Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Betrayal

The area around the modern Altamura (pop 70.000) was inhabited in early times. There are Bronze Age tumuli and between the 6th and the 3rd century BC a massive line of megalithic walls was erected. This (later Roman) city was inhabited until the 10th century when it was reportedly looted by Saracens. A couple of centuries after Altamura was reportedly looted by the Saracens, it started to be inhabited again as Emperor Frederick II refounded the city (1232) and ordered the construction of the large Altamura Cathedral, which became one of the most venerated sanctuaries in Apulia. Altamura was ruled by various feudal families, including the Orsini del Balzo and the Farnese (1538–1734), the latter responsible for the construction of numerous palaces and churches. In the past, Altamura also had a large castle, whose construction dated back to the 11th-13th century, which has been completely demolished. Altamura Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta) was founded by Emperor Frederick II in 1232. In 1248, under pressure from Frederick, Pope Innocent IV declared Altamura exempt from the jurisdiction of the bishop of Bari, making it a "palatine church", that is the equivalent of a palace chapel. After heavy damage caused by an earthquake in 1316, it was renovated by Robert of Anjou. Major changes were made to the cathedral in 1534, including switching the front and back around! The cathedral's main facade originally faced west but it now faces east. The (breathtaking) attraction of Altamura Cathedral is its main portal, which has been dated to the 14th and 15th centuries. It is Gothic, but in an unusual local style with Byzantine and strong Romanesque influences. I would even see this as "Romanesque/Gothic". It is remarkable for its wealth of details and a large number of biblical scenes. The tympanum above the lintel, that depicts the Last Supper, is the crowned and enthroned Virgin holding Jesus, flanked by angels. The small scenes on the sides show left the Flagellation and the Betrayal, right the Marriage at Cana (?) and ???.

In the center of Modena, where the Duomo di Modena (aka "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta e San Geminiano") is placed, churches have existed since the 5th century. After the burial site of Modena's patron Saint Geminianus, a former bishop (+397), was dicovered here, the existing cathedral seemed to small. The first stone laying for the cathedral of today took place in May 1099, strongly supported by Matilde di Canossa (aka "Matilda of Tuscany"). First architect was Master Lanfranco, descibed as "maestro ingenio clarus [...] doctus et aptus". The Duomo di Modena was consecrated in 1184, but the building process continued. It was finally completed in 1322. The interior of the Duomo is divided into one nave and two aisles, the interior length is 63 metres. The presbyterium is risen, below is a crypt. Between the central nave and the presbyterium/crypt is a large structure with a marble parapet. It was created by Anselmo da Campione portraying the Passion of Christ, starting (fltr) with the "Washing of the Feet", the "Last Supper", the "Arrest of Jesus"/the Betrayal, "Pilate's court", the Flagellation and Christ "Carrying the Cross". Anselmo da Campione, who came (like Lanfranco) from the area near the Lake Como, worked here with his workshop. These experienced specialists, known as "Maestri Campionesi" worked here over many decades. One of them was Anselmo´s grandson Arrigo da Campione.

The Monasterio de San Pedro el Viejo ("Saint Peter the Old") is a former Benedictine monastery built within the 12th century. A church had existed here (built on the place of a Roman temple) since Visigothic times and even, when the Moors hold Huesca, this church was in use. Christian troops conquered Huesca in 1096 and from 1117 on Benedictines with obvious ties to Cluny reconstructed the church and erected a monasterio here. Of course the Benedictian monastery needed a decent cloister. This got erected adjoining the church around 1140. Many of the capitals, carved in the style of the "Master of Agüero" (aka "Master of San Juan de la Peña"), are creations done during the renovation of San Pedro el Viejo end of the 19th century. Most of the capitals seen from this pov are "mint" and probably not even 150 years old. Here (from left) are Judas Kiss ("the Betrayal"), the Flagellation, and Veronica with the veil. The legend of the "Veil of Veronica" had reached the catholic church from the east within the 12th century.