I have no idea why this became a common thing in the churches of this area, but the bathtub-alter is a sight to behold. Maybe it's the need to have solid rock to hold up the reredos, maybe it's to remind us of baptism... in either case, I find it a bit odd. I'm just so used to my alters made of wood. It's the whole table analogy that makes me think of wood. Also, I like being able to move the alter for, say, cleaning the floor or, I don't know, a spacial re-design. Right... let me take a breath. This is a remarkable piece of art. I love how everything seems to direct your eyes up. (Except for the incredibly cool floor... that's inlaid marble!) All in all, well worth visiting, though I wouldn't really want to church here.
taken June 2010 - Basilica della Santissima Annuziata del Vastato (I think), Genoa
