Ely Cathedral

On a lovely grey day, Micah and I decided to catch the train and head North to Ely. Our thought - Why not? As we travel across the Fens, a mound appears... a mound with a huge church build on top. This beacon called us off the train and up the slope to the grounds of Ely Cathedral.

This is probably one of the best Medieval cathedral in England. It was also the church Micah and I went for the Easter vigil in 2007. I have never experience a more amazing experience than this Saturday evening service. Lighting the fire outside the West door (outside the front side of the church, just in front of the facade above) we all were given candles light from the fire. Once that was done, we walked into the church with the red setting sun casting golden-red light on down the central isle. I have never seen such a beautiful symbol. The light being brought into the church just as the sun set.

We are the light of the world. His spirit is with us. Amen.

Taken January 2007 - Ely Cathedral, Ely, England

Genoa - Lovely Lady

Part of what I understand the place and purpose of the Saints are within the Christian tradition is this: they are people to look up to and admire as being someone we can relate to. With this in mind, this is probably the first image of St Mary that I really feel a connection to. She's got puffy round cheeks like mine and I could totally do my hair like that. I've always had a curious respect for the Virgin, though I would hardly call myself Marian.

Wikipedia link to the Church of S Peitro di Banchi in Italian or English
Wikipedia link to Mary (mother of Jesus) here
Feast of the Annunciation - 25 Mar

taken June 2010 - Church of S Peitro di Banchi, Genoa

Genoa - who's lookin' in your window?

The Catedral de San Lorenzo really was a sight to behold... but first, take a look at this lion-gargoyle! I really enjoyed all of the stone work at this cathedral. I don't know what else to say... so enjoy :)

taken June 2010 - Cathedral de Lorenzo - detail of West Door

Genoa - that's a big bathtub

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

Genoa - Who's that over your shoulder

I get a giggle every time I look at this picture. In my head I always here "Dude! Do you see that guy over your shoulder? I think he's famous or something". Yeah, I'm a regular comedian eh?

I still think it's cool though, and I think the image is one worth having tucked in the corner of your mind. The image of Jesus in the background is of His sacred heart. He is always there with a hug, and with love no mater if we're looking for Him or not. He's got so much love that even the beautiful angels with their neigh-infinite love still need His presence because He perfects them fully.

Wikipedia link here

taken June 2010 - Basilica della Santissima Annuziata del Vastato , Genoa

La Spezia

This Cathedral really does combine the 60's space age with church design. Pretty and pretty unusual.

Check here for my other rant...

Taken June 2010 - Christ the King of Centuries Cathedral, La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia - Alter reality

This Cathedral was concecrated in 1975. Built in the round, the red circular carpet you can see in the foreground is in the centre of the church.

So interesting!

Taken June 2010 - Christ the King of Centuries Cathedral, La Spezia, Italy

Genoa - detail of church wall

I really do like taking this style of photo. More properly said, I would love to touch these sculptures and take in their details as much as I am allowed to.

Wikipedia link here

taken June 2010 - Basilica della Santissima Annuziata del Vastato (I think), Genoa

Genoa - Zaccaria

This lovely statue was one of four in a niche. Zaccaria, Stefano, Elisabetta and Giovanni. If I'm reading the card right. they are from the 17thc. Hurrah!

The statues at this basilica were absolutely stunning. I say this because they are completely up my alley as it were. I love the flowing lines of the cloth, and the near-human reality of the expressions.


Wikipedia link to Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta in Italian or English
Wikipedia link to St Zechariah (priest) here (feast day Nov 5th)

taken June 2010 - Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, Genoa

Genoa - Dome-tastic

Would you believe me if I told you this church was heavily bombed during WWII? Yeah, really. There did some pretty darn-tootin' impressive restorations here. This church floored me to begin with. It really does show 17thc style. (at least to my mind's eye it does).

I'm now going to quote to you from the church's English pamphlet.

A statue found and preserved "without hands"and respondent to prayers of an anonymous Flemish person of the 15th century "Christ does not have hands - he only has our hands to do his work today..."

Now I ask you to take a moment, to sit, look up and wonder at the works of God around us and say thanks. Then stand up, and find a way to use your hands to the glory of God.

Wikipedia link in Italian or English

taken June 2010 - Church of San Pietro di Banchi, Genoa

La Spezia - Mosaics

Yes, I'm on a church kick. One of my favorite things to do is visit churches.

This mosaic was over the front door of an Orthodox church in La Spezia. As this church was never open when I passed by, I didn't get to see inside. A shame, but as I did get to see 6 churches during our 3 days in La Spezia, I think I did alright.

Taken June 2010 - Orthodox Church, La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia - Casting light...

The cathedral in La Spezia was probably the most unique church I have ever been in. It was obviously a catholic church, don't get me wrong... it was just different. Built in an in-the-round style, the focus was the centre alter. There were a couple of side chapels, and behind the reredos there were several icons. Each ceiling pillar had a roman numeral, I to XII for the stations of the cross. A very ordinary church save the whole in the round thing. It was obviously commissioned in the early 60's and completed within that decade. No doubt about it!

As preciously mentioned, the alter was in the centre of the church. Standing just infront of the alter and looking straight up to the ceiling around 10m above was a circular bit of stained glass. This shot is a detail of it. I can only imagine what golden light would shine down on the alter through this glass!

Taken June 2010 - Christ the King of Centuries Cathedral, La Spezia, Italy

La Spezia

Very interesting cathedral celing. I love looking up :)


Taken June 2010 - Chirst the King of Centuries Cathedral, La Spezia, Italy

Genoa - wave patterns?

Just a block away from the bestest foccia ever was this lovely little church. I'd wanted to see inside of it since the day we arrived. From the outside, it looked kind of like a memorial hall, or tiny concert hall. The domed roof and general style of the outside said to me that this was a lovely 18thc church.

Once inside, I could have sat here for hours! It was lovely and cool and clean and bright. I think it has been pretty much constantly loved at the same level since it was built... there's signs that it's been used, but basically there's no dust, and the tokens around the saints have been there for at least 100 years. What really caught my eye was the pattern in the ceiling. As the plaster work meant that the ceiling was perfectly rounded, these wave patterns are absolutely stunning. Also, after seeing sooooo many painted mural-style ceilings, to have something so decorated and yet so simple was lovely. I'd like to also note, that there were no artificial lights on while I visited. All of the light came in from lovely big third-storey windows and the while ceiling defused it perfectly.

Wikipedia link here

taken June 2010 - Church of San Torpete, Genoa

Genoa - Catedral's tower

Stripes... the Genovese love their stripes. Basically every church in this area has at least part of its building striped. I guess when marble and granite is so conveniently located in the surrounding area, stripes will happen.

As for the Catedral di San Lorenzo, it's all stripes all the time. Even the columns inside are striped. Other than that, the west door is incredible! Oh, and I got to see the local Bishop and Cardinal in procession on St George's day. Pure awesome. Oh yeah.

taken June 2010 - Cathedral de Lorenzo - detail of West Door

Milan - Milan Duomo

And here begins the fun of reliving my holidays in June. I hope you enjoy this as much as I know I will!

I'm not positive, but from what I can tell, Milan decided that Florence couldn't have the only Dome around and they build their own. (Yes, this is not a picture of a dome... very good.) The wall of the west door has an incredible collection of sculptures, as most west doors are want to do. The spires at the top were also lovely, and the shot above features a sample of these spires. Also, how cool is the moon? We could not have asked for a bluer sky or a more perfect day for wandering the streets of Milan. I also took this picture on the walk to see the church above.

taken June 2010 - Milan Duomo, Milan

La Spezia - Snow? Really?

Yeah, this door is pretty cool, but it was not the first thing that caught my eye about this church. Nope, not the door, not the cool front gate or the mosaic work above the entrances. What caught my eye was whom the church was dedicated to - Our Lady of Snows. After a brief chuckle, my next thought was... who was this Lady?

Well, Wikipedia links me with a few pages. Not so much with the helpful. Google lead me to some interesting links for other churches dedicated to the same Saint. Hmmm...

After half an hour of link diving, I think I have a basic story of the origin of the name. Some powerful guy in the 300's wanted to have kids with his wife but they were barren. They prayed to Our Lady (Mary of Jesus) to help them out. In a vision they were told to build a church at a particular place, on a hill top covered in snow.

That's all you get. 'They' have no other historical reference point for this story, nor do we necessarily know if their prayers/actions produced an heir. But there is a church build on a hill outside of Rome that tends to get snow. Our Lady of Snows. Tada!

I'm not normally this cynical about names, but I do find that Mary has so too many titles. I love Mary, probably more than my protestant self should. I find many of her images and icons inspiring, breathtaking and moving. I get disgruntled when I have to use a reference text to tell me that the church is dedicated to Jesus' Mom. Just sayin'.

Taken June 2010 - Detail of the West Door, Parish Church Sanctuary - Our Lady of Snows, La Spezia, Italy

Ely Cathedral

Nothing quite like a medieval church being light up during deepest darkest winter eh?

If there are country towns and university towns, Ely is very much a Cathedral town. If it weren't for the Cathedral, there really wouldn't be any reason for being there. It's a one hit wonder kind of a place, but what a beautiful wonder! I

f you get a chance, I think Ely really does deserve a day - a grey winter day at that. How else can you be properly medieval?

Taken January 2007 - Ely Cathedral, Ely, England

Cool on the Feet

The sun outside is hot and bright on a late June afternoon. Walking around the streets of Milan we finally stumble upon the Duomo of this city. Upon arriving in the square in front of the west door, we are careful to avoid walking in front of other tourists snapping shots of the building. Feeding the pigeons here also seems like quite the touristy-thing-to-do, as we see several buskers selling seeds and offering to take Polaroids of you posing with the birds and the cathedral.

After spending quite some time admiring the sculptures and symbols carved into the facade of the building, we finally climb up the front steps. The cool air that greets us on the threshold and we enter the building.

I have always found churches to be absolutely wonderfully quieting. We slowly make our way forward and slide into one of the wooden pews a third of the way up the centre aisle. Though there are probably a couple hundred people in the building, the space absorbs and softens their rustling to a white noise which is easily dismissed.

After taking some time to simply be in the space, I finally get up to walk around and look at the stained glass, side chapels and decorations that fill the Duomo. I also allow myself one of my favorite church pleasures - I take off my shoes. Having my bare feet on the cool stone floor always connects me to the place more than any other single thing. Here, there is a softness to the floor, and the texture of the different stones that have been inlaid to create the patterns only adds to the movement I can feel through me feet.

I am very thankful to have found this personal way of connecting with the buildings of the church. I believe that every space for prayer and meditation should be comfortable and supportive. In the end, a building is only a building, and the value of a place of worship should be about the connection to something greater.

taken June 2010, Duomo di Milano, Milan