Marble Lines
Il Duomo after dark, Florence, Italy
Join Becky from The Life of B for October Squares #23 There are only two rules. The image must be square and must relate to the October theme: lines&squares.
Lines Squared #23
Il Duomo after dark, Florence, Italy
Join Becky from The Life of B for October Squares #23 There are only two rules. The image must be square and must relate to the October theme: lines&squares.
The Grand Staircase, The Breakers The Vanderbilt House), Newport, Rhode Island
Light fixture, 1870-1871, Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune, Beaune, France
Join Becky’s month of Spiky Squares: Spiky #25. Two rules. Must be Spiky somehow; there is a wide range of interpretations. The photo must be square. Thanks, Becky for another inventive challenge.
Møllestien, Street of Charming, Painted Houses, Aarhus, Denmark
Møllestien (the mill lane) is an ancient street in the center of Aarhus, with origins dating back to the time of the Vikings. Today’s Møllestien, with its small houses and cobblestone pavement, showcases 19th-century working class housing. It is regarded by many as the most beautiful street in Aarhus. The area suffered a serious decline beginning in the 1920s, and by 1960 had become abandoned and derelict. Plans to demolish the entire area were revised when artists and students renovated a short section of the street and painted the houses vibrant colors. Most of the existing houses were built between 1870 and 1885. Several of the houses can be rented by the night. Møllestien is in all the guidebooks. I found it a bit difficult to locate.
Join Terri’s Sunday Stills: Orange You Glad and Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Places People Live
As many times as I’ve been to Paris, this was my first visit to the Pantheon. I was in awe at its beauty. Modeled on the Pantheon in Rome, the neo-classical building began its life as a church dedicated to St. Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris. The architect Soufflot began the Pantheon in 1755, with the ambition of competing with St. Peter’s in Rome. Construction was completed in 1790.
In 1791, it was became the National Pantheon, a place to honor for those who fought for equality and tolerance. Later, Napoleon I agreed to return the upper structure to a church as long as the lower crypt retained its national function. Its full national civic purpose was restored with Victor Hugo’s funeral in 1885.
The Nave and Transept
The walls of the nave and the transept arms are decorated with monumental painting cyles. The life of St. Genevieve is shown on the nave walls.
The transept paintings depict famous French historical/political figures such as Joan of Arc.
The Transept Dome
At the corners of the dome, frescoes by Baron Gros depict the Apotheosis of St. Geneviere. They are the oldest paintings in the Pantheon.
The Crypt
Burial honors have been granted to soldiers, resistance fighters, liberators, writers, scientists, politicians and others who exemply the republican values of justice and tolerance. Today, those interred in the Pantheon are subject to the whim of the French president.
The Pendulum
Built between 1862 and 1875, the Palais Garnier is considered one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. Designed by Charles Garnier for Napoleon III, it set the standard for other theaters. The auditorium was closed for rehearsal when we were there but the rest of the theater is well worth a visit.
The Grand Foyer with paintings showing the history of music.
The Moon Room with its infinity mirrors.
Looking up from the Grand Staircase.
The New 3 Rs: Retire, Recharge, Reconnect 