Portals of Saint Mark's Basilica

North Portal / West Facade : Basilica San Marco : Venice, IT

The above mosaic depicts what the Basilica of Saint Mark probably looked like in the mid-13th century. The four bronze horses that are part of the facade are included the upper arches of the mosaic.

Central Portal / West Facade : Basilica San Marco : Venice, IT

The central portal featuring the ascension of Christ. Above that, the winged lion of Venice and the four bronzes horses.

East Portal / West Facade : Basilica San Marco : Venice, IT

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 6/2013

St. Vitus Cathedral

Main Portal : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

As anyone who reads this blog knows, I love a good cathedral. I enjoy photographing them, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into them, and I like their history. I confess, I know nothing about St. Vitus. I also have to say I was I was thoroughly underwhelmed by this cathedral. You have to pay to enter the main sanctuary and approach the altar area. I wasn't willing to do that, so as a result, I have only a few photos of Prague's most prominent landmark.

Mosaic : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

Stained Glass : St. Vitus Cathedral : Prague, CZ

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

Cathedral of St. Antonina : Prague, CZ

On Saturday, we crossed the river and went over to the area near Letenské sady (Letna Park in English) to visit Maya's father's cousin so-many-times-removed, Petra Tondera. We went out to dinner at one of the local pubs in her neighborhood and these are just a few of the sites we enjoyed.

Random building with a beautiful fresco near Letenské sady : Prague, CZ

One of the features I love about Prague are the beautiful mosaics, frescoes, and sgraffitoes. I took quite a few pictures of this kind of thing around the main square in Old Town the last time we were in Prague. Turns out, they're all over Prague and they're all quite a treat!

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 7/11

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

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Notre-Dame de la Garde : Marseille, FR

Mosaics and Neo-Byzantine architecture underscore this minor basilica : Marseille, FR

Towering above the city of Marseille is the Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard, or Notre-Dame de la Garde. Built in the Neo-Byzantine style, the basilica sits on Marseille's highest point at 532 ft (162 m) above sea level. The first chapel was built on the site in 1214 and the current structure was consecrated in 1864. The upper chapel is comprised largely of mosaics. The building is topped by a bell tower and capped by a 27 foot tall (11 m) statue of the Madonna and Child. These are just a few pictures from this minor basilica. To see more photos, visit my web album.

Passion of the Christ with the Il d'If in the background : Marseille, FR

The church pays homage to Marseille's seafaring industries :
Marseille, FR

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 1/11

Doors and Other Details

Neptune on a Carved Door : Altstadt Genf : Geneva, CH

One of the things I enjoy about my wanderings around the cities of Europe are all of the doors. Alstadt Genf is no different in the number of carved, wooden doors you'll find and delight in. My favorite was the Neptune door.

We also stumbled across some lovely mosaics. We couldn't find any information on the mosaics themselves, which are across from City Hall, but we did find information about the cannons. Odd, no?

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 07/09