Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: sun

A legend tells, that Charlemagne personally founded a first monastery here, but there are so many places, who claim that... A small monastery existed here within the 9th century. As it was built close to the river Saalach, it was dedicated Saint Zeno, an early Christian Bishop of Verona and a patron saint against floods. In 1136 Konrad I von Abensberg, Archbishop of Salzburg, established Augustinian Canons here, well equipped with income from the salt (= hall) that was produced here. The construction of the three-nave-basilica took 80 years, it got consecrated in 1228. With a length of 80 meters, this was a huge structure. The church burnt down in 1512. When it got rebuilt, many Gothic elements were added (vaulting). Another fire destroyed great part in 1789, just before the monastery got secularized in 1803. Since then this is a parish church. There is an important cloister here, that even has a carving depicting Frederick I (Barbarossa). If you plan to visit Bad Reichenhall, inquire at the Tourist Office about it the opening hours. As the cloister now is part of a school, it is open for tourists only once or twice a week for an hour or two. I could not wait that long.. - The western portal from 1228 fortunately survived all fires and modernisations. Protected by a narthex, it is still on place and only little damaged. The damage seen, was not caused by vandalism, but by a stroke of lightning The lintel and the tympanum of the Romanesque portal. Madonna and Child n the center. Mary, seated on a throne, is holding the child on her knees with the left arm, while her the right hand holds an apple (?). They are flanked by St. Zeno (left) and St. Rupert (right). As these saints both had been bishops, both hold a crosiers. Around the group are arcades, which are encircled by stars (in black circles), sun and moon. In the first archivolt above (and out of symmetry) an Agnus Dei. The lintel below, carved in a different style, depicts tendrils, populated with mythic animals. The artistic style od these carvings is extraordenary, kind of soft and nothing similar can be found in the region. The artists were probably contractors from Northern Italy. Unfortunately this shot is pretty blurry. Sorry. I should go to Bad Reichenhall again - with a tripod.

The parish of Escurolles was given to Cluny in 953/054 by Ermengarde, (probably) the wife of Archambaud I de Bourbon, Seigneur de Bourbon (yes, this is where the illustrious name derived from). The church Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte was built 11th/12th century. It has a nave and two aisles. The church is known for some pretty archaic carvings. This capital is from the nave. There is a circel, centered by a cross. This may be just "meaningless" decoration, or as specific symbol. Sun? And then there is this very simple face on the corner, squeezed under the upper rim. If the circle stands for the full sun (with 14 sunrays), then this face could be is the waning moon. It is round - and so fascinating simple. There is even a small mouth. And why is the capital so empty all around? Did the sculpter not get a propper pay? Or is this the empty sky between sun and moon. Unfortunately I do not take a photo of the left side.... Zut!

"Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul" is not mentioned in any written document before the 13th century. Most historians agree, that the church was built not earlier than in the first half of the 12th century. About a century later, the Romanesque transept and choir got demolished - and replaced by the large Gothic structure, seen here. The tower was erected within the 13th century. The church was added to the list of "monuments historique" already in 1862, but the restoration process started end of the 19th century. The church was added to the list of "monuments historique" already in 1862, but the restoration process started end of the 19th century. Of course a church like this needs perpetual care. The state of the portal is the result of a very soft stone, used by the carvers in the 12th century and a very long neglect. Most of the details, especially on the right side, are weathered away. This is from the left side. A large head with a tremendous hairdo, maybe a symbol for the sun. On the right a lion is squeezed in.

"Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens" ("Saint Peter in Chains") is the parish church of Noailhac. The erection of the church started in the 12th century and was probably completed soon after. The church got partly destroyed during the Hundred Years War, so the nave was rebuilt later in a simple Gothic style, that again suffered damage during the French Revolution. Large parts of choir of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens is still Romanesque - and there are some extraordinary capitals. Here is one of them. A scene from Paradise. The snake has given Eve an apple. She hands over one fruit to Adam, - while God (nimbus) faces the onlookers on the other side of the capital. Above the Tree of Knowledge is a nosy sun.