Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Kiss of Judas

The "Basilica della Santissima Trinità di Saccargia" is probably the most important and renowned Romanesque church in the island of Sardinia. The construction was commissioned by the "giudice" of Torres, a powerful judge. The church was completed and got consecrated in 1116. It was built, over the ruins of a pre-existing monastery, on the floorplan of a "Tau Cross" just like the neighbouring "San Michele di Salvenero". An abbey was founded by Camaldolese monks. The order had been founded about 100 years earlier by Saint Romuald in Camaldoli (Tuscany). The church was abandoned in the 16th century, the monastery fell in ruins, and only some walls and foundations can be seen. The church was restored and reopened in the 20th century. The apse is covered with a large fresco, dated 1180-1200. Here is a detail. Seen left is the "Last Supper", to the right the "Seizing of Christ". Matthew 26:47-51 "While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him. Jesus replied, "Do what you came for, friend." Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus´ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear."

The church of the former Priory Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Benoît is now the parish church of the village. I had visited Perrecy-les-Forges some years ago - and this time the church was indeed open! Charles Martel, grandfather of Charlemagne and leader of the frankish armee in the Battle of Tours (732), gave the Perrecey estate to his brother Childebrand as a gift to thank him for defeating the Sarascens in the valleys of the Rhone and the Saône in 732. Childebrands heirs bequeated it to the abbey of "Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire". First monks settled here 880/885. Some parts of the westwork may date back to the 9th century. 1020/1030 a romanesque basilica was constructed, one arm of the transept collapsed in 1095 - but got reconstructed soon after. 1120/1130 the narthex was added, which is a unique masterpiece. Though obviously the priory run out of funds and so the second tower was never completed. Over the next centuries more chapels were added. The monastery burnt down in 1500 and got dissolved in 1776 by a royal order. All existing buildings but the church got demolished after the French Revolution. The church lost its crossing tower. The spectacular narthex with the wonderful carvings survived all wars and revolutions. The tympanum depicts "Christ in Majesty" flanked by two seraphims (6 wings each). Seen on the (weathered) lintel below is (fltr): the "Kiss of Judas", Jesus gets arrested, Peter cuts off Malchus´ ear with a sword.

Already Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, may have funded a church, erected over the tomb of Saint Zeno, who, following the legends, was born in Mauretania and died around 380 in Verona. The erection of the present church began in the 9th century. Soon after San Zeno´s relics were translated into the new church. At that time Charlemagne´s son Pepin (aka "Pepin of Italy") resided in Verona and a large Benedictine monastery grew all around the church. When the Magyars invaded Italy in the early 10th century, the church got severely damaged, but the relics were not harmed, as they had been taken out and were hidden. In 967, a new church was built with the patronage of Otto I. On January 3, 1117, the church was damaged by an earthquake, that ruined so many buildings in Northern Italy. The church was restored and got enlarged in 1138. The façade is striking! It was created in two different stages. The portico and the portal were carved before 1138 by Niccolò (see "Duomo de Verona") and his school. During the second half of the 12th century Master Guglielmo ("Gugliemus") completed the facade. This is an overview of the left side´s reliefs. The two lowest reliefs are the "Theodoric-reliefs" (see previous upload). Above from left is the "Annunciation", "Visitation", the "Nativity". Then there is the "Annunciation to the shepherds" and the Magi talking to Herod. Above from left: The "Adoration of the Magi", the "Presentation of Jesus at the Temple" - and an angel talking to Jospeh. Above from left: The "Flight into Egypt" and the "Baptism of Jesus". Above from left: the "Kiss of Judas" and the Crucifixion.