Wandering down the 13th century, 130 metre long rue Obscure (the dark street), which used to be part of the defensive walls of the town and is where the locals used to hide from invaders who were bombing the village from the sea.
A couple strolls hand in hand up a scenic staircase in a coastal town of Villefranche sur mer, framed by an iconic clock tower. The town features charming alleyways with vibrant yellow walls, colorful buildings, lush greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere, reflecting the essence of Mediterranean life and inviting exploration.
During our visit to French Riviera we saw this amazing sky, so deep colors and beautiful contrast between the colors of the sea and the intensity of the clouds – amazing sight!
After my walk, first taking in the beautiful fall colors on the ” big”road, to enter the small roads between spruce forest, I arrived to this lovely lake view. It was a glorious October morning, all quiet and still. This were my first shots as I came to my destination – a peaceful moment by the lake.
more to follow…
Still looking over the roof tops, these two towers near and far, with slightly different angles.
The Church of St. Mary in Hollola was built between the years 1495-1510: the vestry in ca. 1495, the main body in 1500, and armoury after 1505. The church of Hollola is the third largest medieval parish church in Finland and the oldest public building in Päijät- Häme region. The church, built in the mother parish of Greater Hollola, into the crossing of waterway Lake Päijänne – Lake Vesijärvi – Porvoonjoki river and the road Ylinen Viipurintie, was very centrally located. The massive stone church with high-pitched shingle roof, richly decorated gables, great cornerstones and strong granite walls, was a welcoming shelter for a traveller, kneeling down before the south side open-air altar or the altar in the armoury.
The church was built in Roman Catholic times and signs of the bygone era can still be seen: four pillars divide the church into two naves and the ribs of the two easternmost circular star vaults are decorated with paintings that indicate the area of the then main altar. The dedication crosses painted on the walls, eleven in total, witness of the dedication of the building and of the fact that Church is built upon the teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Above the door to the vestry, remains of painting depicting two angels carrying a monstrance, can be seen. This reminds the visitor of the reality of Christ in the Communion and in the Holy Place. On the base of the easternmost pillar there is the oldest piece in the church. The baptismal font, carved by master of Vehmaa in late 14th century reminds us of baptism, the sacrament of joining the Church.
During the Middle Ages, the church was lavishly decorated with wood sculptures. Twenty-four figures still exist, however their original screens have been lost. The patron saint of the church, St. Mary, has for instance been the main figure in the altar screen consisting of eight smaller figures. Today these are scattered in all parts of the church. The present antemensale, with the same motive as in the painting above the vestry, gives us a glimpse of the splendour of the medieval furnishing of the building. The doors of the church are beautiful examples of medieval wood carving and forging work, especially the door between armoury and nave. This one, with motives of lilies and the hunt of St. Hubert, is generally admired.
The belltower was built in 1829-1831 according to C. L. Engel drafts. The ground floor of the tower has a cold room for the deceased as well as a room for close relatives.
text from:https://www.geocaching.com
The Central Thermae were bath houses built around the first century AD. Bath houses were very common at that time, especially in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Per common practice, there were two different bath areas, one for men and the other for women. These houses were extremely popular, attracting many visitors daily. This cultural hub was also home to several works of art, which can be found in various areas of the Central Thermae site.
Details from the floor and walls…so amazing
Herculaneum was an ancient Roman town destroyed by volcanic pyroclastic flows in 79 AD. Its ruins are located in the commune of Ercolano, Campania, Italy.s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous as one of the few ancient cities that can now be seen in much of its original splendour, as well as for having been lost, along with Pompeii, in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 that buried it. Unlike Pompeii, the deep pyroclastic material which covered it preserved wooden and other organic-based objects such as roofs, beds, doors, food and even some 300 skeletons which were surprisingly discovered in recent years along the seashore.
Here are few shots seen when entering the the site and The “Boat houses” where skeletons were found.
As we walked on the pebble roads, you could find signs carved in to the stoens showing the way to the gentlemans club…on the wall tou could see pictures of services provided. Conveniently next to the brothel was a doctor’s office
I visited Pompei last summer and I then posted few photos, but as I am on a roll with travel photos I will post few post of how I saw the place, what caught my attention. These are over all photos, the place is huge and it is quite amazing how it has persevered time.
Most of my photos are about the locals, the way of life there. I found that there were not so many sights to see there. The difference is so vast that it left an impression. The colors, the strong sun, poverty and skooters and cars and that there was so many people everywhere.
This place is located close to Miramar beach in Panaji . Lanes leading to this place are narrow and under construction. Our driver took us through the locals way. This place has a nice promenade right into the sea and there are many shops on one side selling local handicrafts, clothes and snacks. the other tourists were mainly locals. We climbed up the stairs to the top and enjoy a great view of the vast Arabian sea in front.
Panjim is India’s smallest capital city and was occupied by the Portuguese for over 450 years.
This old district or latin quarter has a completely different atmosphere from the hustle and bustle of the main city, with its Mediterranean appearance, narrow streets and overhanging balconies of the ancient Portuguese style houses.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 