The Loire Valley and especially Blois
The Latin inscription on the Renaissance door of Hôtel de Morvilliers at n° 1 rue Pierre de Blois, originally built in the 13th century, “USU VETERA NOVA”, means “The new becomes old with use”. Now what do you think they are trying to say? L’inscription en latin sur la porte renaissance de l’hôtel de Morvilliers, demeure médiévale du 13ème siècle, …
Continue reading “A Renaissance Door – Une porte renaissance”
I know that I posted a photo of this statue of Joan of Arc by American sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntingdon in December but we went back to the bishop’s garden in Blois so I could take a better photo. Remember it’s the sculpture that was too good to be the work of a woman!!!! Je sais …
The original bishop’s house in Blois is now the Town Hall (1698 to 1704), a much grander building. The separation of church and State in 1905 forced the bishop to find a new home. A parishioner, Germaine Marcandier donated her house just a stone’s throw away, at n° 2 rue Porte Clos Haut. Although it was probably …
I have never seen a window like the one in the middle of this photo, that is, a mullion window (with a cross-piece) above a door. From the surrounding stone, it looks like it is an original feature. Taken in Vienne in Blois. Je n’ai jamais vu une fenêtre comme celle qui se trouve au milieu de cette …
Continue reading “A Very Strange Window – Une fenêtre très étrange”
Beauvoir Tower in Blois was originally a keep surrounded by a moat. In 1256 it was attached to the town’s fortifications and became a prison in the 14th century. Today, local crafts were being sold for Christmas. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sleep there! La tour Beauvoir à Blois est à l’origine un donjon entourée …
Continue reading “Christmas in France's Oldest Prison – Noël dans la plus vieille prison de France”
This photo is in response to Stuart’s photo on Amboise Daily Photo today (our towns are 30 km apart on the Loire River). His photo shows a stone and brick window that is more recent and better crafted than mine which is probably about 400 years old. The combination of brick and stone is typical of …
This fine scuplture of a draper decorates the corner of an early 17th century half-timbered house in Colmar in Alsace called Maison zum Kragen.. Cette belle sculpture d’un drapier décore l’angle d’une maison à colombages du début du 17ème siècle à Colmar en Alsace qui s’appelle la Maison zum Kragen.
This stunning building is in the city of Szeged in Hungary, 2 hours from Budapest. After the great flood of 1879 destroyed most of the buildings, many of the European countries financed its reconstruction with the resulting amazing collection of art nouveau buildings. Reok Palace is my favourite. Ce merveilleux bâtiment se trouve dans la ville de Szeged …
Continue reading “Postcard from Hungary – Art Nouveau in Szeged”
The Iron Gate gorges (Djerdap) in Serbia which are the deepest and narrowest on the Danube and the largest and longest in Europe. The church, is on the Romanian side, Les gorges appelées Portes de Fer sont les plus profondes et plus étroites sur la Danube et les plus grandes et plus longues d’Europe. L’église se …
I think that the church of Saint Anthony is by far the most interesting monument in Padua. It is an amazing combination of styles: Roman façade, Byzantine cupolas, Gothic central tower and bell-towers and late Renaissance chapel containing the tomb of Saint Anthony. Unfortunately, photos are not allowed inside. This is taken from the first …
Continue reading “Postcard from Italy: Sant'Antonio – Padua”