The following images are from my working vacation to the Riviera, southern France, Andorra, and Catalunya with my daughter Susan as a college graduation present.

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In the Middle Ages every Christian was expected to make the pilgrimage to one of several sacred places like San Sebastian in Spain. There were many routes- we followed one on purpose and happened onto others in our wanderings. Many of the buildings shown have Roman foundations, or sections of walls, arches, and ceilings from earlier structures. These early buildings were important because their builders were developing artistic ideas, as well as technology such as taller buildings as a result of light flying buttresses, and the information was carried home by the pilgrims. The purpose of the sculpture was to teach the Bible to people who could not read- it was plain and spoke powerfully.

Le Thonnet Monastery 12th Century

BEAUCAIRE AREA these buildings are from the XI and XII Centuries. The church is fortified against attack.

Arles St. Trophime
This church is truly one of the world's great treasures. It was an honor to be there. The local kids 'hang' here and I had to ask them to duck while I took the pictures. That is how we met the awesome singer of songs from Jerusalem named Emannuel. He gave us a tour of this ancient and wonderful city at the entry to the Rhone River. Foundations for one of the churches go back to an ancient temple for human sacrifice.

St. Gilles- a very important early church in a tiny town, circa 870 AD. The panels hold sculptures that are like folk art.
We arrived at 3:00 AM after talking with Emannuel at Arles until midnight. It felt like we were also on a pilgrimage.

On the steps of this church the First Crusade left to start their wake of killing and destruction as well as land grabbing. The pope and French kings were in on the deal. Afterwards the tradition continued with the Inquisition.

Another fortified church with openings on only one side.
I liked the communion table (or baptism area) in front of the church.

ON THE RIVER ARIEGE

This chapel was built incorporating a Roman tower. The entry is through a small cave and a crypt. There are many foundations attached from Roman times, as well as earlier foundations which seem to be a mystery from an earlier age. This is a very spiritual place with a beautiful view of the Pyrenees.

Notice Roman arch, and view into crypt directly below.

Ancient fresco just barely visible.

Andorra Shangri-La gone sour with over development.
The ancient churches have a unique feel- usually with wood porches.

The walls on the left hold caskets in many rows for viewing.

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E-Mail to: Gary Turpening ALA (952) 469-5294