-02-01T18:54:29+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52245420"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/54/20/52245420.3ddae131.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="160" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A town may have existed here since ancient times, it was seized by Scipio Africanus away from Carthage by 207 BC, in the context of the Second Punic War.<br /> <br /> Following the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the city became the head of an important territory with some similarities to the current province. Jaén was conquered by the Almoravids in 1091.<br /> <br /> Taken in 1159 by Ibn Mardanīš (aka "Rey Lobo"), who was opposed to the spread of the Almohad Empire, it fell back to the Almohads in 1169. In 1225, Fernando III of Castile unsuccessfully laid siege to Jaén. The city was besieged again in 1230 by Fernand who lifted the siege after the news of the death of his father, Alfonso IX of León.<br /> <br /> In 1246 Muhammad I of Granada surrendered to Fernando. Following the conquest the Diocese of Baeza was moved to Jaén.<br /> <br /> During the Spanish Civil War, the city remained loyal to the Second Spanish Republic and was therefore bombed by the infamous German Condor Legion flying squadron on April 1, 1937. Current estimates suggest that 159 residents were killed and several hundred injured in the bombing.<br /> The “Museo Íbero” is located here in a new building that only opened in 2017 and houses an outstanding collection of Iberian art.<br /> <br /> This icon is called "Master of Beasts". This is from about 500 BC. In Christian churches, Daniel can often be seen as a "MoB".</div> Jaén - Museo Íbero <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/52245420"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/54/20/52245420.3ddae131.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="160" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A town may have existed here since ancient times, it was seized by Scipio Africanus away from Carthage by 207 BC, in the context of the Second Punic War.<br /> <br /> Following the Umayyad conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, the city became the head of an important territory with some similarities to the current province. Jaén was conquered by the Almoravids in 1091.<br /> <br /> Taken in 1159 by Ibn Mardanīš (aka "Rey Lobo"), who was opposed to the spread of the Almohad Empire, it fell back to the Almohads in 1169. In 1225, Fernando III of Castile unsuccessfully laid siege to Jaén. The city was besieged again in 1230 by Fernand who lifted the siege after the news of the death of his father, Alfonso IX of León.<br /> <br /> In 1246 Muhammad I of Granada surrendered to Fernando. Following the conquest the Diocese of Baeza was moved to Jaén.<br /> <br /> During the Spanish Civil War, the city remained loyal to the Second Spanish Republic and was therefore bombed by the infamous German Condor Legion flying squadron on April 1, 1937. Current estimates suggest that 159 residents were killed and several hundred injured in the bombing.<br /> The “Museo Íbero” is located here in a new building that only opened in 2017 and houses an outstanding collection of Iberian art.<br /> <br /> This icon is called "Master of Beasts". This is from about 500 BC. In Christian churches, Daniel can often be seen as a "MoB".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50108764 tag:ipernity.com,2020-07-02,doc-50108764 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 09:13:12 +0000 2019-10-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50108764"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/64/50108764.dab4a40e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd and a bishop in front of a grotto. Archangel Michael instructing them to convert that cave into a Christian church. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages since the early Middle Ages. It is said, that this is the oldest shrine in Western Europe<br /> <br /> When the Lombards successfully conquered southern Italy end of the 6th century, King Grimoald in 662 passed on the region to his son, Romuald I, who renovated the sanctuary and encouraged its use as a pilgrimage site. It got very popular for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and as well for pilgrims who had followed the Via Francigena to Rome and then continued to the grotto. Many Popes have been here, but as well Bridget of Sweden, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Tuscany, Otto III...<br /> <br /> Only about 100 meters south of the sanctuary is a complex of (once) three interconnected and partially nested buildings. The apse of the Church of San Pietro, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the "Tomba di Rotari" (aka "San Giovanni Battista in Tomba").<br /> <br /> It was believed, that this was the mausoleum of the Lombardian King Rothari, but that was a misinterpretation. The consent now, is, that the 12th structure was a baptistery, dedicated to John the Baptist.<br /> <br /> There are some nice capitals inside the baptistery. Here is the <br /> "Daniel in the lions' den" - a "Master of Beasts".</div> Monte Sant&#039;Angelo - Tomba di Rotari <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/50108764"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/87/64/50108764.dab4a40e.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that in 490, 492 and 493 the archangel Michael appeared to a shepherd and a bishop in front of a grotto. Archangel Michael instructing them to convert that cave into a Christian church. This grotto became the site of many pilgrimages since the early Middle Ages. It is said, that this is the oldest shrine in Western Europe<br /> <br /> When the Lombards successfully conquered southern Italy end of the 6th century, King Grimoald in 662 passed on the region to his son, Romuald I, who renovated the sanctuary and encouraged its use as a pilgrimage site. It got very popular for pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and as well for pilgrims who had followed the Via Francigena to Rome and then continued to the grotto. Many Popes have been here, but as well Bridget of Sweden, Bernard of Clairvaux, Thomas Aquinas, Matilda of Tuscany, Otto III...<br /> <br /> Only about 100 meters south of the sanctuary is a complex of (once) three interconnected and partially nested buildings. The apse of the Church of San Pietro, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the "Tomba di Rotari" (aka "San Giovanni Battista in Tomba").<br /> <br /> It was believed, that this was the mausoleum of the Lombardian King Rothari, but that was a misinterpretation. The consent now, is, that the 12th structure was a baptistery, dedicated to John the Baptist.<br /> <br /> There are some nice capitals inside the baptistery. Here is the <br /> "Daniel in the lions' den" - a "Master of Beasts".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/49909410 tag:ipernity.com,2020-04-30,doc-49909410 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 22:17:03 +0000 2019-08-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/49909410"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/94/10/49909410.1f1035f3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Abbaye Saint-Benoît de Quinçay was founded around 670 by Saint Achard (Acardo), who later became abbot in Jumièges. It was known under the name Quinciacus Monasterium.<br /> <br /> In 868 the monks fled, as during the Norman Invasions the monastery got destroyed and burned down.<br /> <br /> Isembert I, Bishop of Poitiers, ordered the reconstruction in the early 11th century. In 1027 it exists under the name of "Abbas Sancti Benedicti de Quinciaco" as at that time the remains of Saint Benedict of Aizenay arrived. The abbey was depended on the chapter of the cathedral of Poitiers.<br /> <br /> In 1569, when Poitiers was besieged during the Wars of Religions, infamous Gaspard II de Coligny installed the headquarters here. The chapter house was the cloister got destroyed and the chapter house was transformed into a stable. Under Louis XIV , the church was restored. The abbey rapidly declined and already in 1762 the abbey church was taken over by the parish.<br /> <br /> The French Revolution chased away the last monks and put the abbey up for sale.<br /> <br /> The buildings were acquired by the municipality in 1993 and got restored.<br /> <br /> The very most of the cloister was destroyed during the Wars of Religions. The portal of the chapter house has some nice capitals. <br /> Here is a weathered "Master of Beasts" holding two lions.</div> Saint-Benoît - Abbaye Saint-Benoît de Quinçay <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/49909410"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/94/10/49909410.1f1035f3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The Abbaye Saint-Benoît de Quinçay was founded around 670 by Saint Achard (Acardo), who later became abbot in Jumièges. It was known under the name Quinciacus Monasterium.<br /> <br /> In 868 the monks fled, as during the Norman Invasions the monastery got destroyed and burned down.<br /> <br /> Isembert I, Bishop of Poitiers, ordered the reconstruction in the early 11th century. In 1027 it exists under the name of "Abbas Sancti Benedicti de Quinciaco" as at that time the remains of Saint Benedict of Aizenay arrived. The abbey was depended on the chapter of the cathedral of Poitiers.<br /> <br /> In 1569, when Poitiers was besieged during the Wars of Religions, infamous Gaspard II de Coligny installed the headquarters here. The chapter house was the cloister got destroyed and the chapter house was transformed into a stable. Under Louis XIV , the church was restored. The abbey rapidly declined and already in 1762 the abbey church was taken over by the parish.<br /> <br /> The French Revolution chased away the last monks and put the abbey up for sale.<br /> <br /> The buildings were acquired by the municipality in 1993 and got restored.<br /> <br /> The very most of the cloister was destroyed during the Wars of Religions. The portal of the chapter house has some nice capitals. <br /> Here is a weathered "Master of Beasts" holding two lions.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/46336692 tag:ipernity.com,2018-03-05,doc-46336692 Mon, 05 Mar 2018 18:09:29 +0000 2017-08-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/46336692"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/92/46336692.4d5e3dd2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that a small community of hermits lived here in the 6th century. A century later the group was led by (Saint) Eudes and after him by Eudes´ nephew (Saint) Theofrede. Theofrede got killed by the locals - and so he became a martyr named Saint Chaffre.<br /> <br /> The monastery adopted the Benedictine rule in 817 and found support from Louis the Pious. In the following two centuries three churches were erected here. All collapsed due to the unstable ground. The current, former abbey church was built from 1074 on.<br /> <br /> The monastery (and the relics of Saint Chaffre) were just a day´s walk from Le Puy, where the Via Podiensis started and many pilgrims gathered. It may well be, that the wealthiness of the abbey, was related to the pilgrim-business.<br /> <br /> It has a polychrome facade with a unique frieze under the roof, but the interior is remarkable as well. The nave is Romanesque, but got altered a couple of times, the Gothic choir was done end of the 15th century, replacing an olderone. Along the nave are still Romanesque capitals. <br /> <br /> "Daniel in the lion´s den" or a "Master of Beasts", a very common icon in medieval times.</div> Le Monastier-sur-Gazeille - Saint Chaffre <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/46336692"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/66/92/46336692.4d5e3dd2.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Legends tell, that a small community of hermits lived here in the 6th century. A century later the group was led by (Saint) Eudes and after him by Eudes´ nephew (Saint) Theofrede. Theofrede got killed by the locals - and so he became a martyr named Saint Chaffre.<br /> <br /> The monastery adopted the Benedictine rule in 817 and found support from Louis the Pious. In the following two centuries three churches were erected here. All collapsed due to the unstable ground. The current, former abbey church was built from 1074 on.<br /> <br /> The monastery (and the relics of Saint Chaffre) were just a day´s walk from Le Puy, where the Via Podiensis started and many pilgrims gathered. It may well be, that the wealthiness of the abbey, was related to the pilgrim-business.<br /> <br /> It has a polychrome facade with a unique frieze under the roof, but the interior is remarkable as well. The nave is Romanesque, but got altered a couple of times, the Gothic choir was done end of the 15th century, replacing an olderone. Along the nave are still Romanesque capitals. <br /> <br /> "Daniel in the lion´s den" or a "Master of Beasts", a very common icon in medieval times.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45971444 tag:ipernity.com,2017-12-07,doc-45971444 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 20:55:59 +0000 2017-07-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45971444"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/44/45971444.974b3a6d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Souillac is another town, that I cannot pass, without stopping and visiting the former abbey-church. Legends tell, that the abbey was founded by Saint Eligius (Saint Eloi), advisor of Merovingian King Dagobert I. The abbey got destroyed by the Saracens, Charlemagne commissioned the reconstruction, that again ruined got by Norman invaders. Of course it got looted during the Wars of Religions, but existed upto the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The abbey-church, today serving the parish, got built on the blueprint of a Latin Cross in the 12th century. The single nave is about 15 ms wide. Above are no vaults, but three domes, similar to Saint-Front in Périgueux and Saint Etienne in Cahors. The capitals are nice, but compared to the works around the former portal simple. Here is "Daniel in the lion´s den" or a "Master of Beasts".</div> Souillac - Sainte-Marie <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45971444"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/14/44/45971444.974b3a6d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Souillac is another town, that I cannot pass, without stopping and visiting the former abbey-church. Legends tell, that the abbey was founded by Saint Eligius (Saint Eloi), advisor of Merovingian King Dagobert I. The abbey got destroyed by the Saracens, Charlemagne commissioned the reconstruction, that again ruined got by Norman invaders. Of course it got looted during the Wars of Religions, but existed upto the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The abbey-church, today serving the parish, got built on the blueprint of a Latin Cross in the 12th century. The single nave is about 15 ms wide. Above are no vaults, but three domes, similar to Saint-Front in Périgueux and Saint Etienne in Cahors. The capitals are nice, but compared to the works around the former portal simple. Here is "Daniel in the lion´s den" or a "Master of Beasts".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45675346 tag:ipernity.com,2017-10-15,doc-45675346 Sun, 15 Oct 2017 19:44:24 +0000 2017-01-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45675346"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/53/46/45675346.a37c6ccb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Milan is the city capital of the Lombardy and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Known during Roman times as "Mediolanum" it was the place, where in 313 Constantine I and Licinius met and "signed" the "Edict of Milan", giving Christianity a legal status within the Roman empire.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Roman empire Milan was besieged by the Visigoths in 402, looted by the Huns in 452, and taken by the Ostrogoths in 539. Only 30 years later is belonged to the Kingdom of the Lombards, until in 774 Charlemagne defeated the Langobards and added Milan to the Carolingian empire. During Barbarossa´s (Frederik I) "Italian Campaigns" Milan was taken and destroyed to a great extent.<br /> <br /> The "Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio" is much older and was not destroyed by Barbarossa´s troops. It is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, built by St. Ambrose in 379–386, outside the city of Milan on the site of a cemetery, where the martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was "Basilica Martyrum".<br /> <br /> Ambrose, born into a noble family about 340 in (present-day) Trier (Germany), was governor of Liguria and Emilia for two years before he became the Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. He was a staunch opponent of Arianism.<br /> <br /> Only very few traces of the first church can still be found, as in the centuries after its construction, the basilica underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions. The current Romanesque church, mostly built in brickwork, was begun around 1080.<br /> <br /> In 789, a Benedictine monastery was established here. The canons of the basilica, however, retained their own community. So two separate communities shared the basilica. In the 11th century, the canons adopted orders and became Canons Regular. From then on two separate monastic orders following different rules lived in the basilica. The canons were in the northern building, the cloister of the canons, while the monks were in the two southern buildings.<br /> <br /> The two towers symbolize the division in the basilica. The 9th century Torre dei Monaci ("Tower of the Monks") tower was used by the monks. However, the canons did not have a bell tower and were not allowed to ring bells until they finished the Canons' bell tower in the 12th Century. This tower got two additional levels in 1889.<br /> <br /> In 1943 the basilica got severely damaged by bombings. It took a decade to rebuilt and reconstruct the church.<br /> <br /> A "Master of Beasts" holds two lions.</div> Milan - Basilica of Sant&#039;Ambrogio <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45675346"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/53/46/45675346.a37c6ccb.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Milan is the city capital of the Lombardy and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Known during Roman times as "Mediolanum" it was the place, where in 313 Constantine I and Licinius met and "signed" the "Edict of Milan", giving Christianity a legal status within the Roman empire.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Roman empire Milan was besieged by the Visigoths in 402, looted by the Huns in 452, and taken by the Ostrogoths in 539. Only 30 years later is belonged to the Kingdom of the Lombards, until in 774 Charlemagne defeated the Langobards and added Milan to the Carolingian empire. During Barbarossa´s (Frederik I) "Italian Campaigns" Milan was taken and destroyed to a great extent.<br /> <br /> The "Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio" is much older and was not destroyed by Barbarossa´s troops. It is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, built by St. Ambrose in 379–386, outside the city of Milan on the site of a cemetery, where the martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was "Basilica Martyrum".<br /> <br /> Ambrose, born into a noble family about 340 in (present-day) Trier (Germany), was governor of Liguria and Emilia for two years before he became the Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. He was a staunch opponent of Arianism.<br /> <br /> Only very few traces of the first church can still be found, as in the centuries after its construction, the basilica underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions. The current Romanesque church, mostly built in brickwork, was begun around 1080.<br /> <br /> In 789, a Benedictine monastery was established here. The canons of the basilica, however, retained their own community. So two separate communities shared the basilica. In the 11th century, the canons adopted orders and became Canons Regular. From then on two separate monastic orders following different rules lived in the basilica. The canons were in the northern building, the cloister of the canons, while the monks were in the two southern buildings.<br /> <br /> The two towers symbolize the division in the basilica. The 9th century Torre dei Monaci ("Tower of the Monks") tower was used by the monks. However, the canons did not have a bell tower and were not allowed to ring bells until they finished the Canons' bell tower in the 12th Century. This tower got two additional levels in 1889.<br /> <br /> In 1943 the basilica got severely damaged by bombings. It took a decade to rebuilt and reconstruct the church.<br /> <br /> A "Master of Beasts" holds two lions.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45647202 tag:ipernity.com,2017-10-10,doc-45647202 Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:17:00 +0000 2017-01-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45647202"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/02/45647202.799efb03.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Milan is the city capital of the Lombardy and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Known during Roman times as "Mediolanum" it was the place, where in 313 Constantine I and Licinius met and "signed" the "Edict of Milan", giving Christianity a legal status within the Roman empire.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Roman empire Milan was besieged by the Visigoths in 402, looted by the Huns in 452, and taken by the Ostrogoths in 539. Only 30 years later is belonged to the Kingdom of the Lombards, until in 774 Charlemagne defeated the Langobards and added Milan to the Carolingian empire. During Barbarossa´s (Frederik I) "Italian Campaigns" Milan was taken and destroyed to a great extent.<br /> <br /> The "Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio" is much older and was not destroyed by Barbarossa´s troops. It is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, built by St. Ambrose in 379–386, outside the city of Milan on the site of a cemetery, where the martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was "Basilica Martyrum".<br /> <br /> Ambrose, born into a noble family about 340 in (present-day) Trier (Germany), was governor of Liguria and Emilia for two years before he became the Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. He was a staunch opponent of Arianism.<br /> <br /> Only very few traces of the first church can still be found, as in the centuries after its construction, the basilica underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions. The current Romanesque church, mostly built in brickwork, was begun around 1080.<br /> <br /> In 789, a Benedictine monastery was established here. The canons of the basilica, however, retained their own community. So two separate communities shared the basilica. In the 11th century, the canons adopted orders and became Canons Regular. From then on two separate monastic orders following different rules lived in the basilica. The canons were in the northern building, the cloister of the canons, while the monks were in the two southern buildings.<br /> <br /> The two towers symbolize the division in the basilica. The 9th century Torre dei Monaci ("Tower of the Monks") tower was used by the monks. However, the canons did not have a bell tower and were not allowed to ring bells until they finished the Canons' bell tower in the 12th Century. This tower got two additional levels in 1889.<br /> <br /> In 1943 the basilica got severely damaged by bombings. It took a decade to rebuilt and reconstruct the church.<br /> <br /> In front of the basilica is the atrium, where originally the catechumens gathered during the mass. As they were not yet baptized, they were not allowed to enter the basilica. When they were waiting here, they could contemplate about the evil monsters and strange animals, that populate the capitals and lintels all around.<br /> <br /> A herdsman protects his goats against the lions. <br /> He is a "Master of Beasts".</div> Milan - Basilica of Sant&#039;Ambrogio <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/45647202"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/72/02/45647202.799efb03.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Milan is the city capital of the Lombardy and the second most populous city in Italy after Rome. Known during Roman times as "Mediolanum" it was the place, where in 313 Constantine I and Licinius met and "signed" the "Edict of Milan", giving Christianity a legal status within the Roman empire.<br /> <br /> At the end of the Roman empire Milan was besieged by the Visigoths in 402, looted by the Huns in 452, and taken by the Ostrogoths in 539. Only 30 years later is belonged to the Kingdom of the Lombards, until in 774 Charlemagne defeated the Langobards and added Milan to the Carolingian empire. During Barbarossa´s (Frederik I) "Italian Campaigns" Milan was taken and destroyed to a great extent.<br /> <br /> The "Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio" is much older and was not destroyed by Barbarossa´s troops. It is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, built by St. Ambrose in 379–386, outside the city of Milan on the site of a cemetery, where the martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The first name of the church was "Basilica Martyrum".<br /> <br /> Ambrose, born into a noble family about 340 in (present-day) Trier (Germany), was governor of Liguria and Emilia for two years before he became the Bishop of Milan in 374 by popular acclamation. He was a staunch opponent of Arianism.<br /> <br /> Only very few traces of the first church can still be found, as in the centuries after its construction, the basilica underwent numerous restorations and reconstructions. The current Romanesque church, mostly built in brickwork, was begun around 1080.<br /> <br /> In 789, a Benedictine monastery was established here. The canons of the basilica, however, retained their own community. So two separate communities shared the basilica. In the 11th century, the canons adopted orders and became Canons Regular. From then on two separate monastic orders following different rules lived in the basilica. The canons were in the northern building, the cloister of the canons, while the monks were in the two southern buildings.<br /> <br /> The two towers symbolize the division in the basilica. The 9th century Torre dei Monaci ("Tower of the Monks") tower was used by the monks. However, the canons did not have a bell tower and were not allowed to ring bells until they finished the Canons' bell tower in the 12th Century. This tower got two additional levels in 1889.<br /> <br /> In 1943 the basilica got severely damaged by bombings. It took a decade to rebuilt and reconstruct the church.<br /> <br /> In front of the basilica is the atrium, where originally the catechumens gathered during the mass. As they were not yet baptized, they were not allowed to enter the basilica. When they were waiting here, they could contemplate about the evil monsters and strange animals, that populate the capitals and lintels all around.<br /> <br /> A herdsman protects his goats against the lions. <br /> He is a "Master of Beasts".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44973820 tag:ipernity.com,2017-06-15,doc-44973820 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:53:27 +0000 2016-10-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44973820"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/20/44973820.76422737.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="155" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A cathedral may have existed here already within the 5th century. The Kathedrale St. Mariae Himmelfahrt (= "Saint Mary of the Assumption") of today was erected 1150 - 1272, from east to west.<br /> <br /> The crypt, under the risen choir, is probably the oldest part of the cathedral. The architectural concept is very similar to that of neighbouring St. Luzius, built the same time.<br /> <br /> The massive bundle piers along the nave offer much room for complex capitals. Here in the center is (probably) Daniel, the Master of Beasts. To the right some strange dragonlike creatures.<br /> <br /> Some scholars have connected these works with thatone of Benedetto Antelami, who worked in Parma (Italy) around 1200.</div> Chur - Kathedrale St. Mariae Himmelfahrt <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44973820"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/38/20/44973820.76422737.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="155" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">A cathedral may have existed here already within the 5th century. The Kathedrale St. Mariae Himmelfahrt (= "Saint Mary of the Assumption") of today was erected 1150 - 1272, from east to west.<br /> <br /> The crypt, under the risen choir, is probably the oldest part of the cathedral. The architectural concept is very similar to that of neighbouring St. Luzius, built the same time.<br /> <br /> The massive bundle piers along the nave offer much room for complex capitals. Here in the center is (probably) Daniel, the Master of Beasts. To the right some strange dragonlike creatures.<br /> <br /> Some scholars have connected these works with thatone of Benedetto Antelami, who worked in Parma (Italy) around 1200.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44779568 tag:ipernity.com,2017-05-12,doc-44779568 Fri, 12 May 2017 08:27:41 +0000 2016-08-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44779568"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/68/44779568.a18d4b31.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 915 Aymar de Bourbon, ancestor of the House of Bourbon, gave land in Souvigny to the Cluny Abbey for the construction of a monastery. At that time the "Abbaye de Cluny" was just 5 years old, as it had been founded 910 by William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "William the Pious").<br /> <br /> Souvigny was one of the first priories, dependent from the Cluny Abbey, so it was known later as "one of the five eldest daughters of Cluny".<br /> <br /> Cluny developed into the most powerful abbey in the Middle Ages, when the Cluniac Reforms changed the monastic life in Europe. German historian Dr. Joachim Wollasch ("Cluny, Licht der Welt"), estimates that in its haydays, more than 10.000 monks were parts of this network´, that stretched all over Europe. The pelerinage to Santiago de Compostella was one of the great "themes", developed and strongly supported by Cluny.<br /> <br /> The priory in Souvigny, located about 130kms west of Cluny, was such an important convent, that two of the powerful abbots of Cluny, Majolus (+ 994) and Odilo (+ 1049) died here. Their graves were a place of pilgrimage site soon after. To cope with the growing number of pilgrims, the priory´s church got enlarged already within the 10th century.<br /> <br /> Mayeul (= Majolus) was the 4th, Odilon (= Odilo) was the 5th abbot of the Abbey of Cluny. Odilo "invented" and established the "All Souls' Day" (2. November), that was adopted in the whole Western church.<br /> <br /> The church, probably built after the model of Cluny III, with five aisles structure and two transepts, crumbled, when the times got tougher in the next centuries. A renovation was done in the 15th century, but the interior structure is still "clearly" Romanesque. It got recently renovated.<br /> <br /> In 1793 French revolutionaries raged here with furor, destroyed the tombs and beheaded the sculptures, they believed to be connected to the Pope, Abbots or Bourbons.<br /> <br /> They did not touch (most of) the capitals.<br /> <br /> A "Master of the Beasts" handling two quadrupeds (lions?). Above him are two large birds with interlocking their long necks.</div> Souvigny - Prieuré Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/44779568"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/95/68/44779568.a18d4b31.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 915 Aymar de Bourbon, ancestor of the House of Bourbon, gave land in Souvigny to the Cluny Abbey for the construction of a monastery. At that time the "Abbaye de Cluny" was just 5 years old, as it had been founded 910 by William I, Duke of Aquitaine, (aka "William the Pious").<br /> <br /> Souvigny was one of the first priories, dependent from the Cluny Abbey, so it was known later as "one of the five eldest daughters of Cluny".<br /> <br /> Cluny developed into the most powerful abbey in the Middle Ages, when the Cluniac Reforms changed the monastic life in Europe. German historian Dr. Joachim Wollasch ("Cluny, Licht der Welt"), estimates that in its haydays, more than 10.000 monks were parts of this network´, that stretched all over Europe. The pelerinage to Santiago de Compostella was one of the great "themes", developed and strongly supported by Cluny.<br /> <br /> The priory in Souvigny, located about 130kms west of Cluny, was such an important convent, that two of the powerful abbots of Cluny, Majolus (+ 994) and Odilo (+ 1049) died here. Their graves were a place of pilgrimage site soon after. To cope with the growing number of pilgrims, the priory´s church got enlarged already within the 10th century.<br /> <br /> Mayeul (= Majolus) was the 4th, Odilon (= Odilo) was the 5th abbot of the Abbey of Cluny. Odilo "invented" and established the "All Souls' Day" (2. November), that was adopted in the whole Western church.<br /> <br /> The church, probably built after the model of Cluny III, with five aisles structure and two transepts, crumbled, when the times got tougher in the next centuries. A renovation was done in the 15th century, but the interior structure is still "clearly" Romanesque. It got recently renovated.<br /> <br /> In 1793 French revolutionaries raged here with furor, destroyed the tombs and beheaded the sculptures, they believed to be connected to the Pope, Abbots or Bourbons.<br /> <br /> They did not touch (most of) the capitals.<br /> <br /> A "Master of the Beasts" handling two quadrupeds (lions?). Above him are two large birds with interlocking their long necks.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43561882 tag:ipernity.com,2016-10-30,doc-43561882 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 22:06:02 +0000 2015-10-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43561882"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/18/82/43561882.d3eaf8cc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The "Abbazia di Chiaravalle della Colomba" was founded in 1136. It was one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Italy. It was a "filiation" of the famous abbey Clairvaux (and maybe even Bernard of Clairvaux was involved). "Chiaravalle" = "claravallis" - just like "Clairvaux".<br /> <br /> The abbey was sacked and burned in 1248 by Frederick II of Swabia (aka "Frederick the One-Eyed") during his siege of Parma.<br /> <br /> In 1805 Napoleon's rule led to suppression of the order. In 1810, properties were assigned to the Civil Hospital of Piacenza. The archives and library were sold.<br /> <br /> Cistercian monks returned in 1937 and by now the abbey has joint ownership with the state.<br /> <br /> The church was erected during the 12th and 13th centuries, but was refurbished during the 15th century.<br /> <br /> The abbey has an estraordinary cloister added within the 13th century. At that time, the strict Cistercian soberity, still visible in the church´s interior, must have softened, as here are even sculpted capitals, or as Bernard of Clairvaux called them "ridicula monstruositas".<br /> <br /> The monkey on the capital near the portal of the chapter room (previous upload) was already a surprise. Here is a second monkey, eating grapes (?) and bitten by snakes. To the right is a "Master of Beasts".</div> Alseno - Chiaravalle della Colomba <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43561882"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/18/82/43561882.d3eaf8cc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The "Abbazia di Chiaravalle della Colomba" was founded in 1136. It was one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Italy. It was a "filiation" of the famous abbey Clairvaux (and maybe even Bernard of Clairvaux was involved). "Chiaravalle" = "claravallis" - just like "Clairvaux".<br /> <br /> The abbey was sacked and burned in 1248 by Frederick II of Swabia (aka "Frederick the One-Eyed") during his siege of Parma.<br /> <br /> In 1805 Napoleon's rule led to suppression of the order. In 1810, properties were assigned to the Civil Hospital of Piacenza. The archives and library were sold.<br /> <br /> Cistercian monks returned in 1937 and by now the abbey has joint ownership with the state.<br /> <br /> The church was erected during the 12th and 13th centuries, but was refurbished during the 15th century.<br /> <br /> The abbey has an estraordinary cloister added within the 13th century. At that time, the strict Cistercian soberity, still visible in the church´s interior, must have softened, as here are even sculpted capitals, or as Bernard of Clairvaux called them "ridicula monstruositas".<br /> <br /> The monkey on the capital near the portal of the chapter room (previous upload) was already a surprise. Here is a second monkey, eating grapes (?) and bitten by snakes. To the right is a "Master of Beasts".</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43509044 tag:ipernity.com,2016-10-27,doc-43509044 Thu, 27 Oct 2016 15:24:58 +0000 2015-10-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43509044"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/90/44/43509044.b9a5583d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 1927, what is pretty recent, the city "Borgo San Donnino" changed it´s name to "Fidenza", as in Roman times it was known as "Fidentia Julia".<br /> <br /> The city was named and the Duomo inside the walls was dedicated to San Donnino di Fidenza (aka "Domninus of Fidenza"), who was martyred nearby in 291.<br /> <br /> Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury, made the pilgrimage to Rome following the Via Francigena around 990. His contemporary records of this journey still exist (and are source for the modern guide books). He reached "Sce Domnine" after 36 days, what is pretty fast for more than 1000kms.<br /> <br /> The erection of the Cattedrale di San Donnino started in the 11th century, the first consecration took place in 1106, though the building process continued. From around 1200 on Master Benedetto Antelami and his workshop worked here, not only as Master masons. Antelami may as well be the architect of the facade.<br /> <br /> Frederick Barbarossa had entrusted "Borgo San Donnino" to the Pallavicino family of Piacenza. In 1268 - after a siege - the city was conquered by the troops of Parma, who looted and burnt down it completely. All houses got destroyed at that time just the Duomo was saved, but it was not completed at that time. The building process came to a stop - and was never continued. <br /> <br /> A detail of the facade, carved by Benedetto Antelami and/or his workshop.<br /> <br /> Apostle Simon (the Zealot) Simon shows the pilgrim the way to Rome. He looks somehow "stiff", compared to "Daniel in the lions' den" just below him.</div> Fidenza - Cattedrale di San Donnino <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/43509044"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/90/44/43509044.b9a5583d.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 1927, what is pretty recent, the city "Borgo San Donnino" changed it´s name to "Fidenza", as in Roman times it was known as "Fidentia Julia".<br /> <br /> The city was named and the Duomo inside the walls was dedicated to San Donnino di Fidenza (aka "Domninus of Fidenza"), who was martyred nearby in 291.<br /> <br /> Sigeric the Serious, Archbishop of Canterbury, made the pilgrimage to Rome following the Via Francigena around 990. His contemporary records of this journey still exist (and are source for the modern guide books). He reached "Sce Domnine" after 36 days, what is pretty fast for more than 1000kms.<br /> <br /> The erection of the Cattedrale di San Donnino started in the 11th century, the first consecration took place in 1106, though the building process continued. From around 1200 on Master Benedetto Antelami and his workshop worked here, not only as Master masons. Antelami may as well be the architect of the facade.<br /> <br /> Frederick Barbarossa had entrusted "Borgo San Donnino" to the Pallavicino family of Piacenza. In 1268 - after a siege - the city was conquered by the troops of Parma, who looted and burnt down it completely. All houses got destroyed at that time just the Duomo was saved, but it was not completed at that time. The building process came to a stop - and was never continued. <br /> <br /> A detail of the facade, carved by Benedetto Antelami and/or his workshop.<br /> <br /> Apostle Simon (the Zealot) Simon shows the pilgrim the way to Rome. He looks somehow "stiff", compared to "Daniel in the lions' den" just below him.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/42270388 tag:ipernity.com,2016-06-21,doc-42270388 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:55:22 +0000 2015-12-01T00:00:00+02:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/42270388"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/88/42270388.ffeadc33.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The church was erected over an older structure, likely once an ancient Roman Temple. It was probably consecrated in 1175, as there is an inscription with this date over the portal.<br /> <br /> Santa Maria Impensole has a nave an two aisles, subdivided by rounded stone arches with capital with allegorical figures. This capital could well depict Daniel in the lions' den, but the lions seem very aggressive. Maybe this is a martyr before being teared apart and devoured by the lions.</div> Narni - Santa Maria Impensole <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/42270388"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/03/88/42270388.ffeadc33.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The church was erected over an older structure, likely once an ancient Roman Temple. It was probably consecrated in 1175, as there is an inscription with this date over the portal.<br /> <br /> Santa Maria Impensole has a nave an two aisles, subdivided by rounded stone arches with capital with allegorical figures. This capital could well depict Daniel in the lions' den, but the lions seem very aggressive. Maybe this is a martyr before being teared apart and devoured by the lions.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41212104 tag:ipernity.com,2016-02-24,doc-41212104 Wed, 24 Feb 2016 15:50:04 +0000 2015-08-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41212104"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/04/41212104.63200f69.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">For centuries this town was known as "Le Montet-aux-Moines" but after the French Revolution the name was shortened.<br /> <br /> Archambault II of Bourbon founded a Benedictine monastery here, as a burial ground for himself and his successors. This priory, dependent on Saint-Michel-de-la-Cluse in Piedmont ("Sacra di San Michele" near Turino, Italy) developed well and was soon after one of the largest of the area.<br /> <br /> The vast former abbey-church dates to the 12th century, it got modified in the 14th century and severely damaged in 1567, when during the Wars of Religions Huguenot troops burned down and sacked town and convent.<br /> <br /> The church was in very bad conditions after the Revolution and in 1871 the large apse, the ambulatory and the radiating chapels were pulled down. The building lost nearly half of its former length. The nave has some extraordinary capitals.<br /> <br /> (Dancing?) Daniel in the lions' den, a "Master of Beasts". The lions have wings, strange manes and human faces.</div> Le Montet - Saint-Gervais et Saint-Protais <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/41212104"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/04/41212104.63200f69.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="181" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">For centuries this town was known as "Le Montet-aux-Moines" but after the French Revolution the name was shortened.<br /> <br /> Archambault II of Bourbon founded a Benedictine monastery here, as a burial ground for himself and his successors. This priory, dependent on Saint-Michel-de-la-Cluse in Piedmont ("Sacra di San Michele" near Turino, Italy) developed well and was soon after one of the largest of the area.<br /> <br /> The vast former abbey-church dates to the 12th century, it got modified in the 14th century and severely damaged in 1567, when during the Wars of Religions Huguenot troops burned down and sacked town and convent.<br /> <br /> The church was in very bad conditions after the Revolution and in 1871 the large apse, the ambulatory and the radiating chapels were pulled down. The building lost nearly half of its former length. The nave has some extraordinary capitals.<br /> <br /> (Dancing?) Daniel in the lions' den, a "Master of Beasts". The lions have wings, strange manes and human faces.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40289682 tag:ipernity.com,2015-11-09,doc-40289682 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 23:11:42 +0000 2015-07-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40289682"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/82/40289682.43252444.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It is sure, that a church existed here, before the Rotonda was erected in the early 12th century. This older, probably ruined building could have been originated in Lombard or Frankish times.<br /> <br /> A little fee opened the locked door (and switched on the lights).<br /> <br /> The structure consists out of three cylindrical volumes put one above the other. The upper matronaeum, where the nuns once gathered, has eight columns, just like the ground floor.<br /> <br /> Here is one of the capitals of the matronaeum. These capitals seem more elaborate than the capitals of the ground floor. Here is a "Master of Beasts" holding two winged creatures.</div> Almenno San Bartolomeo - San Tomè <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40289682"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/96/82/40289682.43252444.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">It is sure, that a church existed here, before the Rotonda was erected in the early 12th century. This older, probably ruined building could have been originated in Lombard or Frankish times.<br /> <br /> A little fee opened the locked door (and switched on the lights).<br /> <br /> The structure consists out of three cylindrical volumes put one above the other. The upper matronaeum, where the nuns once gathered, has eight columns, just like the ground floor.<br /> <br /> Here is one of the capitals of the matronaeum. These capitals seem more elaborate than the capitals of the ground floor. Here is a "Master of Beasts" holding two winged creatures.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40272100 tag:ipernity.com,2015-11-08,doc-40272100 Sun, 08 Nov 2015 17:23:18 +0000 2015-07-01T00:00:00+01:00 nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40272100"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/00/40272100.374c4785.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Not much is known about the basilica "Maria Assunta e San Sigismondo" in Rivolta d’Adda, about 30 kms east of Milano. Pope Urban II may have consecrated the church in 1095/96, when he preached the crusade in France and Northern Italy. But at that time, the building was probably not completed.<br /> <br /> The 19th century narthex protects the carvings of the facade like this "Master of Beasts".</div> Rivolta d’Adda - Maria Assunta e San Sigismondo <p class="who"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/home/323415">Martin M. Miles</a> has posted:</p><p class="preview"><a href="https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/40272100"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/21/00/40272100.374c4785.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="180" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Not much is known about the basilica "Maria Assunta e San Sigismondo" in Rivolta d’Adda, about 30 kms east of Milano. Pope Urban II may have consecrated the church in 1095/96, when he preached the crusade in France and Northern Italy. But at that time, the building was probably not completed.<br /> <br /> The 19th century narthex protects the carvings of the facade like this "Master of Beasts".</div> Martin M. Miles