Sequenced and Arranged

11/25/2022•architecture, Morocco, Photography

For Lost In Translations Thursday’s Special Pick A Word November 2022: Sequential. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. Opened in 1993, it is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and the 7th largest in the world. It was paid for with mandatory donations by all citizens of Morocco. It is the only mosque in Morocco open to non Muslims. Interestingly, this is not a religious proscription as many assume. When the French established a “protectorate” over Morocco (1912–1956), they passed a law forbidding Muslims from entering Christian churches and forbidding Christians from entering Muslim religious buildings. The French felt this would prevent religious disputes and attempts at conversion. The law is still on the books .

Basilica of Santa Croce: The Facade with Clouds

10/25/2022•architecture, church, Italy

Construction of the Basilica began in 1294. It is the 3rd largest church in the world.

The ornate polychrome marble facade, like that of Florence’s more famous Duomo, was actually added in the 19th century.

Prior to the new facade, the front of the Basilica would have looked like the adjacent cloister and tower. The rest of the building remains the reddish limestone. The Duomo, on the other hand, was totally sheathed in marble.

The Italian architect Niccolo Matas from Ancona designed the Neo-Gothic facade between 1857-1863.

Because Matas was Jewish, he could not be buried in Santa Croce. The Basilica is the burial place of many prominent Italian artists, writers, and thinkers and is called the Temple of Italian Glories. After Matas’ death, his body was moved and reburied under the porch of the Basilica.

But Matas left his mark on Santa Croce. He worked a prominent Star of David into the design. While both Jewish and Christian symbol, it’s prominence is meaningful

He is buried beneath his star, just outside the center door.

Perspectives on a Dome

10/15/2022•architecture, church, Italy

The Collegiate Curch of Santa Maria in Provenzano, Siena, Italy.

17th century late-Renaissance, Baroque church

Il Duomo, a Medieval Masterpiece in Siena, Italy

10/15/2022•architecture, Italy, Travel

Chefchaouen The Blue City

09/23/2022•architecture, Chefchaouen, Morocco

Chefchaouen is a lovely hillside City in Morroco. It is known for its blue painted buildings. I was surprised to learn that the extensive use of blue is only about 20 years old. Something most travel writers either ignore or don’t know. The city is whitewashed or painted three times a year for religious reasons. If the paint is only one storey high, it was done by a women.