- Siena Cathedral
The frescoes tell the story of cardinal Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II). These two are: Pius II canonizes Saint Catherine of Siena in 1461 and Pius II arrives in Ancona to launch the crusade. - Siena Cathedral
Floors in the Piccolomini Library. - Siena Cathedral
More interesting details on the ceiling of the Piccolomini Library. - Siena Cathedral
Piccolomini coat of arms: a blue cross with five crescent. - Siena Cathedral
Ceiling of the Piccolomini Library, painted by Pinturicchio (1503). - Siena Cathedral
Some details on the ceiling of Piccolomini Library. - Siena Cathedral
A lion on the exterior of the cathedral. I am a bit intrigued by his eyes... - Santa Maria Assunta
The entrance to the church Santa Maria Assunta. - Santa Maria Assunta
A wonderful ceiling! - Santa Maria Assunta
These stairs go very deep. - Santa Maria Assunta
When repairing the support for the collapsing church, they built a whole maze underneath it. A highlight to visit! - Santa Maria Assunta
A wonderful maze! - Model of Pienza
- Santa Maria Assunta
The cathedral was built in 1462. It is located in Piazza Pio II, but since there was not enough room, they built some additional support for the church. A mistake, as it turned out. - St. Agostino Church
Founded in 1285 but completely renovated in the 15th century by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo. The upper facade was changed in the 18th century. - Palazzo Cervini
- Cathedral Saint Mary Of The Assumption
The cathedral was 'finished' in 1680. Although it was never actually finished. I would assume that in 1680 they just gave up and proclaimed it finished. - Cathedral Saint Mary Of The Assumption
View of the cathedral. - Chiesa di Santa Lucia
The church was built in 1653 by Flaminio del Turco, already in baroque style. - Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
Just a quick stroll through the city. Starting with Santa Maria Novella, built in 1276-1420. - Basilica of Santa Maria Novella
One of the many sails on the facade, which was added to the church in 1456–1470. - Basilica di San Lorenzo
Here used to be a super-old church (from 393), then another 11th century romanesque one, and in 1470 this one was completed. - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
The cathedral was built between 1296 and 1436, but the facade was added 1887. I feel like I have been lied to. - Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
- DSC 9615
- Medusa
Medusa's head from the statue Perseus with the Head of Medusa by Benvenuto Cellini (1545-1554) located in the Loggia dei Lanzi. - View from Piazzale Michelangelo
- View from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore
Last view of the duomo ... until next time ;-) - St. Peter's Church
St. Peter's Church (Rīgas Sv. Pētera baznīca). Founded in 1209 and rebuilt in the 15th century. The three entrances were added in the 17th century. The current steeple, which is 123 m tall, was built in 1973. - Rīgas Doms - Riga Cathedral
The cloister of the Dome. The courtyard was closed, however, due to snow. - Rīgas Doms - Riga Cathedral
This Lutheran church was founded in 1211, but (re)built several times, so it's got Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements. And there was this guy tuning the piano, so I had my own private concert! Pure magic. - Capilla Real exterior
Old signs on the walls of the Royal Chapel. - Monasterio de San Jerónimo
The main chapel of the monastery was built in 1504-1522. A very notable church, the elevated choir and the super busy decorations on the walls and ceiling. - Monasterio de San Jerónimo
A very very busy renaissance church. - Monasterio de San Jerónimo
And the very busy ceiling. - Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune
The porch dates from the mid-13th century. A great place that protects you from the elements. - Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune
A 12th century romanesque basilica in Beaune. - Christ of Pity
A 15th century sculpture of Christ of Pity sculpted from one oak trunk. The craftsmanship on the crown of thorns and ropes is wonderful! - Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune
A magnificent stained glass window. But I have no idea how old it is. May be old, but my uneducated guess would say quite recent. - Vézelay Abbey
This Benedictine abbey, which is a well-known pilgrimage church, was constructed between 1120 and 1150. Here stood initially a Roman villa, then two Carolingian convents, then then reformed Benedictine order of Cluny. Built to accommodate pilgrims, and extended to accommodate even more pilgrims... - Vézelay Abbey
The portal on the exterior of the church. - Vézelay Abbey
A lovely detail on the facade indicates the grandeur inside. - Vézelay Abbey
The narthex was added to accommodate the influx of pilgrims, who came to see the relics of Mary Magdalene. - Vézelay Abbey
St Paul the Hermit's burial. Saint Anthony burying Saint Paul, with two lions digging the grave. - Vézelay Abbey
The crypt - Vézelay Abbey
Adam and Eve. A snake climbs the Tree of life and gives grapes(!) to Eve. - Derrière une porte
I once had to write a story "Derrière une porte" being given an image similar to this one. I probably could write another one for this door as well. - Vézelay
The hollyhock grows in every corner of the town. So beautiful. - Vézelay Abbey
- Bayeux Cathedral
The portal of Saint Thomas Becket, showing the assembly of Northampton (1164) and the Assembly of Ambosus (1170); crossing of the English Channel and his martyrdom; and the veneration of his tomb. - Bayeux Cathedral
- Bayeux Cathedral
Plenty of old windows in the cathedral as well... These are from 1260, showing the local bishops Exupère and Loup. - Bayeux Cathedral
The 11th century crypt is simply magnificent. The entrance to the crypt was closed soon afterwards and the crypt forgotten - until 1412. - Bayeux Cathedral
One of the more unusual capitals in the crypt. - Bayeux Cathedral
One of the many angels in the crypt. They play all sorts of instruments. - Bayeux Cathedral
15th century fresco of angels in the crypt. - Bayeux Cathedral
Here is where the famous Bayeux tapestry was exhibited until 1793. Possibly from 1077. - Bayeux Cathedral
12th century carving. I see a lion and an eagle carrying a fish. But it may also be a lion and a griffin. - Bayeux Cathedral
Some more lions/griffons/creatures higher up, but the most notable are the Bayeux lovers underneath them. - Bayeux Cathedral
The ceiling in the Bayeux cathedral choir shows various local bishops and saints. The whole cathedral is indeed a stunning place. - Mont Saint-Michel
This is one of the most fascinating places on the planet. I have spoken. - Mont Saint-Michel
Church of Saint-Pierre. Originally from the 8th century, often rebuilt, this tower being from the 15th century. - Mont Saint-Michel
We decided to visit the abbey in the afternoon and there was absolutely no queue. We just entered the ticket office. But if there was a queue, these guards would keep us in line. Clever design! - Mont Saint-Michel
Climbing the Grand Degré my kids said they felt like entering a computer game. Totally unreal and out of this world. - Mont Saint-Michel
We planned the visit to avoid the crowds. But we didn't think it would be so empty on a Sunday afternoon. - Mont Saint-Michel
What a magnificent place indeed! - La Roque-Gageac
Oh, another spectacular village. - Rocamadour
Another fascinating place: Rocamadour. - Rocamadour
One could go down the stairs. And up the stairs again. Or not. - Rocamadour
Spectacular place. Already inhabited in the Paleolithic. The town peaked in the 12th century. 12th century!