Sunday 20 March 2011

Architecture, Age, & Beauty.

One of the greatest pleasures of living in Europe, is being surrounded by its early architecture. Whether it be a tiny cottage, a chateau, or an ancient church, there are buildings around every corner that make us gasp.

Medieval churches are everywhere. Yesterday I passed through the tiny village of Martignac, near Puy L'Eveque in The Lot, where the church is filled with very early primative murals (unfortunately I forgot my camera; but I'll return), and these are not uncommon. In many countries, Martignac's church would be a building of national importance; here it is just taken for granted, and rather neglected.

Above is a good example of what is almost commonplace. The 11th Century church of St Martin in Besse; a village about 15 Kms from us, complete with its original stone roof, a few recently discovered interior paintings, and a spectacular carved doorway. Luckily, all very well cared for.

When I see the abundance of fairy-tale vernacular domestic building in my area, I just wonder if the original builders realised how beautiful they were; or simply did things as they'd always been done? I do like to think that they were all men of impeccable taste.

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10 comments:

  1. Not only do you have beautiful architecture where you are, but things are wonderfully well made too. Buildings were made to last....not quickly put together as many are now. Your picture is fascinating in the beauty of the cathedral. I was lucky enough to visit your part of the world a few years back and so enjoyed it. It was like taking a step back in time. All the buildings seemed so charming....like they had been there for centuries and will for so many more.
    Interesting post!

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  2. I am always enthralled by early architecture. Such a pity we can't replicate such style and craftsmanship in modern buildings. (The carvings around the door of the church in Besse are fascinating. I must remember to go and seek out the church in Martignac soon.)

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  3. What a beautiful building...so graceful.

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  4. Wonderful - have you ever visited the Saxon church in Bradford on Avon? Maybe I'll do a post on it (if I haven't already...)

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  5. Tom. I remember having to write about it for my A level exam. It's a Saxon classic.

    Sue. You won't be disappointed. Martignac is worderful; and usually open! If not, just ask for the key next door.

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  6. It's really stunning. My little Julia would love this as she's all about castles and such lately.

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  7. What a shame that church is just being taken for granted and neglected especially if it's anything like the picture above. Next time you go by,Cro remember your camera. Would love to see a picture of it!

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  8. These magnificent building where erected when we viewed time differently. A home was built to house generations, so it didn't matter that it took years to form. Today...twelve weeks tops...we want to be moved in, ready to flip it in a year. Signs of the times Cro.

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  9. Magical. A thrill to see both inside and out. Thanks for sharing this with us, Cro.

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  10. Thank you for sharing. A stunning place like the village of Martignac should attract a writer as a place for living and writing a book there. I wonder if there is a writer living in the village.

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