The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page, Saint Augustine.
A guest post from my husband Roy who loves the camera as much as I love words. (Though he’s done the words too, in this case:-)
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of the symbols of Italy, and a much hyped attraction, did not disappoint us.
Exterior views of the Leaning Tower, Duomo and Baptistery
These three pristine white buildings are in the center of a large green.
Pisa Baptistery (not actually leaning!)
Getting closer you see the exterior details:
and here is a single panel
And on either side there are smaller mosaics:
Interior, Duomo, Pisa
The mosaic of Christ does not have the typical austere expression:
The columns get in the photographer’s way, but do also produce some interesting views:
Here is a view through the backs of the aligned pews
Here’s Pisano’s beautiful pulpit from 1310. It has an interesting story:
The pulpit by Giovanni Pisano was completed by 1310 and survived the Great Fire of the Cathedral of October 25, 1596 . During the restoration work, between 1599 and 1601 , the pulpit was dismantled and its pieces were placed in different places, including the Campo Santo and the warehouses of the ‘ Work of the Primate . It was not reassembled until 1926 , when it was rebuilt in a different location from the original one, and certainly not with the parties in the same order and orientation as was intended by the author, since there is no documentation of how it was the layout of the various elements, including the panels, before dismantling. I do not even know if he had or not a marble staircase.
The four columns “simple” were donated by Mussolini at the time to dictatorial power, because after the reconstruction of some parts (such as scale) were missing. To honor the Duce these columns were placed in plain view, placing the caryatids at the back, less visible, when, it is supposed, would have to be exactly the opposite. (Google translate’s version of a wikipedi.it article)
A motif I have not seen before:
The Baptistery
I believe, that in the early christian era, newborns, who had not been baptised were not admitted to the church, hence the baptistery was traditionally a separate building near the church. The Pisa Baptistery is unusual in that it is circular. (Typically, they are octagonal.) Anyway, onthe inside it was not as beautiful as the duomo.
Playing the Leaning Tower game
It was a beautiful August day and the tourists were doing the same thing
Our daughter Irene, holding up the leaning tower, or pushing it over
It just takes a finger to support it
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Judy Guy-Briscoe says
Wonderful pictures of a beautiful place. I particularly liked the aligned pews!
I hope the camera is coming to Lindisfarne with us Roy?
Anita Mathias says
Thanks, Judy. Must step up the training. Off for a 3 mile walk after lunch!
Adriana says
I showed these pictures to my husband and kids, Anita. Everyone was amused by the Leaning Tower game. 🙂
Anita Mathias says
Lol. So glad you liked it!!
David Malnes says
Thank you for another wonderful visit. The religious imagery of that period is stunning — something that is remiss in our generation.
Anita Mathias says
It is, isn’t it? I guess Christianity and mythology provided a common language for people, the way that “Friends” or “Downton Abbey” might do today!