Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Codex Calixtinus

Colomby, known as "Columbeio"in medieval times, has this large Gothic church, dedicated to Saint George. It was built within the 13th/14th century. This statue of Saint Jacques is younger. He holds the bible (or the "Codex Calixtinus"), a pilgrim's staff and wears a large hat with a "Coquilles Saint-Jacques". So we do know where he is heading to.

In 2010 I had started to walk the Via Tolosana here, in front of Saint-Trophime. The (maybe) oldest known tourist guidebook "Codex Calixtinus", written by Aimeric Picaud, an account of his journey to Santiago de Compostella around 1140, describes two point to be visited in Arles: Alyscamps, the necropolis around Saint Honoratus, and Saint-Trophime. At that time the facade of Saint-Trophime was not existing, as it was added to the building 1170-1180 after a long renovation of the church. The architects of the facade, that is a kind of narthex, may have known the (still standing) triumphal arch of the Roman settlement of Glanum (today Saint Rémy-de-Provence, 25kms northeast). Everything was brandnew, when end of July 1178 Frederick I Barbarossa walked through this portal and was crowned here "King of Burgundy". During the French Revolution this church served the revolutionists as a "Temple of Reason", but even the delicate carvings of the facade were not damaged, other as in nearby Saint-Gilles. One of the many details, that I overlooked before, is this "Dream of the Magi".

The village was known already Aymeric Picaud, when he wrote the Codex Calixtinus ("Iter pro peregrinis ad Compostellam"). Inside the parish church "Virgen de la Calle" is this wonderful 12th century baptismal font. The carving, influenced by moorish art, may depict the "New Jerusalem", capital of the "Messianic Kingdom".

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. In the 19th century the church got (a bit over-) restaurated and rebuilt. During the works Roman foundations were found. The church was built, where a Roman villa had been before, what explains the slight asymmetry. In 1869, during the restaurations large mosaics were discovered in the apse. They date back to the 11th/12th century, when very experienced specialists worked here. In Lescar (70 kms upstream) and in Saint Sever (70 kms north east) are very similar works of mosaic art. Here are the last seconds of the hare´s life. See the previous upload for a "total".

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. In the 19th century the church got (a bit over-) restaurated and rebuilt. During the works Roman foundations were found. The church was built, where a Roman villa had been before, what explains the slight asymmetry. In 1869, during the restaurations large mosaics were discovered in the apse. They date back to the 11th/12th century, when very experienced specialists worked here. In Lescar (70 kms upstream) and in Saint Sever (70 kms north east) are very similar works of mosaic art.

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. In the 19th century the church got (a bit over-) restaurated and rebuilt. During the works Roman foundations were found. The church was built, where a Roman villa had been before, what explains the slight asymmetry. A few of the Romanesque capitals have survived. They got restored, repaired and repainted. Sometimes they now seem "too perfect". Here is Jesus' capture Mark 14:48-50 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me" Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled." Then everyone deserted him and fled."

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus (forrunner of all Lonely Planet volumes), advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. In the 19th century the church got (a bit over-) restaurated and rebuilt. During the works Roman foundations were found. The church was built, where a Roman villa had been before, what explains the slight asymmetry. Most of the wooden sculptural decoration is comparably young, like this "Virgin and Child"

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus (forrunner of all Lonely Planet volumes), advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. In the 19th century the church got (a bit over-) restaurated and rebuilt. During the works Roman foundations were found. The church was built, where a Roman villa had been before, what explains the slight asymmetry.

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus (forrunner of all Lonely Planet volumes), advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. What Gabriel de Lorges, remembered for mortally injuring Henry II of France in a jousting accident, and the Protestant troops did not ruin of the portal weathered away over the centuries.

A convent existed here already mid 10th century. Abbots are known since 1060. During the age of the pilgrimage, the abbey offered a safe place to the many "pelerins", in a dangerous area. The pilgrims have to cross the Pau- and Oloron-river here and in 1139 Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus (forrunner of all Lonely Planet volumes), advices the readers, to mistrust the treacherous, local ferrymen. The first toll bridge was built in 1289. These were the prosperous years of the abbey. During the War of Religions the abbey got looted and severely damaged by the troops of Gabriel de Lorges, comte de Montgomery. The Mauristes tried to revitalize monastic life, but the French Revolution ended all that. Seen here (under the little roof) the portal of the former abbey church.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. The Harrowing of Hell Jesus, holding a cross, welcomes Adam and Eve, who can leave the hell now. The poor souls on the right side must stay, while more sinners are thrown into hell from above.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. Announcement to shepherds Luke 2:8-11 "Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, "Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David’s city. He is Christ the Lord. This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snugly and lying in a manger.""

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. Roman Emperor Decius (left) and martyr St. Lawrence (right). Actually St. Lawrence was martyred during the persecution of Emperor Valerian, who was Decius´ successor.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. The Magi have finally reached Bethlehem. The Adoration-Scene. The right one is on his knees, while the "Star of Bethlehem" (= Estella!) can be seen over the roof.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. The "Massacre of the Innocents" Matthew 2:16 "When Herod knew the magi had fooled him, he grew very angry. He sent soldiers to kill all the children in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding territory who were two years old and younger, according to the time that he had learned from the magi."

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times, though some of the carvings are rather weathered. Seen here, the Magi (on horsebacks) meet Herod.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times.

Estella was founded in 1090 by King Sancho Ramírez to encourage frankish merchants, to settle here and so support the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. Recent excavations have proven, that early immigrants came from Le Puy ("Via Podensis") and Tour ("Via Turonensis"). The name "Estella" (= star) seems to be choosen by very experienced marketing specialists to start the business, as this refers to the Magi and as well to Charlemagne as he "saw in the heaven a pathway of stars" leading to Galicia (Pseudo Turpin). Aymeric Picaud, author the Codex Calixtinus, praises the food here and even mentions the "healthy water". Estella thrived, in 1354 there were six hospitals of pilgrims here. The "Iglesia de San Pedro de la Rúa" was mentioned already in 1174, in 1256 this was the largest church in Estella. Attached to "San Pedro de la Rúa" is the cloister, just like the church it got erected within the 12th century. Two sides of the cloister survived the times.