Humans have a complex relationship with death, the handling of death, of dead bodies and the meaning of it all. The Chapel of the Bones in Evora certainly reflects this complex relationship. Funeral Rituals diversity In Western Europe, today, we have a certain view on what a funeral ... Read the Post
The Chapel of the Bones in Evora, Portugal
The Convent of Christ in Tomar & the Knights Templar
The story of the Convent of the Christ in Tomar, Portugal, takes us back to the 12th century. It is a gigantic, beautiful and fascinating place linked to the Templars and the history of Portugal. Let's explore... We should start by a little outline on the Knights Templar The order of the ... Read the Post
The Carmo Convent in Lisbon – a beautiful ruin full of surprises
The Carmo Convent or the Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is located in central Lisbon, just above the Santa Justa elevator, which provides an easy access, almost stair free! In my various trips to Lisbon, I had walked by the church portal & red door numerous times. Enjoying the ... Read the Post
Notre Dame de Paris – The aftermath & the future
Like you, I've watched in horror, Notre Dame de Paris, on fire. I cried but now I'm ready to look back at history and think of the future... First I just wanted to share some personal thoughts... You can skip to the next part of course. Some have beautiful stories about Notre Dame de ... Read the Post
Bourges Cathedral, a unique example of gothic architecture
If there is one cathedral, I have been meaning to see for years, it is the Bourges Cathedral! I have been passing by Bourges so many times, I can not count. I used to live close, too. Yet, I had never seen its cathedral. On my last French road trip, I finally made it there! Follow the link and ... Read the Post
The Vezelay Basilica and the power of Sainthood
The Burgundy region, in France, hides many jewels, amongst which you will find the Vezelay Basilica. The charming Vezelay town and its former monastery are definitively worth a visit, especially for Romanesque architecture lovers & UNESCO World Heritage fans. In this article, I will, as ... Read the Post
Visit the Fontenay Abbey: a treat for Romanesque architecture lovers
Hidden in a charming valley, in the French wine region called Burgundy, the Fontenay Abbey is one of the oldest Cistercian Abbey in Europe. Burgundy might not have been on your list of places to go to, but this might change, once you see how picturesque this abbey is. Note: there are affiliated ... Read the Post
Notre Dame du Haut: A Chapel by Le Corbusier
Perched on a hilltop, tucked away in peaceful woods, Notre Dame du Haut, the only Chapel designed by Le Corbusier, is a feast for the eyes. It's not just about the Chapel either. The site of the Ronchamp chapel is now an architectural heaven with 3 incredible architects having participated to the ... Read the Post
The beloved Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, perched atop of a hill, overlooks and protect the city of Marseille and its habitants. Notre Dame de la Garde holds a special place in the heart of the Marseillais and is worth a visit, to try to understand why. Marseille is now France's largest city on the ... Read the Post
Visit of the Maulbronn Monastery in Germany
The little village of Maulbronn, located 45 km / 27 miles North West of Stuttgart is as charming as can be. Once you step inside the Medieval walls surrounding the monastery, it gets almost unreal, a bit like you have stepped on a movie set. So picturesque, so beautiful! The gigantic timber ... Read the Post
The Speyer Cathedral & the Symbols Hidden in Plain Sight
The Speyer Cathedral is considered to be the greatest romanesque church in the World. It stand majestically at the end of the main street of Speyer and is a must see if you are around. A little bit of History First a little bit of History The construction ... Read the Post
Visit of the Cologne Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece
The Cologne Cathedral is an exceptional demonstration of human creative genius. Built over 6 Centuries (1248-1880), it marks the zenith of cathedral architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, and for good reasons! The Cologne Cathedral Architecture The ... Read the Post