Gothic Papal Palace in Avignon II by brewgirlca
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
As I said in the previous upload, the Papal Palace in Avignon in southern France, was at once both a palace and a fortress. What might look to you like decorative Christian crosses cut through the walls are for crosses of a different sort� namely crossbows and longbows. These are part of the defensive structures of the Palace. I will show you another ingenious wicked defensive feature in the near future. Believe it or not it was besieged twice, once in 1398 and a second time from 1410-1411; both times were during the Papal Schism when it was under control of antipopes. The papacy had returned to Rome in 1377 but the French were not willing to give up the power of the papacy and so two French popes were elected in Avignon while there was another pope serving in Rome.
This is looking at the main gate straight on and above the entrance you can see a tiny symbol set in the wall. This is a bishop's cap and shield, to signify this is the residence of the Pope. Overall, this entrance fairly reeks of brutal power and intimidation. You had better have an invite if you hoped to get inside.
Comments (25)
Very cool capture and history. can't wait to see the inside the longbow and crossbow made life(death) interesting to say the least.
Amazing shot
Cool capture, Roxy-sensei! I feel bit creepy.
So much for "turn the other cheek" & "the meek shall inherit the earth", huh? Your POV effectively accentuates the imposing presence of this structure...
so cool! did you have an invite?? would love the inside shots also.
@eekdog. I paid a fee and so like most things Catholic that was good enough to gain entrance :-)
This is the very image of Greed and Power, IMHO. But what a perfect Gothic image. A most beautiful shot Roxy. I love this.
WOW! Outstanding capture...the B&W really does it justice!
Intimidating place!
The perspective makes the building stand up in the sky ..... GREAT, Roxy
Great capture and history! Your boarder looks like smoke and after reading your description it now looks very intimidating.
I'll wait outside ;) Nice capture, Roxy.
Imagine the people it took to build it over many years...
Another great shot! Thank you Roxy. Now, can I move in ;)
fantastic image of the palace.
a quite stunning structure
This is such a dramatic look in capture, Roxie. I very much enjoyed the background information you provided
Quite Amazing and so beautiful. Thank you for sharing this treasure!
wonderful shot , I like it
Very cool castle!!!!!!
An impressive and imposing edifice indeed! Many folks do think those 'crosses' are purely decorative, but they are 'pointedly' wrong about that! A great capture, Roxy - now you have me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see this 'wicked defensive feature' you speak of!
You've definitely captured it's spirit of intimidation. Interesting tidbit on the symbol above the door. I've always enjoyed the irony of holy places founded on love, peace and tolerance seem to have the best fortifications. I guess it takes a lot to defend and enforce one's point of view.
From France to dreams of Wyoming...what more can you ask for? You have a great eye for detail!
Beautiful place and shot my friend!!!
I love this one! Pov. makes it really impressive.