The Magi

Freiberg came into being around 1162/1170. Between 1156 and 1162, Margrave Otto von Meissen had the forest cleared and several villages laid out, including Christiansdorf. In 1168 silver ore was discovered near Christiansdorf. The promise of special freedoms for the miners attracted numerous miners, traders and craftsmen, along with their families, to the Ore Mountains. Due to the wave of immigration, the city of Freiberg developed within two decades. This name is derived from the important feature, the freedom of mining introduced by Margrave Otto, i.e. the mining rights of every immigrant. Anyone could dig for the silver ore for a fee. The silver could only be sold to the margravial mint. The wealth of silver and the mint made the Electorate of Saxony a prosperous state. Further development in the 13th century is characterized by constant growth after the municipality was almost completely destroyed by a city fire around 1225. A town school was established in 1260, which had been converted into a Latin school in 1515. In the 14th century, crises gradually emerged, which were mainly caused by the decline in silver production from the middle of the 14th century and by large-scale city fires. In the 15th century, Freiberg lost its leading economic position within Saxony to Leipzig due to the exodus of capital. The Bergakademie was founded in 1765, one of the world's oldest mining engineering universities. - Around 1180, the Romanesque basilica "Unserer Lieben Frauen" was built in Freiberg, which was developing rapidly due to the silver that had been found. In 1480, the church was turned into a Collegiate church. However, the college was dissolved after only 57 years due to the reformation of the Electorate of Saxony. In the great fire of 1484, the church was almost completely destroyed. The "Cathedral of St. Mary" was built at the same location as a triple-naved Gothic hall church. The cathedral was reconsecrated in 1512. The "Goldene Pforte" (Golden Gate) is a late Romanesque portal created in 1225 on the south side of the cathedral. The portal probably formed the western entrance of the Romanesque church, which was destroyed in the fire of 1484. In the new building that followed, the architecture and architectural sculpture of the portal were carefully dismantled and added to the new building in late Gothic forms as the new south entrance. The tympanum shows the enthroned Mother of God with the adoring Magi, an angel, and Joseph.

Naumburg has a population of around 33,000 and is the center of the northernmost German wine-growing region Saale-Unstrut. The first written record of Naumburg dates from 1012. It was founded at the crossing of two trade-routes, Via Regia and the Regensburg Road. The successful foundation not long beforehand of a Propstei Church on the site of the later Naumburg Cathedral was mentioned in the Merseburg Bishops' Chronicles in 1021. Already in 1028 Pope John XIX gave his approval for the transfer of the bishopric from Zeitz to Naumburg. Until 1568, during the Reformation, Naumburg was the seat of the bishops A late Romanesque new building was started around 1210. The new construction began in the nave. Of the old structure only the crypt survived. However, the construction of the new nave was soon abandoned. Instead, the construction of the new eastern parts of the cathedral began and the new building was then gradually continued to the west. It did not remain in this late-Romanesque form long for by the mid-13th century the early-Gothic west choir was added. It was likely finished by 1260. The western towers were raised by one floor shortly thereafter. In around 1330 the high-Gothic polygonal east choir was built. Additional floors were added to the western towers in the 14th and 15th centuries. The museum of the cathedral The altarpiece, created in the workshop of Hans Topher, comes from the nearby Cistercian Abbey of Pforta, which was dissolved after the Reformation. In the center - the Adoration of the Magi.

Korbach was granted town rights in 1188 by the Bishop of Paderborn Bernhard II. granted town rights under Soest law. Owing to the location at the crossroads of the Cologne-Leipzig and Frankfurt-Bremen commercial roads, handicrafts and trade quickly developed and Korbach blossomed. In the 14th century, Saint Kilian's Church (Kilianskirche) and St. Nicholas's Church (Nikolaikirche) were built. Korbach joined the Hanse and was first mentioned as a member town of the Hanseatic League in 1469. The Korbach merchants traded in cloth, skins and beer, as well as gold and other metals from the surrounding area. In 1414, a double ring of walls surrounding the whole town was finished. With the coming of the Reformation, the town, and indeed the whole County of Waldeck, became Protestant. St. Kilian in the district "Altstadt" is older than St. Nikolai in the "Neustadt". The construction of the Gothic church was started in 1335. Likewise, the tower basement dates from this year. The tower was built from 1380 to 1392. The original tower had a height of about 93 m and was at the time of its completion among the tallest church towers in the world. Today's lantern was not added until 1709 after the original roof helmet had been destroyed several times as a result of lightning strikes. The nave was begun in 1388 and completed with the vaulting in 1450.

Korbach was granted town rights in 1188 by the Bishop of Paderborn Bernhard II. granted town rights under Soest law. Owing to the location at the crossroads of the Cologne-Leipzig and Frankfurt-Bremen commercial roads, handicrafts and trade quickly developed and Korbach blossomed. In the 14th century, Saint Kilian's Church (Kilianskirche) and St. Nicholas's Church (Nikolaikirche) were built. Korbach joined the Hanse and was first mentioned as a member town of the Hanseatic League in 1469. The Korbach merchants traded in cloth, skins and beer, as well as gold and other metals from the surrounding area. In 1414, a double ring of walls surrounding the whole town was finished. With the coming of the Reformation, the town, and indeed the whole County of Waldeck, became Protestant. St. Kilian in the district "Altstadt" is older than St. Nikolai in the "Neustadt". The construction of the Gothic church was started in 1335. Likewise, the tower basement dates from this year. The tower was built from 1380 to 1392. The original tower had a height of about 93 m and was at the time of its completion among the tallest church towers in the world. Today's lantern was not added until 1709 after the original roof helmet had been destroyed several times as a result of lightning strikes. The nave was begun in 1388 and completed with the vaulting in 1450. From the Annunciation to the Presentation in the Temple. In the center - the Magi.

Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level. A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War. The Knights Hospitaller settled in Soria in the 12th century. A document shows that in 1152 the Order had a church dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre, near the bridge over the Duero, the main entrance to the city from the east. A document from 1190 shows that the Hospitallers maintained a hospital here. Only the church was used until the end of the 18th century. The church was left to decay in the 19th century and was used as a cattle shed. Although the surviving buildings were among the first to be declared a Monumento Nacional in the province in 1882, they were left to decay. Only the roof of the church was repaired. Since 1992 the monastery has been part of the medieval section of the Museo Numantino in Soria. The Magi

Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level. A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War. The original church may have its origins in the years when Alfonso I the Warrior, was repopulating Soria (1109-1114). The church was donated by the Council of Soria to Bishop Juan II de Osma in 1148. In 1152, the Bishop of Osma, donated the church to the Augustinian canons, raising it to the collegiate church. After the canons formed a monastic community, they decided to demolish the old church and build a new one. In return, they enjoyed the favor of the Castilian monarchs, which was reflected in numerous donations and privileges. A spacious Romanesque church with three naves was built. The monastic community was secularized in 1437 and in 1467 the north pediment of the transept was opened in its present form by a large pointed arch and a Plateresque-style portal. The church collapsed around 1543. Reconstruction work began immediately. At the end of the century the new collegiate church was completed with the construction of the bell tower. Parts of the old monastery survived the collapse of the church in the 16th century. The Romanesque cloister is preserved. The Magi

Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level. A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War. This church was built in the 12th century but underwent alterations later. In 1170 Alfonso VIII celebrated his nuptials with Eleanor of England here and had a new church with three naves erected, replacing the modest previous one. His wife Eleanor was the daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from whom she obtained the Duchy of Aquitaine which she brought as a dowry to her marriage. It has a façade with two orders of arcades at the sides of the portal, which is surmounted by a rose window. The portal has an elaborated archivolt with Biblical characters and scenes, including the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Youth, the Passion, and the death of Christ. The tympanum has representations of God the Father sitting with the Child, four angels with the symbols of the Evangelists, the prophet Isaiah and the Virgin Mary. The capitals on the jambs of the entry feature biblical scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ. The sleeping Magi

Soria is located on the Douro River at about 1065 meters above sea level. A strategic enclave due to the struggles for territory between the kingdoms of Castile, Navarre, and Aragon, Soria became part of Castile definitively in 1134, during the reign of Alfonso VII. Alfonso VIII was born in Soria in 1155. Booming during the Late Middle Ages thanks to its border location and its control over the cattle industry. In 1380, a court order forbade the Jews to try their own criminal cases in court. In addition, a decree was confirmed, according to which Jews were not allowed to be employed in the royal administration or among the nobility. These resolutions served as the basis for hate speeches that led to the massacre of the Jewish population in 1391. Soria went into a slow decline over the next few centuries. It was damaged greatly during the Peninsular War. This church was built in the 12th century but underwent alterations later. In 1170 Alfonso VIII celebrated his nuptials with Eleanor of England here and had a new church with three naves erected, replacing the modest previous one. His wife Eleanor was the daughter of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, from whom she obtained the Duchy of Aquitaine which she brought as a dowry to her marriage. It has a façade with two orders of arcades at the sides of the portal, which is surmounted by a rose window. The portal has an elaborated archivolt with Biblical characters and scenes, including the 24 elders of the Apocalypse, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Youth, the Passion, and the death of Christ. The tympanum has representations of God the Father sitting with the Child, four angels with the symbols of the Evangelists, the prophet Isaiah and the Virgin Mary. The capitals on the jambs of the entry feature biblical scenes from Genesis and the life of Christ. The Magi adorating

In the 7th/8th century, the area was reconquered from the hands of the Moors by the kings of Asturias. A castle was built in 884 on the orders of King Alfonso III. Burgos became the coronation city of the kings of Castile in the 11th century, which underlines its special importance. After the conquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI. (1085). The city became the see of a Diocese and was a major stop for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Burgos lost its importance a little, but the city remained an important economic, cultural, and political center in northern Spain. The Convento de San Pablo was a Dominican monastery founded in 1224 that existed until 1835. The construction of the cathedral was ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and the Bishop of Burgos. Ferdinand had just married Barbarossa´s granddaughter Beatrice of Swabia (aka "Elisabeth of Swabia") and wanted a cathedral, reflecting his new role in the European power game. The former Romanesque cathedral was demolished in 1221, and the construction of the new Gothic started under the guidance of a French architect. After nine years, the chevet was completed and the high altar was consecrated. Then the construction stopped for about 200 years. Attending the Council of Basel (aka "Council of Florence") in 1435 bishop Alfonso de Cartagena saw the elegant towers of the Basel Minster. When he returned to Burgos he was accompanied by German architect Johannes von Köln (aka "Juan de Colonia"), who probably knew the blueprints of the towers, planned for the Cathedral of Cologne. Under his guidance, the towers of the Cathedral were completed in open tracery. He was followed on the construction site by his son Simon de Colonia. Francisco de Colonia, Simon's son, continued the work and created the Pellejería-Portal. This was a family business. As I have uploaded many photos of the cathedral before, I will only add a few for now. The Magi

In the 7th/8th century, the area was reconquered from the hands of the Moors by the kings of Asturias. A castle was built in 884 on the orders of King Alfonso III. Burgos became the coronation city of the kings of Castile in the 11th century, which underlines its special importance. After the conquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI. (1085). The city became the see of a Diocese and was a major stop for pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela. Burgos lost its importance a little, but the city remained an important economic, cultural, and political center in northern Spain. The Convento de San Pablo was a Dominican monastery founded in 1224 that existed until 1835. The construction of the cathedral was ordered by King Ferdinand III of Castile and the Bishop of Burgos. Ferdinand had just married Barbarossa´s granddaughter Beatrice of Swabia (aka "Elisabeth of Swabia") and wanted a cathedral, reflecting his new role in the European power game. The former Romanesque cathedral was demolished in 1221, and the construction of the new Gothic started under the guidance of a French architect. After nine years, the chevet was completed and the high altar was consecrated. Then the construction stopped for about 200 years. Attending the Council of Basel (aka "Council of Florence") in 1435 bishop Alfonso de Cartagena saw the elegant towers of the Basel Minster. When he returned to Burgos he was accompanied by German architect Johannes von Köln (aka "Juan de Colonia"), who probably knew the blueprints of the towers, planned for the Cathedral of Cologne. Under his guidance, the towers of the Cathedral were completed in open tracery. He was followed on the construction site by his son Simon de Colonia. Francisco de Colonia, Simon's son, continued the work and created the Pellejería-Portal. This was a family business. As I have uploaded many photos of the cathedral before, I will only add a few for now. The Magi

The Church of Santa María del Camino is the oldest church in the town. It is also known as Santa María de las Victorias, going back to a legend of the Reconquista. The floor plan is of a basilica and corresponds to the original Romanesque style, with French influences due to the pilgrimage to Santiago. The frieze depicts the adoration of the Magi. An icon that was common along the "camino" to Santiago.

León was founded in 68 AD for a Roman legion from which they were supposed to pacify the rebellious mountain dwellers of Asturias and Cantabria. The name of the settlement that was then developed is based on a refined form of the Latin word "legio". After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and in 712 by the Moors. In 856, after the reconquest under King Ordoño I of Asturias, the city was repopulated. Ordoño II made León the capital of his kingdom of León in 914. Sacked by Almanzor in about 987, the city was reconstructed and repopulated by Alfonso V, León was an important stop on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Traders and artisans settled in the suburbs and had a strong influence on the development of the city from the 13th century onwards. In the early Middle Ages, the city became prosperous through the cattle trade. However, from the 16th century until the 19th century, the economy and population declined. The main construction period of the cathedral was between 1255 and 1303. The first architect was "Master Enrique", who had previously built the transept and nave of Burgos Cathedral between 1243 and 1260. "Master Enrique" directed the construction from 1255 to 1277, using Reims Cathedral as a model. The experience he gained in Burgos prompted him to take a risk, which paid off centuries later, as many openings later had to be bricked up for stability reasons. In the middle of the 19th century, the structure was on the verge of collapse and had to be completely restored. Reconstruction lasted from 1859 to 1901. In 1302, the work was apparently stopped, probably for financial reasons. This may also be the reason for the comparatively short nave with only five bays, for the lack of a tower in the transept. The upper parts of the cathedral were not completed until 1439. The grave of a dignitary While the Magi on the left worship the child, on the right the soul of the deceased is lifted up to heaven.

León was founded in 68 AD for a Roman legion from which they were supposed to pacify the rebellious mountain dwellers of Asturias and Cantabria. The name of the settlement that was then developed is based on a refined form of the Latin word "legio". After the end of the Roman Empire, the city was conquered by the Visigoths and in 712 by the Moors. In 856, after the reconquest under King Ordoño I of Asturias, the city was repopulated. Ordoño II made León the capital of his kingdom of León in 914. Sacked by Almanzor in about 987, the city was reconstructed and repopulated by Alfonso V, León was an important stop on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. Traders and artisans settled in the suburbs and had a strong influence on the development of the city from the 13th century onwards. In the early Middle Ages, the city became prosperous through the cattle trade. However, from the 16th century until the 19th century, the economy and population declined. The main construction period of the cathedral was between 1255 and 1303. The first architect was "Master Enrique", who had previously built the transept and nave of Burgos Cathedral between 1243 and 1260. "Master Enrique" directed the construction from 1255 to 1277, using Reims Cathedral as a model. The experience he gained in Burgos prompted him to take a risk, which paid off centuries later, as many openings later had to be bricked up for stability reasons. In the middle of the 19th century, the structure was on the verge of collapse and had to be completely restored. Reconstruction lasted from 1859 to 1901. In 1302, the work was apparently stopped, probably for financial reasons. This may also be the reason for the comparatively short nave with only five bays, for the lack of a tower in the transept. The upper parts of the cathedral were not completed until 1439. The Magi, who followed the star to Bethlehem, were a great example for the many pilgrims. They are often found along the Camino de Santiago.

Aranda de Duero, a city with a population of about 33,000, is the capital of the Ribera del Duero wine region. The church was built on a previous church in the Romanesque style. It is believed that work began in 1439. Since a council was held in the small church of San Juan in 1473, it is assumed that the church of Santa María was not yet completed. It was completed in 1503, but the Gothic facade from the 16th century was still missing. The impressive Gothic facade was built by, among others, Simón de Colonia and completed in 1615 by his son Francisco de Colonia. It shows the wealth and importance that the city had back then. The tympanum shows the Nativity / birth of Christ on the left side and the Epiphany/Adoration of the Magi on the right side. It's faded, but still polychrome.

Historically, the town of Benavente owes its importance to an important crossroad from Roman times. During the rule of the Swabians, it was known as Ventosa until the 12th century, when the town took the name of Malgrat. This name appears in the first written testimony of Benavente and is mentioned in a royal donation by Queen Urraca in 1115. At this time, the area was repopulated by the Leonese monarchs. Alfonso IX and Alfonso X continued to contribute to the growth of Benavente through privileges and grants. When Alfonso IX died, the city was the scene of the final union of the crowns of León and Castile in the Concordia of Benavente. It later fell into disrepair until 1285, but Sancho IV promoted its expansion and attracted new settlers. In 1387, the English and Portuguese forces of the Duke of Lancaster Benavente attempted to besiege Benavente, but the besiegers were defeated in the attempt. - Today Benavente has about 18,000 inhabitants. The church was founded in 1181 by Aldonza, daughter of Count Osorio Martínez and Teresa Fernández. It became a branch of the “Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem” (“Order of Malta”), hence the dedication. The church is 62 m long and 24 m wide. The tympanum of the portal shows the Magi adorating in Bethlehem. Joseph, as always, sits apart and is tired. The Star of Bethlehem is above Mary's head.

Zamora straddles the Douro River. The Romans named the settlement "Occelum Durii" ("Eye of the Duero"). For the Visigoths, the place was "Semure". In the 710s the town was conquered and a Berber garrison was left in there, but some decades later it was seized by Alfonso I of Asturias. A diocese was established in the town in the early 10th century. Ibn al-Qitt unsuccessfully tried to invade the city in 901, Almanzor eventually seized the city in 966. The place returned to Christian control during the reign of Alfonso V of León. Since the early 11th century the place saw planned repopulating efforts. City walls were also erected in the 11th century. The most notable historical episode in Zamora was the assassination outside the city walls of the King Sancho II of Castile in 1072. Ferdinand I of León had divided his kingdoms between his three sons. To his daughter Urraca, he had bequeathed Zamora. All three sons warred among themselves, till the ultimate winner, Sancho, was left victorious. Zamora, under his sister who was allied with Leonese nobles, resisted. Sancho II of Castile, assisted by El Cid, laid siege to Zamora. King Sancho II was murdered by Bellido Dolfos, a duplicitous noble of Zamora, Bellido Dolfos. After the death of Sancho, Castile reverted to his deposed brother Alfonso VI of León. Zamora is known for its medieval heritage. There are more than a dozen Romanesque churches and chapels. The Romanesque church of San Cipriano originally dates from the 11th century. It was built with three naves , of which only one still exists today. The exact age is not known, it existed when Fernando II was in Zamora in 1159. Most scholars date it to the 1020s. There are reliefs in various places on and inside the building, one with an inscription from 1093. The church was renovated and rebuilt around 1980. The Magi Zamora,

The town of Toro lies on a plateau above the Duero River about 40 km east of Zamora. In medieval times Toro had some importance. Ferdinand III of Castile was crowned king in Toro in 1230, his wife Elisabeth of Swabia died here five years later. The large collegiate church Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, whose construction began in 1160 under Alfonso VII, but lasted possibly even until the end of the 13th century. During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, it was elevated to a collegiate church. The architectural highlight of the church building is the two-story crossing tower (“cimborrio”) with its sixteen-sided floor plan, with four sides being particularly highlighted by round corner towers, which serve both for architectural decoration and for static stabilization. While the corner towers in the lower part hardly have any architectural decoration, the two levels of the central tower with their windows - accompanied by small columns and ending in oriental-looking multi-aisle arches - are designed in exactly the same way. The church has three naves, a transept, and three apses. In the center (above ox and ass) are the Magi adorating. Their three horses wait to the right.

The town of Toro lies on a plateau above the Duero River about 40 km east of Zamora. In medieval times Toro had some importance. Ferdinand III of Castile was crowned king in Toro in 1230, his wife Elisabeth of Swabia died here five years later. The large collegiate church Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, whose construction began in 1160 under Alfonso VII, but lasted possibly even until the end of the 13th century. During the reign of the Catholic Monarchs, it was elevated to a collegiate church. The architectural highlight of the church building is the two-story crossing tower (“cimborrio”) with its sixteen-sided floor plan, with four sides being particularly highlighted by round corner towers, which serve both for architectural decoration and for static stabilization. While the corner towers in the lower part hardly have any architectural decoration, the two levels of the central tower with their windows - accompanied by small columns and ending in oriental-looking multi-aisle arches - are designed in exactly the same way . The Magi / Baroque