Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Senlis

The "Abbazia di Chiaravalle della Colomba" was founded in 1136. It was one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries in Italy. It was a "filiation" of the famous abbey Clairvaux (and maybe even Bernard of Clairvaux was involved). "Chiaravalle" = "claravallis" - just like "Clairvaux". The abbey was sacked and burned in 1248 by Frederick II of Swabia (aka "Frederick the One-Eyed") during his siege of Parma. In 1805 Napoleon's rule led to suppression of the order. In 1810, properties were assigned to the Civil Hospital of Piacenza. The archives and library were sold. Cistercian monks returned in 1937 and by now the abbey has joint ownership with the state. The church was erected during the 12th and 13th centuries, but was refurbished during the 15th century. The abbey has an estraordinary cloister added within the 13th century. At that time, the strict Cistercian soberity, still visible in the church´s interior, must have softened, as here are even sculpted capitals, or as Bernard of Clairvaux called them "ridicula monstruositas". Maybe Bernard would have liked this carving (at least a little bit). Depicted in the center is (crowned) Mary, Jesus on her knees blesses the onlookers. They are flanked by (Cistercian) monks. Mary got very popular within the 12th century (see Senlis, Chartres..) - and Bernard was one of her strongest "supporters".

The cathedral was erected between 1153 and 1191. Seen here is the west portal ("Portail de la Vierge"), carved around 1170. This portal marks not only a dramatic stylistic change, here even the "subject" changed. The portal centers around the "Coronation of the Virgin". Most existing large Romanesque and even early Gothic tympana centered so far around the "Last Judgement". This is one of the earliest (if not the earliest) monumental sculptural representations the Virgin´s Coronation.

Early sunday morning. Heavy rain is pouring down. This cathedral was formerly the seat of the Bishopric of Senlis, abolished in 1801, when its territory was passed to the Diocese of Beauvais. The cathedral was erected between 1153 and 1191. Seen here is the west portal ("Portail de la Vierge"), carved around 1170. The trumeau, depicting the first bishop Saint-Rieul, got lost. This portal marks not only a dramatic stylistic change, here even the "subject" changed. The portal centers around the "Coronation of the Virgin". Most existing large Romanesque and even early Gothic tympana centered so far around the "Last Judgement". This is one of the earliest (if not the earliest) monumental sculptural representations the Virgin´s Coronation.

Early sunday morning. Heavy rain is pouring down. This cathedral was formerly the seat of the Bishopric of Senlis, abolished in 1801, when its territory was passed to the Diocese of Beauvais. The cathedral was erected between 1153 and 1191. Seen here is the west portal ("Portail de la Vierge"), carved around 1170. The trumeau, depicting the first bishop Saint-Rieul, got lost. This portal marks not only a dramatic stylistic change, here the "subject" changed. The portal centers around the "Coronation of the Virgin". Most existing large Romanesque tympana centered so far around the "Last Judgement". This is one of the earliest (if not the earliest) monumental sculptural representations the Virgin´s Coronation.

Early sunday morning. Heavy rain is pouring down. This cathedral was formerly the seat of the Bishopric of Senlis, abolished in 1801, when its territory was passed to the Diocese of Beauvais. The cathedral was erected between 1153 and 1191, the right tower (78m) dates from the 13th century. It is clearly inspired by Laon. After a blaze, transepts were rebuilt between 1530 and 1556. Seen here is the western portal ("Portail de la Vierge"), carved around 1170.

Early sunday morning. Heavy summer rain is pouring down. Pious people rush into the "Cathédrale Notre-Dame", as the service will begin soon. This cathedral was formerly the seat of the Bishopric of Senlis, abolished in 1801, when its territory was passed to the Diocese of Beauvais. The cathedral was erected between 1153 and 1191, the tower (78m) dates from the 13th century. It is clearly inspired by Laon. The transepts were rebuilt between 1530 and 1556 after a fire, and the side portals and shallow east chapels date from about the same period.