Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: oculus

Betberg is a little hamlet, belonging to Buggingen. The name "Betberg" sounds like a "program", "bet" means "pray" and "berg" means "mountain". Betberg had of the earliest churches in the area. The church was first mentioned in 789, but brick foundations, found during a renovation in the 1970s date from around 700. The current church was probably built between 1100 and 1145. The tower was erected around the year 1200. Of course, the church underwent numerous alterations, enlargements and renovations over the centuries. Upon the gallery are some fascinating drawings, connected to the German Peasants' War. The peasants revolted against the feudal society, as they bore the brunt of maintaining it. Princes, nobility, civil servants, patricians and the clergy lived on their labour and as the number of beneficiaries continued to rise, the taxes the peasants had to pay also rose. The Peasant´s War reached the area in 1525. Left and right on the walls of the tower are a knight and a mercenary standing for the spiritual and worldly powers guard the doors (prev. upload). So for the two peasants, the only way to escape is through the small oculus.

A monastery was founded here mid 10th century. Records exist from 994 on. Egas Moniz o Aio, teacher (= o Aio) and guardian of Afonso I , the first King of Portugal, bequeasted half of his wealth against the promise to be buried here. Between 1088 and 1106 Benedictine monks from Cluny settled here. The church of today was probably erected in the first half of the 13th century, but later lots of modifications were done. The monks kept the promise, when Egas Moniz o Aio died in 1146, he was buried here - and got a fantastic tomb. Unfortunately the church was locked - and I could not see it. On the side of the former convent´s church is the most unique medieval carving I have seen in a long time. A person climbing out of a small round window (oculus). Probably a dangerous climb, as the guy lost his head.

Pontianus was a young Christian of Spoleto, who at the age of 18, was condemned to death and beheaded on 14 January 175. His body was buried in the outside the city walls. Later an oratory was built over his tomb. He became - and still is - the patron saint of Spoleto. A convent developed that was described within the 10th century as "cenobium beatissimi martyris Pontiani; sacratissimum cymiterium". Benedictine nuns lived here upto 1810, when the monastery was suppressed by the Napoleonic government. Mid 1900 century the buildings were owned by the commune - and sold to a private investor in 1899. Meanwhile the basilica and the monastery is operated by a community of Canonesses Regular. The church of today was built between the 11th and the 13th century. It still has the Romanesque Facade with a central oculus (maybe a rose window once) surrounded by the symbols of the Four Evangelists. The interior got remodeled in a Baroque style in 1788.

Trogir was founded by Greek colonists in the 3rd century BC. In Roman times this was an important harbour town. From the 9th century on Trogir was under Croatian rule and later part of the Byzantine empire. A diocese was established in the 11th century, in 1107 the Hungarian-Croatian King Coloman ("The Bookish", "Kálmán Könyves") granted the autonomy. Saracen troops conquered Trogir in 1123 and demolished most of it. From 1420 upto 1797 Trogir belonged to the Republic of Venice. For a short while it belonged to the Napoleonic kingdom of Italy, but upto 1918 Trogir was part of the Habsburg Empire. Trogir is more than 2000 years old. It grew under the influence of the ancient Greeks, the Romans, and the Venetians... Trogir's medieval core, surrounded by walls, comprises (about 10) churches, houses and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Since 1997 the centre of Trogir is a "UNESCO World Heritage Site". The Cathedral of St. Lawrence was erected from 1213 on the foundations of cathedral destroyed by the Saracens in 1123. Most of the work was done in the 13th century. This cathedral is world wide known for Master Radovan´s portal. The portal was carved by the local architect and sculptor Master Radovan (and his workshop). It was completed and signed by Radovan in 1240. In the late 13th century, the outer archivolt was added to the portal. This archivolt was not carved by Radovan, but by craftsmen of the still existing studio. The scenes have a slightly different style. This little oculus is probably as well a little younger. Two evil dragons from hell form a heart - and devour a poor soul.

The 12th century church "Notre-Dame de Fleuriel" was once the seat of a priory, connected the abbey in Tournus. Now it is the parish church. It is known for the western portal. I had read, that it is one of the finest in the area of Bourbonnais. Well, the finer the work of art is, the more restauration and conservation it needs over the time. On this quiet sunday morning, I could even slip under the cover and have a closer look.- The French Tricolour on the right pinpoints the mairie and the post-office of Fleuriel. Note the oculus, that seems already influenced by the emerging gothic style.

Just about 12 kms north of Arles was an "interchange" during Roman times, as the Via Aurelia Domitia linked to the Via Aurelia here. Centuries later a chapel was erected near this once important place, first recorded in 858. This was the predecessor of the chapel seen today, built end of the 12th century. It is surrounded by olive trees and was watched over by a fortified castle on the hill. While the fortification is in ruins, the chapel, dedicated to Saint Gabriel, is still in a good condition. The "oculus" under the gable of the western facade. - A subtle, very detailed carving and an impressing tetramorph. Only the head of the eagle got lost. Very different carvings styles and technics can be found at the Saint-Gabriel chapel. The master, who created this part was very "advanced" compared to his collegues.

Just about 12 kms north of Arles was an "interchange" during Roman times, as the Via Aurelia Domitia linked to the Via Aurelia here. Centuries later a chapel was erected near this once important place, first recorded in 858. This was the predecessor of the chapel seen today, built end of the 12th century. It is surrounded by olive trees and was watched over by a fortified castle on the hill. While the fortification is in ruins, the chapel, dedicated to Saint Gabriel, is still in a good condition. I was lucky to meet two archeologists there.