Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Arezzo

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street, while the apse, seen here, borders to the Piazza Grande.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. This carving is for sure connected to the "Nativity Scene" (previous upload). Virgin Mary seated on a throne, holding the child, during the adoration of the Magi. Above them an angel swings a censer. The names of the Magi are over the heads (CASPAR BALTASAR M(e)LCH(ior). Unfortunately I cannot read the other inscriptions. The Magi stand like Morris´ Daltons, when they meet Lucky Luke.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. This carving is titled "PSEPIO", "Presepio" is Italian for "Nativity Scene". A very nice "First Bath" watched by really huge Joseph.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. The Romanesque crypt below the risen choir got remodeled during the 19th century renovation.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Bright light inside the church. The "open" crypt, below the risen choir can be seen from here. Over the crossing is a large dome.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed. There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias. Here is a detail of one of the arches. This side is much better preserved than the opposite one (previous upload) The "Labours of the Months". HIC.EST.OCTOBER - HIC.EST.NOVEMBER - HIC.EST.DECEMBER HIC.EST.MARTIUS - HIC.EST.FEBRUARIUS (mirror) - HIC.EST.BIFRONS.IANUARIUS Why has the person symbolising IANUARIUS two faces (=bifrons)? These sculptures are attributed to the "School of Benedetto Antelami", a sculptor and architect (~ 1150 – 1230) best known for his works in Parma.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed. There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias. Here is a detail of one of the arches. The "Labours of the Months". HIC.EST.IULIUS - HICEAST-AUGUSTUS - .... below written in mirror image HIC EST TIUNIUS - .... These sculptures are attributed to the "School of Benedetto Antelami", a sculptor and architect (~ 1150 – 1230) best known for his works in Parma.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed (probably to impress the feudal bishop). There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias, with the number of columns increasing with the elevation. Here is a detail of one of the tympanums. Behind a protective net is Virgin Mary, flanked by angels. The carving style is extremely delicate, note the embroidered garment.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed (probably to impress the feudal bishop). There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias, with the number of columns increasing with the elevation. Columns and capitals are each different from the other. Here is a detail. As the "Corso Italia" is so narrow, it is difficult to take a proper photo of the elaborate facade.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed (probably to impress the feudal bishop). There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias, with the number of columns increasing with the elevation. Columns and capitals are each different from the other As the "Corso Italia" is so narrow, it is difficult to take a proper photo of the elaborate facade.

Santa Maria della Pieve was erected over the remains of an earlier church from the early 12th century on. It was was the stronghold of the city's struggle against its feudal bishops, who were building the nearby Cathedral and a palace, that was rather a castle just outside the city walls. It took about two centuries to complete Santa Maria della Pieve, and so there is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Most unusual is the the facade faces this small street (today "Corso Italia"), while the apse borders to the Piazza Grande. Originally the rectangular facade had no special features, but already end of the 12th century it got changed (probably to impress the feudal bishop). There is a five-arch lower floor surmounted by three loggias, with the number of columns increasing with the elevation. Columns and capitals are each different from the other As the "Corso Italia" is so narrow, it is difficult to take a proper photo of the elaborate facade.

Early morning fog over Arezzo. The huge tower of the Palazzo dei Priori seems to be part of the Arezzo Cathedral (= Duomo di Arezzo), in the center is the tower of the Basilica di San Francesco, to the right the campanile of Santa Maria della Pieve.

Strolling around at nightfall in Arezzo. The apse of Santa Maria della Pieve with blind arcades and open galleries. Seen from the Piazza Grande.

Strolling around at nightfall in Arezzo. The campanile of Santa Maria della Pieve, completed around 1330, is 59 metres high.