https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/65255 https://cdn.ipernity.com/p/105/57/EF/323415.buddy.jpg https://www.ipernity.com/tag/323415/keyword/65255 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 05:50:49 +0000 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 05:50:49 +0000 https://www.ipernity.com https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53269964 tag:ipernity.com,2026-03-10,doc-53269964 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:15:37 +0000 2025-12-01T14:49:29+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/323415/53269964"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/64/53269964.32317616.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="187" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With a population of over 50,000, Larnaca is one of the largest cities in Cyprus.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Church of Saint Lazarus is a late-9th century church. It belongs to the Church of Cyprus, an autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church. It is named for Lazarus of Bethany, the subject of a miracle in which Jesus raises him from the dead. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, sometime later, Lazarus was forced to flee Judea because of rumoured plots on his life and came to Cyprus. There he was appointed by Paul the Apostle and Barnabas as the first Bishop of Kition. He is said to have lived for thirty more years and on his death was buried there for the second and last time. The Church of Agios Lazaros was built over the tomb of Lazarus.<br /> <br /> The first church is thought to have had the form of an early three-nave Christian basilica, built no earlier than the middle of the 6th century. This building is thought to have been destroyed during Arab rule (649–965).The first church is thought to have had the form of an early three-nave Christian basilica, built no earlier than the middle of the 6th century. This building is thought to have been destroyed during Arab rule (649–965).<br /> <br /> Then a smaller church dedicated to St. Lazarus was built on this site. The Byzantine Emperor Leo VI ("Leo the Wise") sent a delegation to find this place of worship. A sarcophagus was discovered, whose inscription ‘the fourth day Lazarus and friend of Christ’ led to the conclusion that it was the shrine of St. Lazarus. In gratitude for the transfer of the saint's remains to Constantinople, a larger church, the present-day church, was built on this site.<br /> <br /> The remains from the sarcophagus were stolen in Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204 and brought to Marseille. From there, they were taken to the Church of St. Lazare in Autun in Burgundy, where they are venerated today.<br /> <br /> Under Frankish and Venetian rule (the 13th to 16th centuries), the church became Roman Catholic. A Gothic portico was added on its south side during this time. The three domes of this Orthodox Basilica Church and the original bell tower were destroyed in the first years of Ottoman rule (1571), when the church was turned into a mosque. In 1589, the Ottomans sold it back to the Orthodox, probably because of its Christian cemetery. For the next two hundred years it was used for both Orthodox and Catholic services.<br /> <br /> A fire in 1970 caused extensive damage, destroying large parts of the interior, which was subsequently restored between 1972 and 1974. During this restoration, relics attributed to St. Lazarus were also identified in a sarcophagus beneath the altar. It is likely that not all of the relics were taken to Constantinople.</div> Larnaca - Agios Lazaros <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/323415/53269964"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/64/53269964.32317616.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="187" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With a population of over 50,000, Larnaca is one of the largest cities in Cyprus.<br /> <br /> <br /> The Church of Saint Lazarus is a late-9th century church. It belongs to the Church of Cyprus, an autocephalous Greek Orthodox Church. It is named for Lazarus of Bethany, the subject of a miracle in which Jesus raises him from the dead. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, sometime later, Lazarus was forced to flee Judea because of rumoured plots on his life and came to Cyprus. There he was appointed by Paul the Apostle and Barnabas as the first Bishop of Kition. He is said to have lived for thirty more years and on his death was buried there for the second and last time. The Church of Agios Lazaros was built over the tomb of Lazarus.<br /> <br /> The first church is thought to have had the form of an early three-nave Christian basilica, built no earlier than the middle of the 6th century. This building is thought to have been destroyed during Arab rule (649–965).The first church is thought to have had the form of an early three-nave Christian basilica, built no earlier than the middle of the 6th century. This building is thought to have been destroyed during Arab rule (649–965).<br /> <br /> Then a smaller church dedicated to St. Lazarus was built on this site. The Byzantine Emperor Leo VI ("Leo the Wise") sent a delegation to find this place of worship. A sarcophagus was discovered, whose inscription ‘the fourth day Lazarus and friend of Christ’ led to the conclusion that it was the shrine of St. Lazarus. In gratitude for the transfer of the saint's remains to Constantinople, a larger church, the present-day church, was built on this site.<br /> <br /> The remains from the sarcophagus were stolen in Constantinople by the Crusaders in 1204 and brought to Marseille. From there, they were taken to the Church of St. Lazare in Autun in Burgundy, where they are venerated today.<br /> <br /> Under Frankish and Venetian rule (the 13th to 16th centuries), the church became Roman Catholic. A Gothic portico was added on its south side during this time. The three domes of this Orthodox Basilica Church and the original bell tower were destroyed in the first years of Ottoman rule (1571), when the church was turned into a mosque. In 1589, the Ottomans sold it back to the Orthodox, probably because of its Christian cemetery. For the next two hundred years it was used for both Orthodox and Catholic services.<br /> <br /> A fire in 1970 caused extensive damage, destroying large parts of the interior, which was subsequently restored between 1972 and 1974. During this restoration, relics attributed to St. Lazarus were also identified in a sarcophagus beneath the altar. It is likely that not all of the relics were taken to Constantinople.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53235516 tag:ipernity.com,2026-02-01,doc-53235516 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 19:25:39 +0000 2025-09-01T16:05:15+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/323415/53235516"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/16/53235516.acd0ef8a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="211" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Mainz was founded around 20 BC by the Romans under the name “Mogontiacum” as a military camp. Today's capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate forms a metropolitan area with Wiesbaden, the neighboring capital of Hesse, with a combined population of around 500,000.<br /> <br /> <br /> The St. Martin's Cathedral, a predominantly romanesque structure, with many gothic and some baroque extensions, is in the very center of the city of Mainz.<br /> Today, it has a total length of 116 meters.<br /> <br /> Archbishop Willigis, an important political player, had the construction of a cathedral started end of the 10th century. This basilica was (already!) completed 1009. A day before the consecration in August 1009, the new cathedral was illuminated by torches - and burnt down completely.<br /> <br /> So finally 1036 Archbishop Bardo completed the church and it got consecrated in the presence of Conrad II. Another fire in 1081 damaged the cathedral. With the support of Henry IV the reconstruction started around 1100. For the next years "magistri comacin", highly specialised stone masons from the Lombardy left their marks here.<br /> <br /> In 1184 Frederick I Barbarossa hold one of the biggest parties of medieval times here, for the accolade of his sons, a ceremony that took place inside the cathedral. During the Thirty Years' War swedish troops looted the cathedral, so some parts of the former treasury survived the times in Sweden and now to be seen in a museum in Uppsala.<br /> <br /> The "Republic of Mainz", a product of the French Revolution, was the first democratic state on German territory. The state was represented in Paris by Georg Forster, who, as a boy, had been in the Pacific with Captain Cook. During the time of the republic the cathedral was used as a piggery, later a military hospital. All furniture was either sold or used for heating up the building. The time of the republic ended, when Prussia cannonaded Mainz, what damaged the cathedral severely.<br /> <br /> The reconstruction and rebuilding started mid 19th century.</div> Mainz - Cathedral <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/323415/53235516"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/55/16/53235516.acd0ef8a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="211" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Mainz was founded around 20 BC by the Romans under the name “Mogontiacum” as a military camp. Today's capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate forms a metropolitan area with Wiesbaden, the neighboring capital of Hesse, with a combined population of around 500,000.<br /> <br /> <br /> The St. Martin's Cathedral, a predominantly romanesque structure, with many gothic and some baroque extensions, is in the very center of the city of Mainz.<br /> Today, it has a total length of 116 meters.<br /> <br /> Archbishop Willigis, an important political player, had the construction of a cathedral started end of the 10th century. This basilica was (already!) completed 1009. A day before the consecration in August 1009, the new cathedral was illuminated by torches - and burnt down completely.<br /> <br /> So finally 1036 Archbishop Bardo completed the church and it got consecrated in the presence of Conrad II. Another fire in 1081 damaged the cathedral. With the support of Henry IV the reconstruction started around 1100. For the next years "magistri comacin", highly specialised stone masons from the Lombardy left their marks here.<br /> <br /> In 1184 Frederick I Barbarossa hold one of the biggest parties of medieval times here, for the accolade of his sons, a ceremony that took place inside the cathedral. During the Thirty Years' War swedish troops looted the cathedral, so some parts of the former treasury survived the times in Sweden and now to be seen in a museum in Uppsala.<br /> <br /> The "Republic of Mainz", a product of the French Revolution, was the first democratic state on German territory. The state was represented in Paris by Georg Forster, who, as a boy, had been in the Pacific with Captain Cook. During the time of the republic the cathedral was used as a piggery, later a military hospital. All furniture was either sold or used for heating up the building. The time of the republic ended, when Prussia cannonaded Mainz, what damaged the cathedral severely.<br /> <br /> The reconstruction and rebuilding started mid 19th century.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53183560 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-22,doc-53183560 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 20:06:40 +0000 2025-08-01T11:39:23+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/323415/53183560"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/60/53183560.c2cb40f5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 754, the place was called "Pons Icauna" referring to the settlement at a (wooden) bridge over the Yonne River. A stone bridge existed in 1175, it got reconstructed in the 17th century and destroyed during the Second World War. Only three arches remain <br /> <br /> Notre-Dame Church is one of the first Gothic churches in France. It was built at the same time as Sens Cathedral (15km south) and to whose chapter it falls.<br /> Construction began between 1130 and 1140. The church was consecrated to the Virgin Mary in 1169 by William of Champagne, Archbishop of Sens.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Pont sur Yonne - Notre-Dame <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/323415/53183560"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/35/60/53183560.c2cb40f5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 754, the place was called "Pons Icauna" referring to the settlement at a (wooden) bridge over the Yonne River. A stone bridge existed in 1175, it got reconstructed in the 17th century and destroyed during the Second World War. Only three arches remain <br /> <br /> Notre-Dame Church is one of the first Gothic churches in France. It was built at the same time as Sens Cathedral (15km south) and to whose chapter it falls.<br /> Construction began between 1130 and 1140. The church was consecrated to the Virgin Mary in 1169 by William of Champagne, Archbishop of Sens.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53181388 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-20,doc-53181388 Sat, 20 Dec 2025 17:48:45 +0000 2025-08-01T14:35:25+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/323415/53181388"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/88/53181388.0e2394d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="191" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The first parish was founded here in the 10th century, as was the first castle hill with its outer bailey, and the population began to settle around the castle. In the 12th century, Gannat Castle was built outside the town walls, but directly adjacent to them.<br /> <br /> Today, Gannat has about 5,500 inhabitants and the Église Sainte-Croix de Gannat<br /> <br /> No documents relating to the construction of the Romanesque church have survived. It is possible that the church was connected to the motte of the Duke of Bourbon. Essential elements of the Romanesque church have been preserved in the apse and choir of the present church. Its style dates it to the late 12th century. Just one century later, the church was expanded in the Gothic style, and by the 16th century, chapels had been added to the side aisles and the ambulatory.</div> Gannat - Sainte-Croix <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/323415/53181388"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/13/88/53181388.0e2394d4.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="191" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The first parish was founded here in the 10th century, as was the first castle hill with its outer bailey, and the population began to settle around the castle. In the 12th century, Gannat Castle was built outside the town walls, but directly adjacent to them.<br /> <br /> Today, Gannat has about 5,500 inhabitants and the Église Sainte-Croix de Gannat<br /> <br /> No documents relating to the construction of the Romanesque church have survived. It is possible that the church was connected to the motte of the Duke of Bourbon. Essential elements of the Romanesque church have been preserved in the apse and choir of the present church. Its style dates it to the late 12th century. Just one century later, the church was expanded in the Gothic style, and by the 16th century, chapels had been added to the side aisles and the ambulatory.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53179960 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-18,doc-53179960 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:17:53 +0000 2025-08-01T13:55:20+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/323415/53179960"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/60/53179960.77d76877.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="204" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Aigueperse - Notre-Dame <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/323415/53179960"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/99/60/53179960.77d76877.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="204" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Notre-Dame is the present parish church of Aigueperse<br /> <br /> The first construction work dates back to 1016. However, it only acquired its final form at the end of the 12th century, when the chancel and transept were built in their present form. It is considered the first Gothic building in the Auvergne. In 1253, it was elevated to the status of a collegiate church.<br /> <br /> The church was completely restored in 1865. The nave and facade were rebuilt in 1880, replacing a nave that had been reconstructed in 1734 after its collapse in 1727. A new bell tower north of the transept replaced the one destroyed during the French Revolution.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53174868 tag:ipernity.com,2025-12-14,doc-53174868 Sun, 14 Dec 2025 18:22:47 +0000 2025-08-01T15:35:23+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/323415/53174868"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/48/68/53174868.c3e54925.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" 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 /> The nave as seen from the gallery</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/323415/53174868"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/48/68/53174868.c3e54925.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="183" 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 /> The nave as seen from the gallery</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53154602 tag:ipernity.com,2025-11-20,doc-53154602 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:23:12 +0000 2025-07-01T15:31:08+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/323415/53154602"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/02/53154602.e84856a7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With about 25,000 inhabitants, Rodez is today the economic and cultural center of the Aveyron department.<br /> <br /> The city has a history spanning over 2,000 years and was known as Segodunum under the Romans. After the Romans, Rodez was occupied by the Visigoths, the Franks, the armies of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Counts of Toulouse, and by the Moors, who besieged the city in 725 and destroyed the old church. Several centuries later, the English besieged the city during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> Today there two universities here, whose more than 3000 students bring life to the city.<br /> <br /> The area was Christianized in the 4th/5th century by Saints Martial and Amantius: There is no mention of a bishop's church until the 6th century; however, it was enlarged and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. After the collapse of the bell tower of the previous building in 1276, the decision was made to completely rebuild it, which, like the old cathedral, was located outside the existing city walls. Construction work dragged on until 1531 due to the Hundred Years' War and several plague epidemics. The building was thus completed shortly before the outbreak of the Huguenot Wars (1562–1598).<br /> Nave and choir of the church are 101.57 meters long.</div> Rodez - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <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/323415/53154602"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/46/02/53154602.e84856a7.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="213" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With about 25,000 inhabitants, Rodez is today the economic and cultural center of the Aveyron department.<br /> <br /> The city has a history spanning over 2,000 years and was known as Segodunum under the Romans. After the Romans, Rodez was occupied by the Visigoths, the Franks, the armies of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Counts of Toulouse, and by the Moors, who besieged the city in 725 and destroyed the old church. Several centuries later, the English besieged the city during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> Today there two universities here, whose more than 3000 students bring life to the city.<br /> <br /> The area was Christianized in the 4th/5th century by Saints Martial and Amantius: There is no mention of a bishop's church until the 6th century; however, it was enlarged and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. After the collapse of the bell tower of the previous building in 1276, the decision was made to completely rebuild it, which, like the old cathedral, was located outside the existing city walls. Construction work dragged on until 1531 due to the Hundred Years' War and several plague epidemics. The building was thus completed shortly before the outbreak of the Huguenot Wars (1562–1598).<br /> Nave and choir of the church are 101.57 meters long.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53154272 tag:ipernity.com,2025-11-19,doc-53154272 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:54:57 +0000 2025-07-01T15:29:45+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/323415/53154272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/72/53154272.5bdf3309.240.jpg?r2" width="231" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With about 25,000 inhabitants, Rodez is today the economic and cultural center of the Aveyron department.<br /> <br /> The city has a history spanning over 2,000 years and was known as Segodunum under the Romans. After the Romans, Rodez was occupied by the Visigoths, the Franks, the armies of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Counts of Toulouse, and by the Moors, who besieged the city in 725 and destroyed the old church. Several centuries later, the English besieged the city during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> Today there two universities here, whose more than 3000 students bring life to the city.<br /> <br /> The area was Christianized in the 4th/5th century by Saints Martial and Amantius: There is no mention of a bishop's church until the 6th century; however, it was enlarged and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. After the collapse of the bell tower of the previous building in 1276, the decision was made to completely rebuild it, which, like the old cathedral, was located outside the existing city walls. Construction work dragged on until 1531 due to the Hundred Years' War and several plague epidemics. The building was thus completed shortly before the outbreak of the Huguenot Wars (1562–1598).<br /> Nave and choir of the church are 101.57 meters long.</div> Rodez - Cathédrale Notre-Dame <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/323415/53154272"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/42/72/53154272.5bdf3309.240.jpg?r2" width="231" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">With about 25,000 inhabitants, Rodez is today the economic and cultural center of the Aveyron department.<br /> <br /> The city has a history spanning over 2,000 years and was known as Segodunum under the Romans. After the Romans, Rodez was occupied by the Visigoths, the Franks, the armies of the Dukes of Aquitaine and the Counts of Toulouse, and by the Moors, who besieged the city in 725 and destroyed the old church. Several centuries later, the English besieged the city during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> Today there two universities here, whose more than 3000 students bring life to the city.<br /> <br /> The area was Christianized in the 4th/5th century by Saints Martial and Amantius: There is no mention of a bishop's church until the 6th century; however, it was enlarged and rebuilt several times over the following centuries. After the collapse of the bell tower of the previous building in 1276, the decision was made to completely rebuild it, which, like the old cathedral, was located outside the existing city walls. Construction work dragged on until 1531 due to the Hundred Years' War and several plague epidemics. The building was thus completed shortly before the outbreak of the Huguenot Wars (1562–1598).<br /> Nave and choir of the church are 101.57 meters long.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53140662 tag:ipernity.com,2025-11-08,doc-53140662 Sat, 08 Nov 2025 17:11:28 +0000 2025-07-01T13:56:10+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/323415/53140662"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/62/53140662.4dd84703.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="221" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The church of Saint-Pierre is one of the most unusual church buildings in southern France.<br /> <br /> The church was commissioned in 1540 by Galiot de Genouillac (1465–1546), who was born in Assier and was one of France's highest dignitaries. He designated it as his burial place. One of his many titles and duties was that of ‘Grand Master of Artillery of France’. <br /> The church was completed three years after his death. No alterations or extensions were made to the original church building, making the church in Assier a unique example of the transitional style from late Gothic to Renaissance.</div> Assier - St. Pierre <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/323415/53140662"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/06/62/53140662.4dd84703.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="221" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The church of Saint-Pierre is one of the most unusual church buildings in southern France.<br /> <br /> The church was commissioned in 1540 by Galiot de Genouillac (1465–1546), who was born in Assier and was one of France's highest dignitaries. He designated it as his burial place. One of his many titles and duties was that of ‘Grand Master of Artillery of France’. <br /> The church was completed three years after his death. No alterations or extensions were made to the original church building, making the church in Assier a unique example of the transitional style from late Gothic to Renaissance.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53111276 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-17,doc-53111276 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 22:50:52 +0000 2025-07-01T11:13:08+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/323415/53111276"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/76/53111276.9d22c340.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">From the 14th century onward, this church replaced the old Romanesque church as a parish church. The Gothic church has a characteristic floor plan with a single nave covered by a pointed barrel vault and a polygonal apse with ribbed vaulting and external buttresses. In the 19th century, two side chapels were added, forming a transept, followed by a west bay with a monumental neo-Gothic façade.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Le Pouget - Sainte-Catherine <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/323415/53111276"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/12/76/53111276.9d22c340.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="185" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">From the 14th century onward, this church replaced the old Romanesque church as a parish church. The Gothic church has a characteristic floor plan with a single nave covered by a pointed barrel vault and a polygonal apse with ribbed vaulting and external buttresses. In the 19th century, two side chapels were added, forming a transept, followed by a west bay with a monumental neo-Gothic façade.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53110932 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-17,doc-53110932 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:09:54 +0000 2025-07-01T13:51:54+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/323415/53110932"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/09/32/53110932.bd2b1831.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="186" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 1088, the existing parish was transferred to the nearby Benedictine monastery of Gellone (= Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert), which built a priory church here, probably consecrated around 1100.<br /> <br /> The Church of St. Martin is one of the few buildings in Europe with triconch or trefoil plan, consisting of three apses around the crossing.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Saint-Martin-de-Londres - Saint Martin <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/323415/53110932"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/09/32/53110932.bd2b1831.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="186" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">In 1088, the existing parish was transferred to the nearby Benedictine monastery of Gellone (= Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert), which built a priory church here, probably consecrated around 1100.<br /> <br /> The Church of St. Martin is one of the few buildings in Europe with triconch or trefoil plan, consisting of three apses around the crossing.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53105036 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-10,doc-53105036 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:43:38 +0000 2025-07-01T13:55:47+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/323415/53105036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/36/53105036.9365c8e3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Jaligny-sur-Besbre, now a town of just over 500 inhabitants, was fortified in the Middle Ages and even withstood sieges during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> The origins of Saint-Hippolyte are thought to date back to the 11th century.<br /> <br /> The originally five-bay church was never completed. Construction ceased after the completion of the third bay. The west façade was built at the end of the 18th century, presumably on the site of the temporary wall. The bell tower was demolished in 1794 during the French Revolution, when the church had become a "Temple of Reason". The current octagonal tower was rebuilt in the 19th century.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Jaligny-sur-Besbre - Saint-Hippolyte <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/323415/53105036"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/50/36/53105036.9365c8e3.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="174" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Jaligny-sur-Besbre, now a town of just over 500 inhabitants, was fortified in the Middle Ages and even withstood sieges during the Hundred Years' War.<br /> <br /> The origins of Saint-Hippolyte are thought to date back to the 11th century.<br /> <br /> The originally five-bay church was never completed. Construction ceased after the completion of the third bay. The west façade was built at the end of the 18th century, presumably on the site of the temporary wall. The bell tower was demolished in 1794 during the French Revolution, when the church had become a "Temple of Reason". The current octagonal tower was rebuilt in the 19th century.<br /> <br /> The nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53101124 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-08,doc-53101124 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:59:23 +0000 2025-07-01T12:16:25+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/323415/53101124"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/24/53101124.74f394fc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="230" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The name of the town derives from "Sancti-Pétri Monasterium", a monastery established in 740 by the Benedictines of Saint-Martin-d'Autun. Its site, near the Roman road from Autun to Bordeaux, had been offered to them by Queen Brunehaut.<br /> <br /> Today´s church probably replaces the old church of the priory. There were several phases of construction between the 12th and 16th century. Some parts of the building date from the 19th century. Three architectural styles are present: Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic.<br /> <br /> The nave preserves 23 Romanesque capitals. Their design, similar to the capitals of the choir at Anzy-le-Duc, shows clear links to the first sculptural workshops of southern Burgundy.</div> Saint-Pierre-le-Moûtier - Saint-Pierre <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/323415/53101124"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/24/53101124.74f394fc.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="230" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The name of the town derives from "Sancti-Pétri Monasterium", a monastery established in 740 by the Benedictines of Saint-Martin-d'Autun. Its site, near the Roman road from Autun to Bordeaux, had been offered to them by Queen Brunehaut.<br /> <br /> Today´s church probably replaces the old church of the priory. There were several phases of construction between the 12th and 16th century. Some parts of the building date from the 19th century. Three architectural styles are present: Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Gothic.<br /> <br /> The nave preserves 23 Romanesque capitals. Their design, similar to the capitals of the choir at Anzy-le-Duc, shows clear links to the first sculptural workshops of southern Burgundy.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53098222 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-05,doc-53098222 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 19:53:23 +0000 2025-07-01T15:28:23+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/323415/53098222"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/22/53098222.bae46da5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="207" 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 choir stalls</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/323415/53098222"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/22/53098222.bae46da5.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="207" 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 choir stalls</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53098208 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-05,doc-53098208 Sun, 05 Oct 2025 19:37:19 +0000 2025-07-01T15:24:42+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/323415/53098208"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/08/53098208.3a257025.240.jpg?r2" width="220" height="240" 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 nave</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/323415/53098208"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/82/08/53098208.3a257025.240.jpg?r2" width="220" height="240" 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 nave</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53094146 tag:ipernity.com,2025-10-02,doc-53094146 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:50:27 +0000 2025-07-01T14:21:48+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/323415/53094146"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/46/53094146.65c48a32.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="182" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The village of Mamers originated from a Gallo-Roman settlement. It was first mentioned in the 6th and 7th centuries in the lives of the hermits Saint Rigomer and Saint Longis.<br /> <br /> In 1171, Saosnois, where the village is located, passed into the hands of John I, Count of Alençon, and then, through marriage, into the hands of the Châtellerault, Harcourt, and Alençon families. During the Hundred Years' War, Mamers was destroyed by the army of the Count of Salisbury. The end of hostilities allowed for economic recovery and the beginning of reconstruction.<br /> <br /> The Reformation and the religious struggles of the 16th century led to a new wave of violence and ruin. After the assassination of Henry III, Saosnois remained loyal to its master, Henry IV. In 1650, however, by which time Mamers had become an important center of the Reformed religion, the town was besieged and subsequently burned.<br /> <br /> The building was constructed in the 13th century on the foundations of an old fortress. In the second half of the 14th century, it was extended to include the current Gothic nave and the bell tower was raised. The Renaissance portal was added in 1556. In 1590, the church, along with the rest of the town center, was burned down during the Wars of Religion by Huguenot troops under Pierre de Fontenay. The building was not restored until 1654 and 1659.</div> Mamers - Saint-Nicolas <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/323415/53094146"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/41/46/53094146.65c48a32.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="182" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The village of Mamers originated from a Gallo-Roman settlement. It was first mentioned in the 6th and 7th centuries in the lives of the hermits Saint Rigomer and Saint Longis.<br /> <br /> In 1171, Saosnois, where the village is located, passed into the hands of John I, Count of Alençon, and then, through marriage, into the hands of the Châtellerault, Harcourt, and Alençon families. During the Hundred Years' War, Mamers was destroyed by the army of the Count of Salisbury. The end of hostilities allowed for economic recovery and the beginning of reconstruction.<br /> <br /> The Reformation and the religious struggles of the 16th century led to a new wave of violence and ruin. After the assassination of Henry III, Saosnois remained loyal to its master, Henry IV. In 1650, however, by which time Mamers had become an important center of the Reformed religion, the town was besieged and subsequently burned.<br /> <br /> The building was constructed in the 13th century on the foundations of an old fortress. In the second half of the 14th century, it was extended to include the current Gothic nave and the bell tower was raised. The Renaissance portal was added in 1556. In 1590, the church, along with the rest of the town center, was burned down during the Wars of Religion by Huguenot troops under Pierre de Fontenay. The building was not restored until 1654 and 1659.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53091112 tag:ipernity.com,2025-09-29,doc-53091112 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:14:59 +0000 2025-07-01T15:36:07+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/323415/53091112"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/12/53091112.89072467.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="188" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> Stalls</div> Caen - Saint-Étienne <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/323415/53091112"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/11/12/53091112.89072467.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="188" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> Stalls</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53090752 tag:ipernity.com,2025-09-28,doc-53090752 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:28:15 +0000 2025-07-04T15:34:06+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/323415/53090752"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/52/53090752.9f243d29.240.jpg?r2" width="178" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> William the Conqueror was buried in Saint-Étienne. As a memorial, his son William II placed a marble tombstone with a gisant of William in the center of the choir. In 1562/63, Calvinists destroyed the tombstone. The remains were discarded, but a monk salvaged the leg bones. Destroyed again during the French Revolution, the tomb was restored in 1802 and provided with a simple tombstone. <br /> <br /> The tombstone bears a Latin inscription that reads: "Here lies the invincible William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, founder of the house, who died in the year 1087."</div> Caen - Saint-Étienne <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/323415/53090752"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/52/53090752.9f243d29.240.jpg?r2" width="178" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> William the Conqueror was buried in Saint-Étienne. As a memorial, his son William II placed a marble tombstone with a gisant of William in the center of the choir. In 1562/63, Calvinists destroyed the tombstone. The remains were discarded, but a monk salvaged the leg bones. Destroyed again during the French Revolution, the tomb was restored in 1802 and provided with a simple tombstone. <br /> <br /> The tombstone bears a Latin inscription that reads: "Here lies the invincible William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, founder of the house, who died in the year 1087."</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53090748 tag:ipernity.com,2025-09-28,doc-53090748 Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:12:12 +0000 2025-07-01T15:30:29+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/323415/53090748"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/48/53090748.8972f26a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="198" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> As a result of the monastery's neglect during the Wars of Religion, the crossing tower collapsed in 1566.<br /> <br /> From 1599 to 1604, the church was rebuilt while preserving its medieval structure. Further restorations took place in the 19th century.</div> Caen - Saint-Étienne <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/323415/53090748"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/07/48/53090748.8972f26a.240.jpg?r2" width="240" height="198" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">Caen experienced rapid urban development in the 11th century. It was the center of a ducal domain and possessed markets and a port. It initially flourished as an important city in the Duchy of Normandy under William the Conqueror. He had a strong fortress built in Caen, as well as an abbey for women (Abbaye aux dames) and one for men (Abbaye aux hommes) around 1059, in which he was also buried. He had the monasteries built to atone for his marriage to his cousin Matilda, which was disapproved by the Pope. Both monasteries are among the most important architectural monuments in Normandy and are now used as parish churches.<br /> <br /> Saint-Étienne is the former monastery church of the Benedictine "Abbaye aux hommes". Construction of the church began in 1065/66 at the eastern end. It was consecrated in 1077 under the first abbot, Lanfranc of Bec of Pavia, who was appointed Bishop of Canterbury in 1070. The facade towers were completed in the last decade of the 11th century. From 1120/25, the former wooden ceiling in the nave was replaced by a six-part cross-ribbed vault. Around 1200, the conversion of the original stepped choir into a Gothic ambulatory began. Also in the 13th century, the Gothic pointed spires were added to the Romanesque west towers.<br /> <br /> As a result of the monastery's neglect during the Wars of Religion, the crossing tower collapsed in 1566.<br /> <br /> From 1599 to 1604, the church was rebuilt while preserving its medieval structure. Further restorations took place in the 19th century.</div> Martin M. Miles https://www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/53088802 tag:ipernity.com,2025-09-26,doc-53088802 Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:16:39 +0000 2025-07-01T13:26:19+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/323415/53088802"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/88/02/53088802.034b441b.240.jpg?r2" width="128" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The cathedral "Notre-Dame de Bayeux" is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux. It was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry, that by now can be seen in the "Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux".<br /> <br /> As seen on the Bayeux Tapestry, it was here that William the Bastard forced Harold Godwinson to take the oath, the breaking of which led to the Norman conquest of England. So William got "the Conqueror".<br /> <br /> The preceding carolingian cathedral burnt down in 1047 and soon after the construction of the church seen today started. The cathedral got consecrated in 1077 by power-hungry Odon de Bayeux, who was William´s half-brother, well known warrior and bishop here. Of course, William was present during the consecration, as then he was Duke of Normandy and King of England. <br /> <br /> At that time the building was not completed, the construction site was seriously damaged twice by fire during the 12th century and, when the walls of the nave were built (1180) the style changed from Romanesque to Gothic.<br /> <br /> The cathedral got pillaged by Huguenots during the Wars of Religions, during the French Cathedral this was a "Temple de la Raison". Renovation and restauration of the cathedral started mid 19th century under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.<br /> <br /> The nave, facing east to the choir. In medieval times the Bayeux Tapestry, which is more than 68m long, was displayed here once per year. The structure of the nave is still Romanesque, so are many decorating carvings.</div> Bayeux - Cathedrale <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/323415/53088802"><img src="https://cdn.ipernity.com/200/88/02/53088802.034b441b.240.jpg?r2" width="128" height="240" alt=""/></a></p><div class="description">The cathedral "Notre-Dame de Bayeux" is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux. It was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry, that by now can be seen in the "Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux".<br /> <br /> As seen on the Bayeux Tapestry, it was here that William the Bastard forced Harold Godwinson to take the oath, the breaking of which led to the Norman conquest of England. So William got "the Conqueror".<br /> <br /> The preceding carolingian cathedral burnt down in 1047 and soon after the construction of the church seen today started. The cathedral got consecrated in 1077 by power-hungry Odon de Bayeux, who was William´s half-brother, well known warrior and bishop here. Of course, William was present during the consecration, as then he was Duke of Normandy and King of England. <br /> <br /> At that time the building was not completed, the construction site was seriously damaged twice by fire during the 12th century and, when the walls of the nave were built (1180) the style changed from Romanesque to Gothic.<br /> <br /> The cathedral got pillaged by Huguenots during the Wars of Religions, during the French Cathedral this was a "Temple de la Raison". Renovation and restauration of the cathedral started mid 19th century under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.<br /> <br /> The nave, facing east to the choir. In medieval times the Bayeux Tapestry, which is more than 68m long, was displayed here once per year. The structure of the nave is still Romanesque, so are many decorating carvings.</div> Martin M. Miles