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CIAO ADRIANO

The Abbey Church of Vézelay

(Basilique Ste-Madeleine)

Early September 2007

THE ROUTE TO DATE WITH MAPS OF FRANCE AND OF ITS MEDIEVAL PILGRIMAGE ROADS

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Some starter 2007 images of one of the World's most beautiful spaces

You can find out all about the interesting history of Vézelay's Basilica from Paradoxplace

The ancient pilgrimage church at the top of a hill where the Second Crusade was launched , the forces of the Third Crusade were assembled, and Thomas Becket excommunicated the King of England.

Vézelay - the famous "Last Judgement" Tympanum, with accompanying Zodiac / Monthly Labours in sculpted medallions (of which we have individual photos)

Unhappy people occupying the right end of the main lintel

Vézelay - Peter and Paul converse above the right pillar of the main entrance from the Narthex.

Vézelay - the light-filled Nave of the Basilica

Today's carers of the Basilique are the Fraternité Monastique de Jérusalem, seen here at their 12.30 daily service.  The church has a magic sound quality, and the Franernité's bright four part polyphonic singing was a very uplifting change from some less competent male Gregorian chanting we have been subjected to.  The service ended with a beautiful hymn set to the tune of "Quem Pastores".   

Vézelay - Moses mills with Paul in the most famous of the 100 or so narrative capitals

Whilst higher up Eve discusses apples with God .....

and Noah discusses the weather forecast with his missus

Vézelay - the open light filled Ambulatory

Go to the Page LIst for a full listing of pages and their status

All material © Adrian Fletcher 2000-08 - The contents may not be reproduced without permission - Adrian Fletcher can be contacted at afletch at paradoxplace dot com