We should all have such a shrine as Maximilian I (1459-1519) whose empty tomb is housed here. He built his own grand monument and surrounded it with 28 oversized bronze statues of family and friends. The original plan was a bit more ambitious and called for 40 statues, 100 statuettes and 32 Roman emperor […]
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Sacré-Coeur
Like an aging movie star, Sacré-Coeur is stunning in appearance but best viewed from afar. Way afar. It’s taken me six visits to Paris to finally visit this site and now I know why. I’m not complaining about the view; even on a rainy day, I’ll happily gaze at Paris from any angle. It’s […]
Cathédrale de Notre-Dame: The Other Side
The flying buttress-ful east side, as seen from my morning run (Early! Note the deserted Square Jean XXII.). Construction on this striking Gothic structure began in 1160 and was completed in 1345. During the 13th and 14th centuries, it beget six popes before Denis and Rheims gained steam and began churning them out. In 1804, […]
Reims, France
Charming city Reims anchors the northern end of France’s Champagne region. Reims was established in 80 B.C. as Durocorteron (“round fortress”) for the Remi tribe. Throughout history, French kings were crowned in its cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims.
Cathédral Saint-Étienne
Though this gothic cathedral’s spires punctuate Metz’s modest skyline, the structure is best known for its magnificent Marc Chagall-designed windows. Chagall’s work joins other windows by fellow artists such as Jacques Villon and Hermann von Münster. The striking 13th-20th century stained glass curtains are nicknamed ‘God’s Lantern’. Its nave is the third-highest in France, at […]
In Brugge, Part 3
Places of interest: Stadhuis (City Hall): Gothic facade depicts biblical and sovereign figures (the original statues were removed during the French Revolution, then destroyed in 1792. The current ones are from the 1970’s). The real prize is the second-floor Gotische Zaal with its stunning murals and friezes. Well worth a look. Groeninge Museum: I’m not a […]
