Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: chimera

The "Église Sainte-Foy de Sélestat" was built in only 10 years between 1170 and 1180, succeeding an earlier ("Holy Sepulcre")church from around 1085 built by Hildegard von Egisheim. Of this church only the rectangular crypt (and some carvings) remained. Hildegard´s famous grandson Frederick I Barbarossa funded the construction of this new church, that was the center of a benedictine monastery, affiliated to the abbey St. Foy in Conques. The capital of the pillar in the right window depicts a group of four hunters (each on one side), holding four chimares (birds with lion heads), placed on each corner of the capital.

A Roman settlement, named "Aeminium" existed here. When the neighbouring town "Conimbriga" got conquered and destroyed by the Suebes in 468, the survivors moved to "Aeminium" - and renamed it. The Visigoths under King Wittiza named the town "Eminio" later. In 714 the town was conquered by Muslim troops, who changed the name again. Coimbra was finally recaptured in 1064 by King Fernando de Castilla y León. Coimbra became the second capital of the Kingdom of Portugal (after Guimarãesin) 1139, a status that moved to Lisbon in 1256. The University of Coimbra, founded by Denis of Portugal (aka "Dom Dinis") in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe. "Sé Velha" is the old Cathedral of Coimbra. Erected mid 12th century, this was the bishopric until the seat was moved in 1772 to the new cathedral "Sé Nova". The erection of the cathedral is attributed to Master Robert and Master Bernhard, who probably came from France. In the 16th century there were many additions made to the cathedral, but the western portal is still Romanesque and has some nice capitals. Here is one of them. Two bird-dog-snake chimarae. Above the couple is a mason's mark.

A Roman settlement, named "Aeminium" existed here. When the neighbouring town "Conimbriga" got conquered and destroyed by the Suebes in 468, the survivors moved to "Aeminium" - and renamed it. The Visigoths under King Wittiza named the town "Eminio" later. In 714 the town was conquered by Muslim troops, who changed the name again. Coimbra was finally recaptured in 1064 by King Fernando de Castilla y León. Coimbra became the second capital of the Kingdom of Portugal (after Guimarãesin) 1139, a status that moved to Lisbon in 1256. The University of Coimbra, founded by Denis of Portugal (aka "Dom Dinis") in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe. "Sé Velha" is the old Cathedral of Coimbra. Erected mid 12th century, this was the bishopric until the seat was moved in 1772 to the new cathedral "Sé Nova". The erection of the cathedral is attributed to Master Robert and Master Bernhard, who probably came from France. In the 16th century there were many additions made to the cathedral, but the western portal is still Romanesque and has some nice capitals. Here is one of them. Two bird-chimarae killing two lions - symmetrically and simultaneously. In the upper left corner is a little sign, that looks like a snail shell. Probably a mason's mark.

The monastery "Abbatia ad Lacum" was founded in 1093 on the shores of a lake (lacum). It was a priory of Affligem Abbey (Belgium) first, but since 1138 was an independent Benedictian abbey. The erection of the monastery, following the "Sankt Galler Klosterplan" ("Plan of Saint Gall") started, when the first monks settled here. To complete the church took more than 200 years. Even after the consecration, many parts were added or altered. The abbey was an intellectual hub in the 12th/13th century, but like many other convents declined later. It joined the Bursfelde Congregation, a reform movement originating from the Bursfelde Abbey in the valley of the Weser river. The monastery existed upto the secularisation. The buildings and all the abbey´s possessions became property of the French state. The inventary was auctioned. After the Congress of Vienna the ownership of the empty buildings went to the Prussian State, who sold it. Within the 1860s it was acquired by the "Society of Jesus". The "Kulturkampf", a row between the Prussian government and the Roman Catholic administration, ended that episode and in 1992 the Benedictines returned. They could do with the support of Wilhelm II, as the church itself was still owned by the Prussian state. Since then many restaurations and renovations have taken place, to "purify" the buildings - and "recreate" the Romanesque style. Another mythical beast hiding in the foliage. Masterly carved around 1200 by an artist named "Samsonmeister" by art historians. The "coralline limestones" he used to create this were brought to this secluded place from France.

The monastery "Abbatia ad Lacum" was founded in 1093 on the shores of a lake (lacum). It was a priory of Affligem Abbey (Belgium) first, but since 1138 was an independent Benedictian abbey. The erection of the monastery, following the "Sankt Galler Klosterplan" ("Plan of Saint Gall") started, when the first monks settled here. To complete the church took more than 200 years. Even after the consecration, many parts were added or altered. The abbey was an intellectual hub in the 12th/13th century, but like many other convents declined later. It joined the Bursfelde Congregation, a reform movement originating from the Bursfelde Abbey in the valley of the Weser river. The monastery existed upto the secularisation. The buildings and all the abbey´s possessions became property of the French state. The inventary was auctioned. After the Congress of Vienna the ownership of the empty buildings went to the Prussian State, who sold it. Within the 1860s it was acquired by the "Society of Jesus". The "Kulturkampf", a row between the Prussian government and the Roman Catholic administration, ended that episode and in 1992 the Benedictines returned. They could do with the support of Wilhelm II, as the church itself was still owned by the Prussian state. Since then many restaurations and renovations have taken place, to "purify" the buildings - and "recreate" the Romanesque style. A detail from the right side of the narthex facade. This differs clearly from the left side just seen. While on the left the foliage was populated, here the foliage is alive. Two "Green Men" so nicely and smoothly carved, that they could be part of an art nouveau villa in Paris or Riga! More green creatures are at the corners. To the left, a bird-chimera. According to information from the local museum, the stones used for these carvings by an anonymous master, named "Samsonmeister" by art historians, are "coralline limestones", brought to this secluded place from France.

It is proven, that the Abbazia di Sant'Antimo existed since Carolingian times. Legends (of course) know, that it was Charlemagne himself, who founded the abbey when he had left Rome, following the Via Francigana northward. The earliest document relating to the abbey is a land grant of Charlemagne´s son Louis the Pious from 813. One year after the 1117 Verona earthquake, that destroyed so many buildings in Northern Italy, the erection of the church of today started. At that time the a powerful abbey was one of the largest landowners in the area. The decline started in 1212, when, after a decade of hostility, an agreement stated that the abbey had to hand over a quarter of its territories to Siena, including Montalcino. With the rise of the Dominican and the Franciscan Order, the Benedictines lost more influence. In 1462 Pope Pius II surpressed the abbey (just like Abbadia Ardenga, see previous uploads), annexed what ever was left - and handed it over to the Bishop of of Montalcino-Pienza, who was Pius' nephew. The church is about 43 metres long. The church is often compared to Saint-Étienne in Vignory (consecrated ~ 1050 /Burgundy /~ 1000 kms northwest). The influence of French architects and artists, maybe connected to Cluny, is undisputed. Spolia are used to decorate the exterior walls. An evil winged chimera with fangs - and a very strange hairdo. The tail snake doesn't like the braids and attacks.

Not much is known about the history of Saint-Denis. The first documents mentioning it, are only a few centuries old. It was probably erected within the 12th century, but modified and enlarged during the next centuries. Mid of the 19th century the structure was ruined and ready for demolition. In 1862, the nave was separated from transept and choir. It got renovated and the local school opened here. Soon after, the mairie moved, later apartments for the teachers were built. The rest of the ruined structure got restored and since then serves the parish again. Some parts of the first Romanesque church survived the times and all later modifications. This is clearly younger and got created, when the transept got Gothic vaults. There are three icons. To the left is a peasant with a spade and a sickle. The right one may depicts the head of a bull/cow. The creature in the center is a large, four legged flying insect. Probably an unknown chimera. All together may stand for a noble house, a family that funded the vaulting.

San Andrés was erected on a little hill, that was settled already in pre-Roman times, as recent excavation proved. The tiny hamlet Soto de Bureba is part of the village Quintanaélez (pop. ~ 100). An inscription above the portal gives the construction date of 1175. During medieval times the area must have been much more densely populated, as later even a second nave was added to the structure. The parish church is known for its wonderful, sculpted portal, with an interesting, but somehow strange iconography (previous uploads). But all around the apse are valuable capitals and corbels as well. And there too are very strange creatures, like this winged chimera with a peacock tail (?). Not the "normal" harpy...

San Andrés was erected on a little hill, that was settled already in pre-Roman times, as recent excavation proved. The tiny hamlet Soto de Bureba is part of the village Quintanaélez (pop. ~ 100). An inscription above the portal gives the construction date of 1175. During medieval times the area must have been much more densely populated, as later even a second nave was added to the structure. The parish church is known for its wonderful, sculpted portal, seen here. The arches have an interesting, but somehow strange iconography. Some of the icons are pretty unique. There is a collection of really fantastic and mythical beasts. To the very left is an uncommon lion/fish chimera, that is easy. The three faces are more difficult. The perspective differs from right to left, the heads grow. To the very right is a hooded person with arms (child?), in the center just the chest can be seen (mother?) and on the left is a very detailed head (father?). These are for sure portraits - and when they were carved, anybody here, knew the names of the persons depicted.

San Andrés was erected on a little hill, that was settled already in pre-Roman times, as recent excavation proved. The tiny hamlet Soto de Bureba is part of the village Quintanaélez (pop. ~ 100). An inscription above the portal gives the construction date of 1175. During medieval times the area must have been much more densely populated, as later even a second nave was added to the structure. The parish church is known for its wonderful, sculpted portal, seen here. The arches have an interesting, but somehow strange iconography. Some of the icons are pretty unique. There is a collection of really fantastic and mythical beasts. Here is a fish/bird chimera (wings, fishtail), a harpy (wearing a hood) and the large head of a fierce bird of prey , probably a griifin.

San Andrés was erected on a little hill, that was settled already in pre-Roman times, as recent excavation proved. The tiny hamlet Soto de Bureba is part of the village Quintanaélez (pop. ~ 100). An inscription above the portal gives the construction date of 1175. During medieval times the area must have been much more densely populated, as later even a second nave was added to the structure. The parish church is known for its wonderful, sculpted portal, seen here. The arches have an interesting, but somehow strange iconography. Some of the icons are pretty unique. There is a collection of really fantastic and mythical beasts. Here is a Basilisk (Cockatrice), a hybrid consisting out of a rooster and a snake. This one even has heads on either side.

The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" was built in the second half of the 12th century. From the little hill, the shoreline can be seen. The "Camino del Norte" (aka "Camino de la Costa"), the oldest known "camino" to Santiago de Compostela run along the northern coast, as moorish troops roamed the inland. Even in the 12th century, when this church was erected, this way was popular as the pilgrims could visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. The largest part of the "True Cross" (aka "Lignum Crucis") was venerated in that monastery, it had the privilege of perpetual indulgences. The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" is known for some extraordinary Romanesque carvings. Obviously the same artist, who carved the previous uploaded capital (beast fighting man), created this one, as here again heads just "grow" out of the background. There are either two beasts with multiple heads each - or a group of beasts.

The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" was built in the second half of the 12th century. From the little hill, the shoreline can be seen. The "Camino del Norte" (aka "Camino de la Costa"), the oldest known "camino" to Santiago de Compostela run along the northern coast, as moorish troops roamed the inland. Even in the 12th century, when this church was erected, this way was popular as the pilgrims could visit the Monastery of Santo Toribio de Liébana. The largest part of the "True Cross" (aka "Lignum Crucis") was venerated in that monastery, it had the privilege of perpetual indulgences. The "Iglesia de Santa Maria" is known for some extraordinary Romanesque carvings. A fight against monsters.

Saint-Aulais-la-Chapelle, a village with a population of not even 300, hosts three Romanesque churches! One of these is Saint-Jaques in the tiny Hamlet of Conzac. Erected within the 12th century as a Cluniac priory church when pilgrims took a break here on their way to Santiago de Compostella. They still had about 1000 kms to walk from here. The priory and the church got severely damaged during the Wars of Religions. The church, once built on the blueprint of a Latin Cross, lost one arm of the transept, the facade and a large part of the nave. The 12th century crossing and the apse still exist - and most Romanesque carvings have survived the times- During the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela the "pelerin" could easily encounter life threatening incidents. He had to anticipate such harmful events and had to be prepared even for the worst. Forests had special risks. There were mythic beasts, chimeras and animals of all kinds, ever growing man-eating creepers ... a jungle full of dangers. These scenes of growing creepers, green men and mythic animals can often be found in the Poitou.

Saint-Aulais-la-Chapelle, a village with a population of not even 300, hosts three Romanesque churches! One of these is Saint-Jaques in the tiny Hamlet of Conzac. Erected within the 12th century as a Cluniac priory church when pilgrims took a break here on their way to Santiago de Compostella. They still had about 1000 kms to walk from here. The priory and the church got severely damaged during the Wars of Religions. The church, once built on the blueprint of a Latin Cross, lost one arm of the transept, the facade and a large part of the nave. The 12th century crossing and the apse still exist - and most Romanesque carvings have survived the times- During the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela the "pelerin" could easily encounter life threatening incidents. He had to anticipate such harmful events and had to be prepared even for the worst. Forests had special risks. There were mythic beasts, chimeras and animals of all kinds, ever growing man-eating creepers ... a jungle full of dangers. These scenes of growing creepers, green men and mythic animals can often be found in the Poitou.

Compared to the gorgeous churches in the neighbouring villages Rioux and Rétaud the single nave church Saint-Quentin in Chermignac seems very humble. The archivolts of the portal have some nice details. A lion and a very strange chimera. A kind of insect with a human head. A similar creature can be found in Biron (25 kms south east - and how Ray ("adfinem") proved in far away Olcoz and Euna) te (Navarra, 450kms south). Note that the creeping vine has a large eye and pretty long teeth.

The Knights Templar founded a convent here with chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene. Parts of this chapel may have been "incorporated" into Notre-Dame-de-Joie. Most of the nave, the transept and the apse date back to the 12th century. The many capitals seen here are very delicately carved, what is pretty unusual for Brittany. Some art historians see influences from Poitou-Charente. A centaur is hunting a dodo. One arrow is already in the dodo´s beak, but the creature is not a dodo, but a chimera, as it has - not to be seen from this pov - the tail of a snake.

The cathedral "Notre-Dame de Bayeux" is the seat of the Bishop of Bayeux. It was the original home of the Bayeux Tapestry, that by now can be seen in the "Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux". As seen on the Bayeux Tapestry, it was here that William the Bastard forced Harold Godwinson to take the oath, the breaking of which led to the Norman conquest of England. So William got "the Conqueror". The preceding carolingian cathedral burnt down in 1047 and soon after the construction of the church seen today started. The cathedral got consecrated in 1077 by power-hungry Odon de Bayeux, who was William´s half-brother, well known warrior and bishop here. Of course, William was present during the consecration, as then he was Duke of Normandy and King of England. At that time the building was not completed, the construction site was seriously damaged twice by fire during the 12th century and, when the walls of the nave were built (1180) the style changed from Romanesque to Gothic. The cathedral got pillaged by Huguenots during the Wars of Religions, during the French Cathedral this was a "Temple de la Raison". Renovation and restauration of the cathedral started mid 19th century under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. The structure of the nave is still Romanesque, so are many decorating carvings. Many dangerous and scary dragons, lions and chimeras populate the higher regions of the nave. Here are a only couple of them, but more than enough to give the pious parishioners a real nightmare.