Yesterday was another rainy day, but we definitely made the most of it. First we went to the Parliament Building, then saw the monument called “The Shoes on the Danube” (which we’ll explain later), the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, a wine tasting, and then the Hungarian National Museum before heading to dinner. It was exhausting, but completely satisfying. It seems like the weather is turning better, so we are definitely looking forward to drying out over the next couple of days. There are still so many things to see, but until then, here are a few photos of our day.
Parliament BuildingShoes on the DanubeInside of the National MuseumWalking to the BasilicaWine TastingInside of the St. Stephen’s BasilicaStanding in Front of the Parliament BuildingMuseum Exhibit
Visiting the Lucca Cathedral was one of the highlights of the time that we spent touring the city of Lucca in Italy. One of the most fascinating things about the cathedral is the different colors of the bell tower due to the different materials that were used in its construction. The base of the tower is made of quartz stone, while the top floors are made of white limestone, making for an interesting contrast. Another interesting feature of the cathedral are the three arches that are part of the entrance. One of the arches is smaller than the other two due to the fact that the bell tower existed at the time of the construction and the architects reduced the size of the third arch to accommodate the tower.
Colorful Ceiling Within the CathedralThe Last SupperCathedral EntranceDifferent Columns on the Façade
Construction began on the Lucca Cathedral in 1063, but there were many changes over the years, including Gothic features that were added in the 14th century. There is some very interesting artwork and reliefs within the church, but one of the most important objects within the cathedral is the Holy Face of Lucca, also known as the Sacred Countenance. It is a wood crucifix with the image of Christ that was carved in the 1st century and is the most precious relic in Lucca. Another interesting feature within the Lucca Cathedral is the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, which is considered to be a masterpiece.
Holy Face of LuccaMarble Statues Inside of the CathedralTomb of Ilaria del CarrettoBeautiful Artwork in the Dome
Another interesting feature of the Lucca Cathedral are the columns on the façade that are of varying styles. Legend has it that the city commissioned three different artists to design the columns for the cathedral. When the artists presented their work, the town’s people apparently decided to use the columns from all three without paying them for their work. In addition to the columns of the façade, the marble entranceway is quite stunning with more unique columns and detailed reliefs above the doors.
Lucca Cathedral from the Torre GuinigiRenaissance ArtworkDomed Shrine Housing the Holy Face of LuccaDetailed ReliefsCathedral Entrance
Lucca Cathedral is definitely one of the most prominent buildings in the city of Lucca. With its unique coloring, beautiful artwork, and interesting design, it is different than most of cathedrals that we visited in Europe. Lucca itself is a wonderful walled city with medieval architecture and is worth at least visiting when in Tuscany. In addition to the Lucca Cathedral, there is also the Torre Guinigi, which is a tower with trees on the roof that provides wonderful views of the city.
Full View of Ilaria del Carretto’s TombChanging Colors of the Bell TowerMore ArtworkAnother Tomb in the Cathedral
Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, also known as the Abu Serga Church as well as the Cavern Church, is an important historical and religious landmark in Cairo, Egypt. The church is supposed to be built on the spot where Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus rested at the end of their journey into Egypt. The church is dedicated to Sergius and Bacchus who were soldiers in the 4th century that were killed by the Roman Emperor Maximian and achieved martyrdom and sainthood.
Carving at the Entrance to the ChurchChurch AltarSome of the Many RelicsOne of the Many DisplaysCavern Where the Holy Family Stayed
The church is one of the oldest in Egypt and dates back to sometime in the 4th or 5th century. It is located near the Babylon Fortress in Cairo and it was believed that Joseph may have been one of the people to work on the construction of the fortress. We visited the Abu Serga Church as part of a tour of the section of Cairo known as Coptic Cairo where there are a variety of historical sites.
Plaque Outside of the Cavern EntranceWell Where the Family DrankBaptismalCrowds Enjoying the ChurchPainting of the Holy Family
The interior of the church is quite fascinating and contains a variety of ancient relics. It is a popular location for tourists to visit and you will find yourself in a line of people as you make your way through the actual cavern inside of the church. There is also a well within the church that is believed that the Holy Family drank from. With such historical, religious, and cultural significance, visiting the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church is definitely worth doing while you are in Cairo.
Sign for the Sites in Coptic CairoHistoric BibleView of the ChurchAnother View of the CavernAnother Painting in the ChurchOrnate Details
