The Magi

In the course of the German eastward expansion settlers settled near an existing Slavic settlement. A village with a surrounding wall was created. In 1255 the "new" settlement of Kolberg received the town charter according to the "Lübsches Stadtrecht". In 1277 Kolberg became part of the Cammin Abbey, the bishop's secular domain. Kolberg probably belonged to the Hanseatic League and remained in this association until 1610. In this heyday of the town, salt production, salt trade and fishing were the main sources of income of Kolberg and brought great prosperity. In 1442, there was a conflict between the Bishop of Cammin and Kolberg, as a result of which the Bishop besieged the town, but Kolberg successfully repelled the attack. From 1530 the Reformation was introduced in Kolberg, and in 1534 the Catholic institutions in the town were abolished by a decision of the town council. In the 17th century, Kolberg depopulated due to the plague and the Thirty Years' War with its effects. In 1627 imperial troops occupied the town and fortified it. In 1631 Swedish troops conquered Kolberg after a five-month siege. Kolberg came to Brandenburg-Prussia with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, but was not given up by the Kingdom of Sweden until 1653. The Kołobrzeg Cathedral ("Bazylika konkatedralna Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny") was started around 1300. It was completed in the first stage in 1321 and had the form of a three-nave hall church. After that, the presbytery, two aisles and the tower were gradually built. After the Reformation in Pomerania, the church became Protestant in 1531. At the beginning of the 18th century, the cathedral was in very poor condition. Multiple sieges and enemy shelling and fires had severely damaged it. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the cathedral finally underwent extensive restoration. In March 1945, the church was severely damaged during the capture of Kolberg by Soviet troops. The vault of the nave collapsed, the entire church burned out. Until the 1960s, the Museum of Polish Arms used the half-destroyed church to display military objects. The reconstruction of the church began after the ruins were transferred to the Catholic Church in 1974. There were 22 Gothic altars in this church originally. Four of them have survived the times. One is in the National Museum in Szczecin, three are still here. They were created at the turn around 1500. The "Adoration of Magi"

In the course of the German eastward expansion settlers settled near an existing Slavic settlement. A village with a surrounding wall was created. In 1255 the "new" settlement of Kolberg received the town charter according to the "Lübsches Stadtrecht". In 1277 Kolberg became part of the Cammin Abbey, the bishop's secular domain. Kolberg probably belonged to the Hanseatic League and remained in this association until 1610. In this heyday of the town, salt production, salt trade and fishing were the main sources of income of Kolberg and brought great prosperity. In 1442, there was a conflict between the Bishop of Cammin and Kolberg, as a result of which the Bishop besieged the town, but Kolberg successfully repelled the attack. From 1530 the Reformation was introduced in Kolberg, and in 1534 the Catholic institutions in the town were abolished by a decision of the town council. In the 17th century, Kolberg depopulated due to the plague and the Thirty Years' War with its effects. In 1627 imperial troops occupied the town and fortified it. In 1631 Swedish troops conquered Kolberg after a five-month siege. Kolberg came to Brandenburg-Prussia with the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, but was not given up by the Kingdom of Sweden until 1653. The Kołobrzeg Cathedral ("Bazylika konkatedralna Wniebowzięcia Najświętszej Maryi Panny") was started around 1300. It was completed in the first stage in 1321 and had the form of a three-nave hall church. After that, the presbytery, two aisles and the tower were gradually built. After the Reformation in Pomerania, the church became Protestant in 1531. At the beginning of the 18th century, the cathedral was in very poor condition. Multiple sieges and enemy shelling and fires had severely damaged it. It was not until the end of the 19th century that the cathedral finally underwent extensive restoration. In March 1945, the church was severely damaged during the capture of Kolberg by Soviet troops. The vault of the nave collapsed, the entire church burned out. Until the 1960s, the Museum of Polish Arms used the half-destroyed church to display military objects. The reconstruction of the church began after the ruins were transferred to the Catholic Church in 1974. The baptismal font was cast in bronze by local craftsman Jan Alart in 1355. The font is supported by figures of four lions. On the side of it are 26 relief scenes from the life of Christ arranged in two horizontal rows. Die Adoration of the Magi A Latin inscription surrounds the baptismal font: (translated:) "In the year of our Lord 1355 made by Jan Alart".

Elbląg´s history dates back to 1237 when the Teutonic Order constructed a fortified stronghold here. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city itself was founded under the protection of the Teutonic Order by craftsmen and merchants coming from Lübeck. In 1246, Elblag was granted city rights according to Luebian law. Elbląg became part of the Hanseatic League, which contributed much to the city's wealth. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city had grown so much that in 1337 the Commander Siegfried von Sitten laid out the Elblag New Town outside the gates. In 1397 the "Eidechsenbund" ("Lizard League") was formed and the rebellion of the nobility and towns against the rule of the Order began. After the Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tannenberg) Polish troops besieged the Elbing Castle of the Order in 1414, but without success. In 1478 the previously independent halves of the town, the Old and New Towns of Elbing, merged. Elbląg joined Poland in 1454 and after the defeat of the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years’ War was recognized as part of Poland. The Katedra św. Mikołaja (St. Nikolauskirche) was originally a parish church. It is the cathedral of the Elbląg diocese since 1992. The origins date back to the mid-13th century. Over the course of two centuries, the church was gradually enlarged. From 1573 to 1617 the church served as the main church of the Lutheran congregation, but then it was given back to the Catholics On April 26, 1777 lightning struck the tower, which burst into flames, followed by the entire church. Shortly after the fire, the vaults collapsed. In a difficult financial situation, the city could not rebuild the church in its original appearance. All towers were demolished and the church was finished more than 6.5 meters lower with baroque dome vaults. The triple gable roof was replaced by a single gable roof. In 1790 the main altar was reconstructed. The late Gothic altars were taken from other churches in Elblag, as the interior decoration of the cathedral was lost in fires and wars. Here is the central part of one of the two Magi Altars.

Elbląg´s history dates back to 1237 when the Teutonic Order constructed a fortified stronghold here. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city itself was founded under the protection of the Teutonic Order by craftsmen and merchants coming from Lübeck. In 1246, Elblag was granted city rights according to Luebian law. Elbląg became part of the Hanseatic League, which contributed much to the city's wealth. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city had grown so much that in 1337 the Commander Siegfried von Sitten laid out the Elblag New Town outside the gates. In 1397 the "Eidechsenbund" ("Lizard League") was formed and the rebellion of the nobility and towns against the rule of the Order began. After the Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tannenberg) Polish troops besieged the Elbing Castle of the Order in 1414, but without success. In 1478 the previously independent halves of the town, the Old and New Towns of Elbing, merged. Elbląg joined Poland in 1454 and after the defeat of the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years’ War was recognized as part of Poland. The Katedra św. Mikołaja (St. Nikolauskirche) was originally a parish church. It is the cathedral of the Elbląg diocese since 1992. The origins date back to the mid-13th century. Over the course of two centuries, the church was gradually enlarged. From 1573 to 1617 the church served as the main church of the Lutheran congregation, but then it was given back to the Catholics On April 26, 1777 lightning struck the tower, which burst into flames, followed by the entire church. Shortly after the fire, the vaults collapsed. In a difficult financial situation, the city could not rebuild the church in its original appearance. All towers were demolished and the church was finished more than 6.5 meters lower with baroque dome vaults. The triple gable roof was replaced by a single gable roof. In 1790 the main altar was reconstructed. The late Gothic altars were taken from other churches in Elblag, as the interior decoration of the cathedral was lost in fires and wars. A detail of the altar. The Adoration of the Magi.

Elbląg´s history dates back to 1237 when the Teutonic Order constructed a fortified stronghold here. The castle subsequently served as the official seat of the Teutonic Order Masters. The city itself was founded under the protection of the Teutonic Order by craftsmen and merchants coming from Lübeck. In 1246, Elblag was granted city rights according to Luebian law. Elbląg became part of the Hanseatic League, which contributed much to the city's wealth. At the beginning of the 14th century, the city had grown so much that in 1337 the Commander Siegfried von Sitten laid out the Elblag New Town outside the gates. In 1397 the "Eidechsenbund" ("Lizard League") was formed and the rebellion of the nobility and towns against the rule of the Order began. After the Battle of Grunwald (Battle of Tannenberg) Polish troops besieged the Elbing Castle of the Order in 1414, but without success. In 1478 the previously independent halves of the town, the Old and New Towns of Elbing, merged. Elbląg joined Poland in 1454 and after the defeat of the Teutonic Knights in the Thirteen Years’ War was recognized as part of Poland. The Katedra św. Mikołaja (St. Nikolauskirche) was originally a parish church. It is the cathedral of the Elbląg diocese since 1992. The origins date back to the mid-13th century. Over the course of two centuries, the church was gradually enlarged. From 1573 to 1617 the church served as the main church of the Lutheran congregation, but then it was given back to the Catholics On April 26, 1777 lightning struck the tower, which burst into flames, followed by the entire church. Shortly after the fire, the vaults collapsed. In a difficult financial situation, the city could not rebuild the church in its original appearance. All towers were demolished and the church was finished more than 6.5 meters lower with baroque dome vaults. The triple gable roof was replaced by a single gable roof. In 1790 the main altar was reconstructed. The late Gothic altars were taken from other churches in Elblag, as the interior decoration of the cathedral was lost in fires and wars. The center of the second Magi altar.

A legend attributes Kraków's founding to the mythical ruler Krakus, who built it above a cave occupied by a dragon, Smok Wawelski. The first written record dates to 965, when Kraków was described as a notable commercial center captured by a Bohemian duke Boleslaus I in 955. The first ruler of Poland, Mieszko I, took Kraków from the Bohemians. In 1038, Kraków became the seat of the Polish government. By the end of the 10th century, the city was a center of trade. Brick buildings were constructed, including the Royal Wawel Castle. The city was sacked and burned during the Mongol invasion of 1241. It was rebuilt and incorporated in 1257 by Bolesław V the Chaste who introduced city rights. In 1259, the city was again ravaged by the Mongols. The third attack in 1287 was repelled thanks in part to the newly built fortifications. The city rose to prominence in 1364, when Casimir III founded the University of Kraków, the second oldest university in central Europe. But after Casimir´s death in 1370 the campus did not get completed. As the capital of the Kingdom of Poland and a member of the Hanseatic League, the city attracted craftsmen from abroad, guilds as science and the arts began to flourish. The 15th and 16th centuries are known as Poland's "Złoty Wiek" (Golden Age). After childless King Sigismund II had died in 1572, the Polish throne passed to Henry III of France and then to other foreign-based rulers in rapid succession, causing a decline in the city's importance that was worsened by pillaging during the Swedish invasion and by an outbreak of bubonic plague that left 20,000 of the city's residents dead. In 1596, Sigismund III of the House of Vasa moved the capital of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth from Kraków to Warsaw. - In the place of a Romanesque church, that got destroyed during the Mongol invasion, the early Gothic Church of St. Mary was built on the northeast corner of the market square at the end of the 13th century. It got consecrated in 1320. The church was completely rebuilt during the reign of Casimir III the Great between 1355 and 1365. The main body of the church was completed in 1395–97 with the new vault constructed by master Nicholas Wernher from Prague. In the 18th century, the interior was rebuilt in the late Baroque style. In the years 1887–1891, the neo-Gothic design was introduced into the Basilica. Besides the Veit Stoss altar, there are numerous other works of art. Here a baroque Adoration of the Magi

The history of Opole dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The territory is politically disputed. Around 990 Silesia, together with the territory of Opole, was annexed by Mieszko I to the Polish state. In 1039 Břetislav I reconquered the territory for eleven years, after which Opole reverted to Bohemia. In 1050, Casimir I reconquered Silesia. It became a Polish duchy in 1172 and received city rights from Duke Casimir I of Opole in 1217. Opole was a center of trade. Several trade routes crossed here, which helped to make profits from transit trade. After the death of King Ludvík II Silesia was inherited by Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, placing Opole under the sovereignty of the Habsburg monarchy of Austria. The Habsburgs took control of the region in 1532 but pawned the duchy to different rulers including several monarchs of Poland. In 1615, a fire destroyed all the houses within the city walls. After the Swedish invasion of Poland, in 1655 John II Casimir Vasa stayed with his court here. In November of that year, the "Uniwersał opolski" was issued here by the King, calling for Poles to rise against the Swedes. After 1668 the region passed again to the control of the Habsburgs. Frederick II of Prussia conquered most of Silesia from Austria in 1740 during the Silesian Wars. Under Prussian rule, the ethnic structure of the city began to change and a kind of "Germanization" set in. Nevertheless, Opole remained an important cultural, social and political center for the Poles in Upper Silesia. In the course of German unification in 1871, Opole became part of the German Empire. After WWI, a referendum was held with the result that Silesia remained part of the German Reich. After the end of WWII in 1945, Oppeln was transferred from Germany to Poland and the name changed from Oppeln to Opole. According to tradition, the first wooden church was built on this site as early as 1002. In 1024 the Bishop of Wroclaw donated to the church a relic of the Holy Cross, which he is said to have received from St. Emmerich, the son of the King of Hungary. Between 1254 and 1295 a new large stone church was built. In 1415, lightning struck the nave and destroyed the entire church by fire. Only a small part of the relic of the Holy Cross was preserved. Due to lack of money, the reconstruction took more than 100 years. During the reconstruction works, the church was again destroyed by fire. It was not until 1520 that the new building was completed. The cathedral is a three-nave hall church in the Gothic style and has been preserved in large parts although it had become a ruin after the 30-year war. There are 27 epitaphs in the Cathedral. Here is an epitaph from 1630 made of polychrome (gilded) sandstone. It was donated by George Skopek, the canon of the church. There are four scenes. At the bottom, you can see Jesus on the cross and St. Lutgard - Georg Skopek himself kneels on the other side of the cross. Above this scene is depicted the fight of St. George with the dragon. The largest of the scenes, the third from the bottom, on the other hand, shows the Adoration of the Magi. Playing the roles of the Three Kings are Balthasar, George and Helene Skopek. They are accompanied by St. Helena (with the Cross). At the very top of the epitaph is a scene dedicated to the Holy Trinity with the inscription: "Holy Trinity, have mercy on us."

Founded by Charlemagne in 805 as Magadoburg, the town was fortified in 919 by King Henry the Fowler against the Magyars and Slavs. In 929 King Otto I granted the city to his English-born wife Edith as dower. At her death, Queen Edith was buried in the crypt of the Benedictine abbey of Saint Maurice, later rebuilt as the cathedral. In 937, Magdeburg was the seat of a royal assembly. Otto I was buried as well in the cathedral. In 1035 Magdeburg received a patent giving the city the right to hold trade exhibitions and conventions. This was the basis of town law to become known as the Magdeburg rights. These laws were adopted and modified throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In the 13th century, Magdeburg became a member of the Hanseatic League. With more than 20,000 inhabitants Magdeburg was one of the largest cities in the Holy Roman Empire. During the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) Magdeburg was raided and probably 20.000 inhabitants lost their lives. A small group of 4000 people survived the "Sack of Magdeburg" by seeking refuge in the cathedral. Begging on his knees before the conqueror the head priest saved them. - The construction of the "Cathedral of Saints Catherine and Maurice" started in 1209. Two years ago, the church that had been in this place since 932, burnt down with most of the town. This church is influenced by the then-new gothic style, developed in France. Otto I the Great and his wife Edith of England have their graves here. The construction stopped after 1274. In 1325, Archbishop Burchard III. was killed by the people of Magdeburg because of extreme taxes. Folklore says that especially the beer tax increase caused much anger. Afterward, Magdeburg was under a ban, and only after the donation of five atonement altars did the construction of the cathedral continue. In 1360 the construction stopped again for many decades. Only in 1477 did the construction start again. The towers were constructed by master builder Bastian Binder, the only master builder of the cathedral known by name. The construction of the cathedral was completed in 1520. Although the cathedral was looted several times during its history, many valuable furnishings and art treasures have been preserved, which were moved out and secured during the bombardments of WWII. - The stalls were probably completed for the consecration of the cathedral in 1363. The work on the cheeks, which depicts stations from the life of Jesus. The "Adoration of the Magi" is obviously younger than the Nativity (prev. upload). All clothing is gothic.

Louis the Pious founded the bishopric of Hildesheim in 815. The settlement developed into a town and was granted market rights by King Otto III in 983. Craftsmen and merchants were attracted and the city developed into an important community. By 1167, Hildesheim was an almost completely walled market settlement. At the beginning of the 13th century, Hildesheim had about 5,000 inhabitants, and when Hildesheim received its city charter in 1249, it was one of the largest cities in northern Germany. The clergy ruled Hildesheim for four centuries before a town hall was built and the citizens gained influence and independence. In 1367, Hildesheim became a member of the Hanseatic League. But what is now called Hildesheim was various small "suburbs". After centuries of (sometimes armed) disputes, it was not until the end of the 16th century that a union was created and subsequently at least the inner wall was taken down Old and New Town. During the Thirty Years' War, Hildesheim was besieged and occupied several times. In 1813, after the Napoleonic Wars, the town became part of the Kingdom of Hanover, which was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia as a province after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. The air raids on Hildesheim in 1944/45 destroyed large parts of the city. Of the 1500 half-timbered houses, only 200 remained. 90 percent of the historic old town was destroyed in the firestorm. - Bishop Gunthar, who was in office in Hildesheim from 815 to 834 had a small basilica built. This served as the original cathedral. The next cathedral was built by Bishop Altfried in 872 as a cruciform three-aisled basilica with a two-story westwork. The building suffered severe fire damage in 1046. Bishop Hezilo built then incorporated the surviving walls into the new building using the foundation of the former basilica. Until the 14th century, further profound changes took place, but without deviating from the ground plan of the basilica. The side chapels date from the Gothic period. From 1840 to 1850, the original west building, which had fallen into disrepair, was replaced by a neo-Romanesque double tower front, which remained in place until 1945. During the air raids on Hildesheim in WWII, the cathedral was completely destroyed except for the west building, the southern nave arcades, and the outer walls. Only the crypt and the Laurentius Chapel from the 11th century were preserved. The cathedral was rebuilt in a simplified form between 1950 and 1960. The baroque elements were abandoned in favor of a form that took its cue from the early Romanesque style. - The Bernwardstür (Bernward Doors) are a pair of Romanesque bronze doors, made in 1015. They were commissioned by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim. The door leaves were each cast from one piece. In view of the dimensions and the enormous weight (approx. 1.85 t each) of the door leaves, this is a great feat of craftsmanship for those times. The door was made using the lost wax casting method, which placed the highest demands on the workers in the foundry, as the mold could only be used once. The doors depict scenes from the Book of Genesis (left door) arranged in parallel to scenes from the Gospels (right door). The scenes are organized based on the principle that Adam and Christ mirror each other - with Christ's sacrificial death redeeming Adam's sin. They are considered a masterpiece of Ottonian art and feature the oldest known monumental image cycle in German sculpture, and also the oldest cycle of images cast in metal in Germany. The Magi The Magi approach Mary with the Child. They bend down and hold the gifts. The heads of the Magi and the torso of Mary protrude from the door, adding the third dimension.

Louis the Pious founded the bishopric of Hildesheim in 815. The settlement developed into a town and was granted market rights by King Otto III in 983. Craftsmen and merchants were attracted and the city developed into an important community. By 1167, Hildesheim was an almost completely walled market settlement. At the beginning of the 13th century, Hildesheim had about 5,000 inhabitants, and when Hildesheim received its city charter in 1249, it was one of the largest cities in northern Germany. The clergy ruled Hildesheim for four centuries before a town hall was built and the citizens gained influence and independence. In 1367, Hildesheim became a member of the Hanseatic League. But what is now called Hildesheim was various small "suburbs". After centuries of (sometimes armed) disputes, it was not until the end of the 16th century that a union was created and subsequently at least the inner wall was taken down Old and New Town. During the Thirty Years' War, Hildesheim was besieged and occupied several times. In 1813, after the Napoleonic Wars, the town became part of the Kingdom of Hanover, which was annexed by the Kingdom of Prussia as a province after the Austro-Prussian War in 1866. The air raids on Hildesheim in 1944/45 destroyed large parts of the city. Of the 1500 half-timbered houses, only 200 remained. 90 percent of the historic old town was destroyed in the firestorm. - Bishop Gunthar, who was in office in Hildesheim from 815 to 834 had a small basilica built. This served as the original cathedral. The next cathedral was built by Bishop Altfried in 872 as a cruciform three-aisled basilica with a two-story westwork. The building suffered severe fire damage in 1046. Bishop Hezilo built then incorporated the surviving walls into the new building using the foundation of the former basilica. Until the 14th century, further profound changes took place, but without deviating from the ground plan of the basilica. The side chapels date from the Gothic period. From 1840 to 1850, the original west building, which had fallen into disrepair, was replaced by a neo-Romanesque double tower front, which remained in place until 1945. During the air raids on Hildesheim in WWII, the cathedral was completely destroyed except for the west building, the southern nave arcades, and the outer walls. Only the crypt and the Laurentius Chapel from the 11th century were preserved. The cathedral was rebuilt in a simplified form between 1950 and 1960. The baroque elements were abandoned in favor of a form that took its cue from the early Romanesque style. - The Bernwardstür (Bernward Doors) are a pair of Romanesque bronze doors, made in 1015. They were commissioned by Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim. The door leaves were each cast from one piece. In view of the dimensions and the enormous weight (approx. 1.85 t each) of the door leaves, this is a great feat of craftsmanship for those times. The door was made using the lost wax casting method, which placed the highest demands on the workers in the foundry, as the mold could only be used once. The doors depict scenes from the Book of Genesis (left door) arranged in parallel to scenes from the Gospels (right door). The scenes are organized based on the principle that Adam and Christ mirror each other - with Christ's sacrificial death redeeming Adam's sin. They are considered a masterpiece of Ottonian art and feature the oldest known monumental image cycle in German sculpture, and also the oldest cycle of images cast in metal in Germany.

The "Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta" is often described as the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. The construction started in 1396, on the site of the earlier Romanesque cathedral. Works did not finish until 1770 with the completion of the Rococo cupola. The tympanum above the entrance depicts the Adoration of the Magi. Since I have already uploaded many photos from previous visits to Como, I will now add only a few.

Modena, an Etruscan foundation, was an important city in the Roman Empire and a stronghold against the barbarian attacks at its end. It is said that it was never sacked by Attila, for a dense fog hid it (a miracle said to be provided by Saint Geminianus, patron of Modena), but it was eventually buried by a great flood in the 7th century and abandoned. Towards the end of the 9th century, Modena was rebuilt and fortified by its bishop Ludovicus. When the construction of the cathedral began in 1099, the city was part of the possessions of Margravine Matilda of Tuscia. But when the building was consecrated by Lucius III in 1184, it was a free commune. In the wars between Frederick II and Gregory IX, it sided with the emperor. Two churches built since the 5th century on the site of the present cathedral were both destroyed when Modena got resettled. A church was erected that soon was too small and a large cathedral was planned. Work on the present cathedral began in 1099 under the direction of the master builder Lanfranco. The first stone was laid in 1099 with the support of Matilda of Tuscia. A plaque outside the main apse gives 23 May 1099 as the date of the foundation of the new Modena Cathedral and also the name of the architect Lanfranco. The cathedral was consecrated by Pope Lucius III in 1184. However, the cathedral was not completed until 1322. The Magi

Due to its location and importance, Benevento was an important base for Roman rule in southern Italy for centuries. After the expansion of the Lombards, Benevento became the seat of Lombard dukes but repeatedly fell into dependence on the Franks and the German emperors. In 840, Benevento was occupied by the Muslims for a few years. The city has been the seat of the Archbishopric of Benevento since 969. In 1047 it fell into the hands of Norman princes with the exception of the city, which Emperor Henry III gave to Leo IX in 1053. In the 11th and 12th centuries, four councils were held in Benevento. On February 26, 1266, in the Battle of Benevento, the Hohenstaufen Manfred, natural son of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, was defeated by Charles of Anjou, after which the latter seized Apulia, Sicily, and Tuscia. The Duomo di Benevento Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishops of Benevento. It dates back to the Longobard foundation of the Duchy of Benevento in the late 8th century, but was largely rebuilt in the 1960s after being destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. The massive bell tower was built beginning in 1279, as an inscription on the east facade attests. It remained largely undamaged during the bombings. Benevento Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishops of Benevento. It dates back to the Longobard foundation of the Duchy of Benevento in the late 8th century, but was largely rebuilt in the 1960s after being destroyed by Allied bombing during World War II. The medieval bronze door, created around 1200, was found in fragments in the rubble of the church after the bombings of 1944. However, it could be reconstructed almost completely. The content of the door consists of two parts. The upper two-thirds is filled with a relief cycle on the life of Jesus. The lower third consists of individual figures. The life of Jesus is depicted in 43 scenes, from the Annunciation to the Ascension. Ursula Mende, author of "The Bronze Doors of the Middle Ages" sees strong parallels with the mosaics in the Cathedral of Monreale and ivory works from Byzantium of the 11th century. The finely crafted figures look almost plastic against the background. The Magi in different situations. On the very left they are on the journey, following the star. Next to it, they stand in front of King Herod. Then follows in chronology the image on the far right. The Magi are warned in the dream by an angel. Then (finally) the Magi adorate the child.

After the fall of the Roman Empire and the defeat of the Goths and Lombards, Apulia was reconquered by the Byzantine Empire. A Byzantine monastery was founded to control the population, which suffered from a heavy tax burden. After the expulsion of the Byzantines from Bari by Norman Roberto il Guiscardo in 1071 things changed. Bitetto was elevated to a bishopric and the archbishop received nearby Bitritto as a fief. The town was destroyed twice in 1164 by William the Wicked (Guglielmo il Malo) during the rebellion against his father Roger II. The church served as the cathedral of the diocese of Bitetto , which existed until 1818. The cathedral was built between 1026 and 1089, but the current appearance is due to a reconstruction in 1335, carried out by Master Lillo da Barletta. Further changes were made in the 16th century. These alterations required a new consecration so that in 1613 the cathedral, already consecrated in honor of Maria Assunta, was dedicated to the Archangel Michael. The portal has an early Gothic tympanum (prev upload) and older Romanesque sides, probably from the first construction. Here are four panels, the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, and the Massacre of the Innocents.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek, and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. - Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. The "Palazzo dei Normanni" (also called "Royal Palace") was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman rule. The building was the imperial residence of Frederick II and Conrad IV. The first construction here was probably started in the 9th century by the Emir of Palermo. After the Norman conquest of Sicily in 1072, the palace became the main residence of the kings. The Normans rebuilt the former Arab palace for their needs. In 1132, King Roger II added the famous Cappella Palatina to the complex. The "Cappella Palatina" was built between 1132 and 1140 under King Roger II in the Norman-Arab-Byzantine style as a royal chapel inside the "Palazzo dei Normanni". It was inaugurated in 1140, but was not yet completed at the death of Roger II in 1154. The interior is breathtaking for any visitor. Unfortunately, there are no seats for the elderly who are dazzled by the splendor. The workshop that created the mosaics here also worked in Monreale, so the mosaics often look very similar. The Nativity Scene, the Magi, the First Bath. I have already uploaded a lot of photos previously taken here. Now I will add only a few. If you want to see more, follow this link: www.ipernity.com/doc/323415/album/1333402

Salerno (pop. ~ 130.000) is located on the Gulf of Salerno on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The site has been one of the most important and strategic ports on the Mediterranean sea, yielding a rich Greco-Roman heritage. It was an independent Lombard principality in the early Middle Ages. The Normans in 1077 made Salerno the capital of their rule in all of southern Italy. In the 16th century, under the Sanseverino family, among the most powerful feudal lords in southern Italy, the city became a center of learning, culture, and the arts. Salerno has been the seat of an archbishop since 983 and the city's medical school is famous for being the first college or "university" of medieval Europe. The Diocesan Museum is best known for the "Salerno Ivories". A collection of ivory plaques from around the 11th or 12th century that contain elements of Early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic art as well as influences from Western Romanesque and Anglo-Saxon art. It is the largest unified set of ivory carvings preserved from the pre-Gothic Middle Ages and depicts narrative scenes from both the Old and New Testaments. It is supposed the ivories originated in either Salerno or Amalfi, which both contain identified ivory workshops, however, neither has been definitively linked to the plaques so the city of origin remains unknown. The Magi visiting Herod / The Magi adorating

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the baptistery of Florence Cathedral. The time of origin is disputed, the church was consecrated in the 11th century. The church stands on the foundations of a Roman building. The first reliable source dates from 897, when an ecclesia (church) dedicated to John the Baptist and facing the bishop's palace is mentioned. Today's building dates from the 11th century at the earliest. The octagon had been a common shape for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times. The construction was finished in 1128. An octagonal lantern was added to the roof around 1150. It was enlarged with a rectangular entrance porch in 1202, leading into the original western entrance of the building, that in the 15th century became an apse, after the opening of the eastern door facing the western door of the cathedral by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The interior is divided into a lower part with columns and an upper part with a corridor. The interior walls are clad in dark green and white marble inlaid with geometric designs. The marble lining of the interior began in the second half of the eleventh century. From 1225, the dome was decorated with one of the world's largest mosaic cycles, with a diameter of 26 m in eight rings by famous artists such as Giotto or Cimabue; This mosaic, dominated by a mighty figure of Christ, was only completed after 50 years. The cyclorama was created between 1260 and 1275 and has a diameter of eight meters. Details of the mosaic: The sleeping Magi

Florentina was established in Roman times as a settlement for veteran soldiers. The name had changed already when young Charlemagne conquered the town in 774. It became part of the Duchy of Tuscany, with Lucca as the capital. Around 1000 Margrave Hugo chose Florence as residency instead of Lucca. After the death of Matilda of Tuscany (1115), the Florentines formed a republic ruled by a council. The town prospered, despite a constant fight between the different factions and noble families. In the 15th century, Florence was among the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. This was when the Medici family entered the political scene. As a dynasty of art-loving, power-hungry bankers, they made Florence the birthplace of the Renaissance. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is the baptistery of Florence Cathedral. The time of origin is disputed, the church was consecrated in the 11th century. The church stands on the foundations of a Roman building. The first reliable source dates from 897, when an ecclesia (church) dedicated to John the Baptist and facing the bishop's palace is mentioned. Today's building dates from the 11th century at the earliest. The octagon had been a common shape for baptisteries for many centuries since early Christian times. The construction was finished in 1128. An octagonal lantern was added to the roof around 1150. It was enlarged with a rectangular entrance porch in 1202, leading into the original western entrance of the building, that in the 15th century became an apse, after the opening of the eastern door facing the western door of the cathedral by Lorenzo Ghiberti. The interior is divided into a lower part with columns and an upper part with a corridor. The interior walls are clad in dark green and white marble inlaid with geometric designs. The marble lining of the interior began in the second half of the eleventh century. From 1225, the dome was decorated with one of the world's largest mosaic cycles, with a diameter of 26 m in eight rings by famous artists such as Giotto or Cimabue; This mosaic, dominated by a mighty figure of Christ, was only completed after 50 years. The cyclorama was created between 1260 and 1275 and has a diameter of eight meters. Details of the mosaic: The Magi adorating