Basler Münster (Exterior)

Transept roof of the Basler Münster : Basel, CH

The Basler Münster stands on a bluff overlooking the Rhine River and Kleinbasel. The original edifice was begun in 1019. An earthquake in 1356 leveled the city of Basel and severely damaged its main cathedral. Johannes Gmünd, who was building the Freiburg Münster in neighboring Germany, was employed to rebuild the Basler Münster. Both churches are constructed of red sandstone (I'll feature pictures of the Freiburg cathedral in a few days) and are built in the Romanesque architectural style.

You've seen this breezeway before, only from this perspective : 

Basler Münster : Basel, CH

On the day we visited, we climbed the stairs of the bell tower and enjoyed lovely views of Kleinbasel and Grossbasel, as well as the Rhine River and the foothills of Germany. To see more photos of the exterior and grounds of the Basler Münster, please visit my Picasa Web Albums. A photo of the west facade of the cathedral can be found in this album.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 3/10

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Pain of Content : Musée des Beaux-Arts : Lyon, FR

Housed in what was formerly the Abbey of Saint Peter, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is Lyon's modern art museum. We didn't go inside, but we did visit the sculpture garden in the courtyard of this 18th century building. The garden is home to what was/is likely a rather large Rodin. Unfortunately, it wasn't in place when we visited. I love photographing arches and colonnades and this courtyard was surrounded by a beauty. What intrigued me with this one was the writing over the door at the end. First, it's in English and second, what could be behind that door? (Click on the image to enlarge.) As for the sculpture below, I forgot to write down the name and artist, but as today is Friday, I'm calling it "TGIF"! Anyway--visit my Picasa Web Albums to see a few more pictures of this space, located just across the street from the Fontaine Bartholdi in the Place des Terreaux.

TGIF : Musée des Beaux-Arts : Lyon, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 2/10

Ribeauville in Detail

Pied Piper at the Patisserie : Ribeauville, FR

These are the last of the pictures I'll feature for Ribeauville. Like Bergheim, I have so many I could show, but I guess I have to draw the line somewhere, right? So, here are three more and a slideshow. The carvings and signs around the Alsace were charming and added to the timeless atmosphere so many villages in Europe possess.

Rouge et Bleu : Ribeauville, FR

This photo is for my friend, Scott, who wanted me to see and photograph this scene. I'm not sure I managed to do as well as he hoped, but like him, I liked the contrast of the pink and blue buildings.

Ave Maria Gratia Plena : Ribeauville, FR

That's it for Ribeauville. Tomorrow: photos from Basel, Switzerland!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09

Scenic Alsace

Scenic Alsace : Ribeauville, FR

Seems like around every corner and down each street in Ribeauville there's a photo op! I especially enjoyed the view of the castle on the hill just under the arch. One of the castles in the area (there were two that were noticeable on the hills above the villages) was once owned by Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm. Apparently, he used it as a hunting retreat. If I go back to this region before my stint is up, I'll stop and check it out.

Sweeping Silhouette : Ribeauville, FR

One of the things I often do when I'm in a new place is look up. It's amazing what you find when you glance beyond street level. When I lived in Austria, I use to see for-real chimney sweeps. When I saw the metal silhouette on this chimney, I just had to snap a picture.

Red, White, and Blue : Ribeauville, FR

Finally, no village is complete without a stork! This one had a brood of three or four chicks. Aside from the beautiful architecture, good shopping, and numerous restaurants, this was probably the most popular attraction!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09