Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: shoemaker

The first cathedral here was consecrated by St. Zeno around 380 AD. This was replaced by a larger building already two centuries later. An earthquake and/or fire destroyed that structure. The basilica that got rebuilt was destroyed by the earthquake in 1117, that wrecked so many buildings in Veneto and Lombardy. The present "Cattedrale Santa Maria Matricolare" was built in 1117-38, but many renovations were made later. The two storied porch, of the cathedral´s façade, is embellished with sculptures, works of the sculptor Nicholaus (Niccolo), who as well worked at San Zeno in Verona, in Ferrara and Piacenza. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many around music and hunting. Here is a weathered frieze. From left: a cobbler or a cooper (?), a bearded man picking fruits, a fight between a winged dragon and a warrior, a deer and another animal. But not a kangaroo.

"Santa María la Real" is one of the highlights for all people following the "Camino Aragonés" - since about 800 years. The facade is impressing it may take hours, to find out the many details. I stayed an extra day, when I had reached the town, just to see the shadows movig over the carvings. A church did exist here already in 1131 next to the bridge crossing the river Aragon. It was transferred by Alfonso I to the "Knights Hospitaller" (aka "Order of Saint John", later "Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta"). The apse is the oldest part of the structure and probably dates back to that time. The nave and the breathtaking Southern Portal of Santa María la Real were created late 12th/13th century. I have uploaded a "total overview" earlier and will now focus on some details. The archivolts around the large tympanum, depicting the "Last Judgement" are densely populated with dancers, workers, priests and mythical creatures. I did not recognize the tools, these three men were working with and for a while I saw them as tanners, but Ray ("adfinem") just told me, that they are shoemakers - and he is right! I can now see the shoes! The archivolts around the large tympanum, depicting the "Last Judgement" are densely populated with dancers, workers, priests and mythical creatures. I did not recognize the tools, these three men were working with and for a while I saw them as tanners, but Ray ("adfinem") just told me, that they are shoemakers - and he is right! I can now see the shoes! The pilgrims had to rely on the quality of their workmanship. That has not changed, my walking shoes last about 700 - 800 kms.