The dome over the main chapel of the Cathedral of Granada is in a hemispheric fashion, constructed with stone and glass. Resulting from a recent restoration, the golden stars on the dome shine anew as they did in the XVII century. The main “oculus” or eye of the dome is surrounded by petal forms. Oil paintings and ten stained glass windows adorn the dome. These narrate the story of salvation.
From above, the main altar of the church or “Colegiata Santa María la Mayor” in Ronda. This temple was built over an old “aljama*” mosque of the city dated to the XIII century. Its construction works began following the re-conquest in 1486 and lasted close to 200 years. As a result, one can find differente architectural styles used, basically Gothic and Mannerist. The latter style incorporates multiple architectural elements without necessarily having a specific function.
*aljama – is a term of Arabic origin used in old official documents in Spain and Portugal to designate the self-governing communities of Moors and Jews living under Christian rule in the Iberian Peninsula.
The Catholic Kings as a sign of appreciation for the victory in the Battle of Toro in 1476 by which Queen Isabel’s succession to the throne was finally resolved, order the construction of this monastery in Toledo. Continue reading “Saint John of the Kings Monastery in Toledo”
This “Puerta del Perdón” or Gate (Gateway) to Forgiveness is considered to be the oldest that grants access to the Cathedral of Seville. This arch’s existence is first referenced in 1196 when the emir al-mu´minin, Abu Yusuf ordered the expansion of the Mosque’s layout.
The Saint Augustine Church in the “Puerta de Tierra” ward of San Juan, Puerto Rico is the most impressive structure built by the Redemptorist Order of Priests. Continue reading “Saint Augustine Church in San Juan”
The Palace of Justice in Écija of the Province of Seville was inspired on the “Alhambra” of Granada. It is of the XX Century and original belonged to two local sisters nicknamed “las Tomasas” This is the reason why the building is commonly referred to as the Palace of the “Tomasas”. The sisters had been so impressed with the “Alhambra” that they incorporated many of the elements they had seen into this structure. Currently, the building is the cede for the City’s Justice Department and continues to be one of the buildings most admired by tourists and visitors of the city.
The “Colegiata Santa María la Mayor” in Ronda exhibits two different architectural styles, Gothic and Mannerism. This latter style en reference to many diverse architectural elements fond in this structure, without the same meeting a specific function. This occurred given the long period of time of construction which began in 1486 and lasted almost 200 years. This temple was built over the old mosque (Dated back to the XIII Century). Continue reading ““Colegiata Santa María la Mayor” of Ronda”
The Mosque of the Christ of Light in Toledo is much like a precious gem, small but priceless. It is one of the most important monuments of Spanish and Moorish architecture in Spain. We found the following legend which might help explain why it is called the Christ of Light. Continue reading “Mosque of the Christ of Light”
It was unique experience to be able to view the “Alcázar” and the Holy Mary Cathedral of Toledo also referenced as the Prime Cathedral of Spain, from the towers of the Church of the Jesuits.
Granada was the city selected by the Catholic Kings to be their final resting place. Continue reading “The Royal Chapel – Granada”