Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Franciscan

In 1668, Franciscans got the property of the Cistercian monastery of St. Petri, which was closeddissoluted during the Reformation. The monastery church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua was built between 1670 and 1678. A century later it was vaulted and then refurnished in the Rococo style. It survived the secularization of the monastery in 1824. As part of a large-scale renovation to mark the 300th anniversary in 1978, the late Baroque appearance of the interior was largely restored.

In 1668, Franciscans got the property of the Cistercian monastery of St. Petri, which was closeddissoluted during the Reformation. The monastery church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua was built between 1670 and 1678. A century later it was vaulted and then refurnished in the Rococo style. It survived the secularization of the monastery in 1824. As part of a large-scale renovation to mark the 300th anniversary in 1978, the late Baroque appearance of the interior was largely restored.

In 1668, Franciscans got the property of the Cistercian monastery of St. Petri, which was closeddissoluted during the Reformation. The monastery church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua was built between 1670 and 1678. A century later it was vaulted and then refurnished in the Rococo style. It survived the secularization of the monastery in 1824. As part of a large-scale renovation to mark the 300th anniversary in 1978, the late Baroque appearance of the interior was largely restored.

Trani may have been founded by Greek settlers, but the known history starts late. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it was dominated by Lombards, Byzantines, Saracens and again Byzantines. With the conquest of southern Italy by the Normans and after 50 days of siege by Robert Guiscard´s troops, Trani became part of the Norman Empire in 1073. Already under the Byzantines, Trani had become an important port for trade with the Orient. The heyday was in the time of the crusades in the 12th and 13th centuries, when crusaders and merchants mainly went to the Holy Land from Bari and Trani. It became an episcopal see in place of Canosa, destroyed by the Saracens. Frederick II promoted the Teutonic Knights and the Jewish community and built a massive castle. Under his rule, the city reached its highest point of wealth and prosperity. The church, once dedicated to the Holy Trinity and consecrated in 1184, was founded by Benedictines. The buildings of the adjacent monastery now host the municipal library. The monastery was located outside the city walls at that time, but neighbouring a busy street and part of an urban agglomeration. Emperor Frederick II enlarged the city walls within the 13th century so that the church and the surrounding area were within the walls at the entrance of the city. In 1537 the church and the monastery passed from the Benedictines to the Franciscans, after the old Franciscan convent had been destroyed during the Franco-Spanish wars. The church then changed its name, assuming the current one. The church is one of the well-preserved Apulian Romanesque churches with three domes, like San Corrado di Molfetta.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. It is known, that Franciscan monks had built a monastery outside the walls of Palermo around 1235. They were not really welcomed. Instigated by the local clergies the populations severy damaged the buildings. The monks comlained in Rome and Gregory IX. commissioned the Archbishop of Messina to repair the damage. The present church was erected 1255 - 1277. The portal dates from 1302. The interior was redesigned several times from the 15th century on. San Francesco was severely damaged during WWII and restored after the war on the model of Sant'Agostino.

Lavaur was a bastion of the Cathars in the 12th century. In 1211, after a siege, it was taken by Catholic troops, lead by Simon de Montfort. Dame Guiraude de Laurac, lady of Lavaur at the time, was killed, being thrown down a well and stoned to death. About 400 Cathars perished in the flames of one of the largest stakes of the Crusade. The Albigensian Crusade had so many cruelties. The towns fortifications got dismanteled and over the next decades Lavaur grew. In a "new" district a Franciscan community was founded in 1235. The erection of the monastery´s church lasted three centuries, it was consecrated in 1512. Behind the somehow "humble" facade (previous uploud) a huge nave opens. The building is pretty large: 56 meters long x 11 meters wide.

Lavaur was a bastion of the Cathars in the 12th century. In 1211, after a siege, it was taken by Catholic troops, lead by Simon de Montfort. Dame Guiraude de Laurac, lady of Lavaur at the time, was killed, being thrown down a well and stoned to death. About 400 Cathars perished in the flames of one of the largest stakes of the Crusade. The Albigensian Crusade had so many cruelties. The towns fortifications got dismanteled and over the next decades Lavaur grew. In a "new" district a Franciscan community was founded in 1235. The erection of the monastery´s church lasted three centuries, it was consecrated in 1512.

A benedictian monastery was founded within the 9th. century on this spot. Within the 16th century Franciscan monks settled and constructed this cloister about a hundred years later. Though vandalized a couple of times, still a tranquil place. During the summer months concerts are staged here - from time to time.

Cemenelum, the capital of the ancient roman province "Alpes Maritimae" was here. A benedictian monastery was founded within the 9th. century on this spot. Within the 16th century Franciscan monks settled here and constructed this church "Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption". The monastery overlooking the eastern part of Nice is known for its gardens - and its cemetery.

ldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. The Franciscan friars had two cloisters for contemplation. This is the larger one. The former convent buildings now host the museum.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. The Franciscan friars had two cloisters for contemplation. This is the smaller one, adjoining the Basilica. The former convent buildings now host the museum.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. The Franciscan friars had two cloisters for contemplation. This is the smaller one, adjoining the Basilica. The former convent buildings now host the museum.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. In 2013 the frescoes within the apse were hidden under scaffolding as they needed conservation and restoration. But in the late afternoon, when the specialists are gone, a a small group of tourists is allowed to climb up the scaffolding. Of course with a knowledgeable guide - and unfortunately without cameras. It is incredible to see the paintings from that small distance!

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. Over the centuries it became popular for honoured Florentines to be buried or commemorated there. So the walls are line with funerary monuments. The tomb of Galileo Galilei (1564 – 1642), astronomer, physicist, mathematician, engineer, philosopher, and a key person in in the scientific revolution during the Renaissance. Buried in this tomb as well is Galileo´s eldest daughter Virgina ("Sister Maria Celeste"). The tombs of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Rossini can be found here as well.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave is 115 m long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. Over the centuries it became popular for honoured Florentines to be buried or commemorated there. So the walls are line with funerary monuments. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired. The church is decorated with wonderful frescoes, some created by Giotto and Taddeo . Most were under renovation in March 2013, see the large scaffolding covering the apse.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. The nave, seen (partially) here is 115 ms long. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV. Over the centuries it became popular for honoured Florentines to be buried or commemorated there. So the walls are lined with funerary monuments. On Nov. 4. 1966 the Arno River flooded Florence, including Santa Croce. The water reached a hight of 5 meters here, bringing mud, pollution and heating oil. The damage to buildings and works of art was really severe. It took decades to repair, what could be repaired.

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already, when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic was ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was, when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art loving, power hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church in Florence and the largest Franciscan church worldwide. Legends tell, that it was founded by St Francis himself, but proven is that the construction was begun outside the city walls in 1294. The floorplan is a Tau cross, what is a symbol of St Francis. The design was done by Arnolfo di Cambio, a very busy architect, as he worked as well at the Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and the Palazzo Vecchio. The church was consecrated in 1442 by Pope Eugene IV.