May 13, 2011
This post is a continuation of my adventures in Europe which features the architectural wonders of Pisa,Tuscany, Italy, the Piazza del Duomo, i.e., location of the Leaning Tower of Pisa! This place is surreal! I couldn't believe that I was there, just because of a dream come true. When it comes to turning back the pages in time, who doesn't fall in love with horses? This is the Cathedral Square, which is highly regarded as one of the main centers for medieval art in the world.
The Cathedal Square, named for the fact that the Square is dominated by four great religious societies, the Duomo, the Campanile, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto. It's surrounded by a castle wall and gate. How would you like to have been a locksmith in those days!
Or perhaps, what if you were a door maker? Architect? Artist? Builder? REALTOR®, Inspector, Stager or Designer, maid or servant in those days! Doors made of wood, metal and salvaged materials such as wrought iron or stained glass. There is both elegance and a Gothic feeling about many of these doors and buildings. How would you describe them? Do doors make good curb appeal? In any case, as you can see what I see? Doors were an architectural wonder in size, shape, color, materials, such as bronze, wood, and metal made for buildings of enormous size. Artists competed on making the best doors to the kingdom, especially Churches!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was a sight to behold. I could not believe I was really, really there! The buildings, the art, the sculptures in an outdoor setting, without admission charges was too much for me to take in all at once! I was left breathless!
Lunette above the middle door of the cathedral, picturing Blessed Mary by Giuseppe
The construction by the architect, Busketo, began in 1064. He raised the bar for ALL the world to see. I was able to step inside the cathedrals, but no photographs were allowed. I was in awe by the mosaics of the pointed arches, the steeples, the windows, the floors, the doors, and the inscriptions that I could not understand and the power of architectural influence caused by the creation of a human mind, and human hands.
There are two spiral staircases to the top. One consists of 294 steep steps, the other of 296, which they say accounts for the lean.
When it comes to architectural wonders, which way do you lean? May you always have a dream. May you always succeed with prosperity, good health, and the love of family and friends. Stay true to your beliefs and make them good beliefs but most of all, believe in yourself! The thought I want to leave you with, is this... nobodies perfect, but isn't it wonderful to know that a legacy can be left for all to admire, despite our flaws?
All photos and written content were produced by Patricia Feager. Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Patricia Feager, REALTOR®, Keller Williams Realty, Flower Mound, TX.
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