Frescoe'd...

 Fresco : Saint Benedict's Hall : Stift Melk : Melk, AT

Melk features a number of really lovely frescoes, including the one above, which you see as you pass under the first gate and into the forecourt. I loved the tromp l'oeil features in this one. The photo doesn't do it justice, but it was beautiful and quite illusionary.

Ceiling Fresco : Marble Hall / Marmorhalle / Stift Melk : Melk, AT

The Marble Hall is home to a grand and equally beautiful fresco. There are two stories in this ceiling art: Hercules, conquering the Hound of Hell and Athena, on a chariot drawn by lions. It was quite something. 

Fresco : Garden Pavilion : Stift Melk : Melk, AT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/2012

Karlskirche Restoration

Up close -- Detail of the frescoes in the dome of Karlskirche : Vienna, AT

Karlskirche was nearing the end of a multi-year, multi-million euro restoration project, so when we visited, there was still scaffolding inside. But, the cool thing was, they'd installed an elevator and you could ride it up to see the dome friezes up close! The church was commissioned by Charles VI, who pledged to build a church in honor of Charles Borromeo -- his patron saint. Borromeo was renowned for being a healer of those suffering from bubonic plague. To see more photos from inside this church, go here.

The dome from the ground level : Karlskirche : Vienna, AT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

14th Century Frescoes

Gorgeous 14th century frescoes : Church of Saint Dominic : Turin, IT

After visiting Our Lady of Consolation, we walked over to the Church of Saint Dominic. This little treasure of a church is home to Turin's oldest frescoes, dating back to the 14th century. Just a couple of photos here.

To see more photos from our weekend in Turin, go here.


Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 5/2012

Albi Cathedral (Interiors)

Organ Loft : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Commonly known as Albi Cathedral, the Cathedral of Saint Cecile (Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile d'Albi) contains the largest and oldest collection of Italian Renaissance frescoes in France. The organ dates from the 18th century.

More photos of this extraordinary and unusual interior can be seen here.

Entrance to the Altar and Choir Areas : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Pulpit : Albi Cathedral : Albi, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/2013

Mosaics and Frescoes, Oh My!

Walking around Staré Město and Old Town, you have to look up, because the buildings are so beautiful. When you do, your eye is treated to beautiful mosaics and stunning frescoes. Here are just a few examples of some of the beauty to be enjoyed.

This last photo features the Minute House, which is decorated by a Renaissance art form called sgraffitoes and is the predecessor to what is today called graffiti. The Czech writer, Franz Kafka, lived here as a child from 1889-1896.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 4/11

Contemporary / Antiquated II

Beautiful frescoes : Cathedral of Saint Nicolas : Fribourg, CH

Another old/new feature in the Cathedral of Saint Nicolas are the old frescoes and the new stained glass. Here are a few examples of both. (Click to enlarge the last two pictures.)

Contemporary stained glass : Cathedral of Saint Nicolas : Fribourg, CH

Old and new, side-by-side : Cathedral of Saint Nicolas : Fribourg, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 8/10

Baseler Rathaus doch wieder...

Basler Rathaus Tower : Basel, CH

This weekend, my sister and I went to Basel to visit my friends, Scott and Diana. I know I've posted photos of this building before, but it is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful municipal buildings in Europe. Here, once again, is the Baseler Rathaus. To see more photos from this weekend, go here.

Dating back to the 16th century, these frescoes are among the finest features of this beautiful building : Basel, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 1/10