Unique Crafts at European Christmas Markets

Other than the crowds, there isn’t much not to love about the Christmas markets that can be found throughout Europe. With beer, wine, savory food, and sweets, they will definitely leave you with your senses satisfied, but the main reason for going to the Christmas markets is to see the unique vendors selling interesting crafts. We found several items throughout our various visits to cities to bring home as a reminder of our time there.

Interesting Fairy Masks
Whimsical Figurines
Unique Gifts

Obviously we were limited on what we could buy without having to ship things home, so we did more “window shopping” than actual shopping. That didn’t stop us for enjoying some of the more unique items that could be found for sale in the markets. In fact, in many cases we had to take a photograph of the items just so that we could remember them better. This year will likely be far different than years past with large crowds and hundreds of vendors selling their items, but hopefully they will occur in some shape or form.

Handmade Christmas Decorations
Colorful Details on the Holiday Figurines
We Bought a Mozart Luminary from this Vendor

You don’t have to live in Europe to enjoy European style Christmas markets. We have been to wonderful ones in Denver as well as Chicago and we’re sure that there are ones in most major cities, especially those with a heavy European influence.

A Little Bit of Everything
Intricate Candles
Angels Galore

Enjoying the Artwork on the Interior of Dome Ceilings

We always look up at the ceilings of places that we visit, especially if the building has a dome. Many of them are in cathedral, but not all of them. Throughout our history, people have been fascinated with the sky and the stars and often imagined what might exist up there. In many cases they use the ceilings to paint what they imagine might be beyond the clouds that hovered over their heads.

So Many Murals Inside of a Dome
Windows Inside of a Dome
The Cathedral of Granada – Cathedral of the Incarnation
One of the Domes Inside of a Mosque in Cairo
Beautiful Artwork in the Dome in Lucca
Ceiling of the Dome in a Church in Cairo

In other cases, artists just used the dome ceilings to create works of art that tell a story that changes with the direction you face as you look up at it. Sometimes the artist will just use the geometrical shape to create a unique look inside of the dome. Regardless of the style of artwork, looking up at interior of domes is something that is worth taking the time to pause and enjoy.

Looking Up at the Dome
Monastery Dome in Romania
Simplicity of a Dome in Rome
Dome Inside of Another Dome
Different Angle of the Dome of the Church in Cairo
Colorful Domed Ceiling Above an Altar in France

The St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana

Located in Jackson Square in New Orleans is the St. Louis Cathedral. The cathedral dominates the skyline as you walk around the square or along the waterfront. We had visited during the holidays, so the interior of the church was decorated for Christmas, adding to the beauty of cathedral. Although there has been a church on the grounds since 1721, the St. Louis Cathedral was constructed between 1789 and the initial completion occurred in December of 1794. There were many enhancements to the cathedral over the years, including the addition of a clock and bells.

Jackson Square, Andrew Jackson’s Statue, and the St. Louis Cathedral
The Cathedral Organ
The Altar Display
The Baptistry

In 1964, the St. Louis Cathedral was dedicated as a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI. There is a statue of Andrew Jackson across from the cathedral to commemorate his triumph over the British which occurred there. The ceilings of the cathedral have wonderful artwork, which is quite beautiful to see. One of the most fascinating features within the cathedral is the Scallop Shell Pulpit that allows the voice of the speaker to bounce off of the soundboard and back towards the congregation.

St. Louis Cathedral
Ornate Ceiling
Scallop Shell Pulpit
The Cathedral Interior

Although the cathedral has actually been rebuilt three times, it is the oldest continually active cathedral in the United States. Needless to say, there are many places to see when planning a visit to New Orleans, but seeing the St. Louis Cathedral should certainly be on your itinerary. You will likely find many different performers and people selling local art in the courtyard outside of the church entrance.

At the Edge of the Park
Walking into Jackson Square
Looking Up at the Clock Tower
Nativity Scene Inside the Cathedral
Stained Glass Window
Joan of Arc Statue