Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Notre-Dame-du-Port

Notre-Dame-du-Port is in the middle of Clermont-Ferrand, just southeast of the gothic cathedral. Approaching the Basilica through a narrow road.

Notre-Dame-Du-Port constructed during the 12th century (on older foundations). Here the central nave of the basilica, having two lower aisles. Looking to the choir. Though the 18 meters high nave does not have a clerestory, it seems flooded with light after the recent renovation. Please note the carved capitals.

The crypt of Notre-Dame-Du-Port may be the oldest existing part of the basilica. It is rather large and not yet renovated. In medieaval times pilgrim walked in a procession around the ambulatory and then crossed the crypt, where the relics were stored. In front of the altar in this crypt exists a small well.

Like many basilicas and churches of that time, that were on a pilgrim´s way, Notre-Dame-Du-Port has a semicircular ambulatory, that enabled the pilgrims to undertake a procession around the altar (and through the crypt). The decoration of the choir is much richer, that that of the nave. All capitals are elaborately carved on all sides. The central arcade is clearly wider than the other.

The capitals in the Basilica Notre-Dame-Du-Port are very elaborate. This one differs from the most. The carving style is - compared to the Rotbertus works - quite simple and it is very weathered. Maybe it has been on an outside wall for upto the great restauration during the 19th century. I see two men fighting, holding up their shields - and inbetween the head of a devil, with the typical evil hairstyle. Well, from the right knight, only the shield (note the shield boss) and a part of the arm is to be seen - but he is there. Just around the edge.

This carved capital is place outside under the roof of one of the the radiating chapels of Notre-Du-Port. I am sure, that this capital is directly connected to one carved by ROTBERTUS, placed on one of the pillars at the choir inside. Both have the same theme - and a very similar style! Depicted here are "Adam and Eve" in the Garden of Eden. They are both young, pretty and innocent. They are kneeling, holding a grape - perfectly symmetrically. They seem to pose. No snake - no danger. Just "another day in paradies". Please not the black and white mosaics.

Notre-Dame-Du-Port constructed probably during the 12th century (on older foundations) and once a stopover on the pilgrim´s way to Santiago, got vandalized during the French Revolution. The furnishings got burned and some carvings on the outside of the church got partly destroyed. Here the southern portal, that got damaged (all faces are lost). The two large sculptures next to the doors are less damaged. On the left is Isaiah (standing on two falling angels) on the right bearded John the Baptist.

Transept, choir, ambulatory and the radiating chapels of Notre-Du-Port from outside! In the residential-building opposite the church is a public balcony up the third floor, to see this! "Merci beaucoup!" to the people living there, tolerating all the tourists on their stairs up and down. Unfortunately my camera does not offer the wide angle, needed to take the photo, I wanted... These "multi-staging" chevets/apses are very typical for the romanesque churches of the Auvergne. Compare this to "Saint-Nectaire" or "Notre-Dame d’Orcival". The mosaics and the capitals are renovated, but still pretty original. Only the roof-tiles got replaced recently. Note the carved capital in the middle under the roof. Two griffons drinking out of a chalice.

The capitals in the Basilica Notre-Dame-Du-Port are very elaborate. On some of them even a signature (ROTBERTUS) could be found. This capital, perfectly carved, differs thematically. It depicts an ape - on a rope, led a man. I have seen a couple of carved monkeys and apes before, but never such a giant creature with such a threatening facial expression. This ape is at least as tall as the man on the side, probably taller, as the ape is bending his knees The ape seen here is probably a symbol for the evil, a creature from hell, - but the evil here is under control of the man.