The exterior of Monreale silhouetted through a window frame.
The church at Monreale, outside of Palermo, is a striking sight that is beautiful both on the inside and the outside. Yesterday, I posted a picture of its 20 foot tall Golden Mosaic of Jesus, however I thought the outside warranted attention as well. One local guidebook describes it as:
"With its Interlaced marble, tufa arches, and multicolored motifs, the exterior of the apse is the apogee of Norman Decoration."
I don't know what all of that means, but its pretty darn cool to look at. The thing that struck me is that none of the exterior circle designs are the same - as are the 228 columns next to the building! Pretty remarkable when you think that it was all built in 1172 with no computers, electricity, or email. Amazing!
The backside of the Cathedral should be described using many large words.
The detail of the outer walls is jaw-dropping...
... and the inside of the Cathedral isn't too shabby as well. Look at the dueling organs (think they take requests on Sunday mornings?)
~ J. Twice
2 comments:
You are really making me want to hurry up the spring and to have it be June already. The pics. are fantastic and the scenery is magnifique. Glad Lynn and Wayne are enjoying - say HI for me.
Only 55 days until I can bug you as well.
Love Terry
Battle of the Organs! (like battle of the bands!!!)
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