#episcopal palace

[jkrikis]

camino frances / astorga

© 2023  Yiannis Krikis

[wgm-beautiful-world]

PALACIO EPISCOPAL DE ASTORGA - ESPAÑA

[postcard-from-the-past]

Episcopal Palace in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil

Brazilian vintage postcard

[eopederson3]

Ángeles en el jardín episcopal, Astorga, 1998.

[rabbitcruiser]

Solsona, Spain (No. 3)

The Episcopal Palace of Solsona, attached to the cathedral , is a building from the late  18th century, in a neoclassical style in Solsona, Spain. It is the seat of the bishopric of Solsona.

Taking into account the deficiencies that the episcopal see presented, Bishop Rafael Lasala entrusted the construction of a palace, between the years 1776 - 1779, to the master builder Francesc Pons. The main façade of the palace is considered a typical representation of the Catalan neoclassical. It is built on an old monastery.

Inside the palace there are also the Diocesan Archive and the Diocesan and Regional Museum of Solsona, 2 which keeps remains from the periods ranging from the Neolithic to the Baroque. It has important Romanesque pieces , such as the paintings from the Church of San Quirico de Pedret, the altarpiece from the monastery of Sant Jaume de Frontanyà, a column with attached figures, from the Romanesque cloister of the Solsona cathedral, the sides of the altar of Sagás, as well as important examples of Gothic and Renaissance, and a room dedicated to salt sculptures.

Source: Wikipedia

[postcard-from-the-past]

100 years ago:

Building in Aix en Provence, France - during a morning walk 

[niteshade925]

Apr 11, Xi'an, China, Beilin Museum (Stele Forest):

I must preface this post with an unfortunate news: because the Museum dug up a Tang dynasty taimiao/太庙 (imperial ancestral shrine) within the Museum area itself while renovating, all of the actual steles have been moved in order to begin excavation, and all we saw were ink rubbings of the steles. I will provide some pics I found online of the actual steles where possible.

Jingjiao Stele/大秦景教流行中国碑:

First up is one of the most famous steles of the Beilin Museum, known in the West as the Jingjiao Stele or the Nestorian Stele. The actual name is 大秦景教流行中国碑, which translates to "Memorial of the Propagation in China of Jingjiao from Daqin". Jingjiao/景教 is the ancient Chinese name of Church of the East, and Daqin/大秦 is the ancient Chinese name for Eastern Roman Empire. The stele was first erected in 781 AD (Tang dynasty, during reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang).

This stele is not only valuable because of what it records, but also because it has Syriac on it too:

According to Wikipedia this is what the Syriac text on the bottom says:

"In the year of the Greeks one thousand and ninety-two, the Lord Yazedbuzid, Priest and Vicar-episcopal of Cumdan the royal city, son of the enlightened Mailas, Priest of Balach a city of Turkestan, set up this tablet, whereon is inscribed the Dispensation of our Redeemer, and the preaching of the apostolic missionaries to the King of China. ["The Priest Lingpau", in Chinese] "Adam the Deacon, son of Yazedbuzid, vicar-episcopal. The Lord Sergius, Priest and Vicar-episcopal. Sabar Jesus, Priest. Gabriel, Priest, Archdeacon, and Ecclesiarch of Cumdan and Sarag."

Here's the full view of the actual stele and the full text:

Letter about a Stomachache/肚痛帖:

This is my personal favorite, by famous Tang dynasty calligrapher Zhang Xu/张旭 (685 ? - 759 ?). This work is hailed as one of the greatest examples of Caoshu/Cursive Script/草书.

The actual contents are quite funny, however, and it roughly reads:

忽肚痛不可堪，

"Suddenly I have an unbearable stomachache,

不知是冷熱所致，

I don't know if it's because of the cold or the heat,

欲服大黃湯，

I wanted to drink some medicine,

冷熱俱有益。

Which should alleviate the symptoms regardless of the cause.

如何為計，

What should I do,

非臨床。"

Not near bed."

Because Zhang Xu may have been trying to hold it back while writing, you can see feel how his stomachache progressed in the way he wrote everything. Caoshu truly is an expressive script. In fact it's so expressive, the last three characters (on the very left) have become unsolved mysteries in academia. In my own translation above, I just directly translated the three characters that most academics think is on the last line.

Logograms Making up a Picture--Kuixing Pointing at the Dipper/集字魁星点斗图:

This is a very interesting stele, in that it's a carving of a painting that's made up of Chinese characters, which evolved from pictures themselves. The painting is by Ma Dezhao/马德昭, and the stele was erected between 1862 - 1874 (Qing dynasty). It depicts the Kuixing/魁星 (translated as "god of literature", but he's not the only god of literature btw) standing on the back of an Ao/鳌 (mythical turtle creature) and pointing at the character 斗, which is short for the Big Dipper.

The characters making up the god of literature reads:

“正心修身，克己複���” (written out above in red-orange-yellow-green-cyan-blue-purple-magenta), which roughly translates to "rectify your mind, improve yourself, have self-restraint, and practice good manners".

This painting subject also has a legend behind it. One version says that when Kuixing was a human, he was a talented and learned scholar who received first place (called zhuangyuan/状元) in the imperial exams, but because his ugly appearance scared the empress, he was chased out of the palace. Out of anger at how he was treated, he threw himself into the sea and drowned. The Jade Emperor pitied him, so he gave the scholar a red brush, and made him watch over all imperial examinations. Thus Kuixing became the god of all students and aspiring scholars.

Logograms Hidden in the Picture--Bamboo Poem about Guanyu/关帝诗竹:

This stele erected by Han Zai/韩宰 in 1716 (Qing dynasty) is similar to the previous one in that it's also a picture made up of Chinese characters, but it's more hidden within the picture.

It's a poem about Guanyu/关羽, the famous general during Three Kingdoms period (220 AD - 280 AD), and it reads:

不謝東君意，

I shall not be thanking the spring wind's kindness directly, ("spring wind" here refers to Cao Cao/曹操, who treated Guanyu well)

丹青獨立名。

But shall leave my name in history as an upright loyal person.

莫嫌孤葉淡，

Although the leaves may be sparse,

終久不凋零。

They will never wither and fall.

The poem was supposed written by Guanyu before he left Cao Cao to reunite with his sworn brother Liu Bei/刘备, and uses the imagery of bamboo--both in a visual sense and in a literary sense--as a metaphor for Guanyu's unwavering loyalty.

One Stroke "Longevity"/一笔“壽”:

Again by Ma Dezhao/马德昭, this time in 1870. I must say I like his ideas. This is an abstract calligraphy piece of the character for longevity/壽, written in one stroke, but is actually composed of the numbers 九十九 (99) and 二十一 (21) (read from top down). Because 99 + 21 = 120, and if anyone can live to be 120, they will have lived a long life indeed.

Pine and Red Crowned Crane/松鹤图:

By painter Zhu Jiyi/朱集义 in 1680 (Qing dynasty). Pine in traditional Chinese imagery means resilience and longevity, and red crowned crane also symbolize longevity, especially in Daoist imagery where they are the mount of choice for many immortals. Together they make up the word 松鹤延年, which means "pine and crane brings longevity".

Dongpo's Authentic Work/东坡真迹:

This is an authentic calligraphy work by Su Shi/苏轼 (1037 AD - 1101 AD), whose pen name is Dongpo/东坡. The stele was erected in 1081 AD. Here he wrote down Returning Homeward/归去来兮辞 by Tao Yuanming/陶渊明 (365 AD - 427 AD).

Xie Fangbao's Epitaph/解方保墓志:

Epitaph of Xie Fangbao/解方保, a Sui dynasty (581 AD - 618 AD) general who died in 610 AD. Ancient Chinese epitaphs have a two-piece structure, the tablet where the epitaph is engraved (right), and a protective stone covering that has the deceased's name and title engraved on top (left), surrounded by engravings of imagery that represent the universe. This epitaph is considered to be an excellent example of Sui dynasty epitaphs and calligraphy.

[scotianostra]

The Construction of Rosslyn chapel began on 20th September 1456.

Properly known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, this is just a couple of miles from where I grew up.

The building of the chapel is sometimes incorrectly given as ten years before, but that date comes from the chapel’s receiving its founding charter from Rome.

We are very lucky that Rosslyn Chapel remains intact, as we see it today, you only have to look around Scotland at the ruins of our Abbeys destroyed during the Reformation, Rosslyn was closed from around 1560,The chapel’s altars were destroyed in 1592 but the main structure is thought to have survived and any real damage was avoided.

The chapel was built by The Sinclair family and has been linked with the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, that’s the Knights Templar to you and I, the order was disbanded around 150 years before construction but symbols, such as the “Two riders on a single horse” that appear on the Seal of the Knights Templar, can be found on the building.

Rosslyn Chapel was constructed almost entirely in stone, with no structural timber except within the much later Victorian baptistery added to the west end of the chapel. The chapel is thought to be only part of what was intended to be a much larger church, and it exhibits immense historic, architectural and cultural value. The extent of carved stonework both internally and externally makes this little chapel truly unique. Though incomplete, it took around 40 years to build, and has the largest number of Green Man carvings of any medieval chapel in Europe.

The carvings of the chapel have been the subject of much speculation and conjecture, as Christian symbolism and other references are interspersed throughout the building. In 1630, Sir William Sinclair of Rosslyn was granted the charters from the Masons of Scotland, which confirms that the St Clairs were traditional Grand Masters of the Masons of Scotland. Accordingly, Rosslyn Chapel is of considerable interest to Masonic groups. Other carvings at Rosslyn Chapel are of religious, natural, or decorative nature, such as the Apprentice Pillar and the Seven Acts of Mercy panel.

Following the Reformation, services stopped being held in 1592 and did not begin again until the Chapel was re-dedicated in Victorian times.

Oliver Cromwell had his men stable their horses in the chapel in 1650 when he and General George Monck conquered nearby Roslin Castle.

Queen Victoria visited the site during her reign and was instrumental in restoring the Chapel to it’s original state for worship according to Protestant rites of the Scottish Episcopal Church and was re-dedicated as a place of worship on 22nd April 1862

I remember my mum talking about the Apprentice Pillar and how there was speculation that The Holy Grail is possibly encased within it, she talked about this in the 1970′s, about 30 years before the Chapel became more famous due to Dan Brown’s novel and film The Da Vinci Code.

I got the majority of the pics from the Alamy website, they date from the mid 19the century, some are from around 1852 while the one with the two figures walking through the church is from a book printed in 1859. Note most of these are before Queen Victoria's visit, so it shows the building was still in a good state of repair then. The top pic is from John Slezer's 'Theatrum Scotiae' is an important record of Scottish towns, castles and palaces in the 17th century. For most of these places, it contains some of the earliest views that survive. The first edition was 1693 so I think I am safe in saying it is the oldest depiction of Rosslyn Chapel.

Theatrum Scotiae also included written information on the drawings featured, the noted Scottish physician and antiquarian Robert Sibbald wrote;

Rosslyn Chapel

To the Right Honourable GEORGE Earl of Caithness, Lord Biridall, &c.

Roslin Chapel

This Chapel lies in Mid-Lothian, Four Miles from Edinburgh, and is one of the most curious Pieces of Workman-ship in Europe. The Foundation of this rare Building was laid Anno 1440 by William St Clair, Prince of Orkney, Duke of Holdenburgh, &c. A Man as considerable for the publick Works which he erected, as for the Lands which he possess'd, and the Honours which were conferred upon him by several of the greatest Princes of Europe. It is remarkable that in all this Work there are not two Cuts of one fort. The most curious Part of the Building is the Vault of the Quire, and that which is called the Prince's Pillar so much talk'd of. This Chapel was possess'd by a Provost, and Seven Cannons Regular, who were endued with several considerable Revenues through the Liberality of the Lairds of Roslin.

Here lies buried George Earl of Caithness, who lived about the Beginning of the Reformation, Alexander Earl of Sutherland, great Grand-Child to King Robert de Bruce, Three Earls of Orkney, and Nine Barons of Roslin.

The last lay in a Vault, so dry that their Bodies have been found intire after Fourscore Years, and as fresh as when they were first buried. There goes a Tradition, That before the Death of any of the Family of Roslin, this Chapel appears all in Fire.

[hopefulkidshark]

Plaza del Obispo, Málaga, Spain: The Plaza del Obispo is located in the Andalusian city of Malaga, Spain. It is located in front of the main façade of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Malaga and the Episcopal Palace of Malaga, at the confluence between Molina Lario and Salinas streets in the historic center of district 1. Wikipedia

[arlincsolis]

Castles & Palaces In Writing

I see this come up a lot in writing. People often need clarification about castles and palaces. The two are different, and usually, people get them mixed up or combine the two as one. I've seen this in writing that people have sent me for editing.

So here is a little guide!

Castles:

Castles are large, fortified residences that can consist of a group of buildings with strong walls to defend against attacks. The word castles comes from a Latin word meaning "fortress'. Castles are expensive to maintain and even build. This means they were only able to be inhabited by royal or noble blood. Nobles would use them as a seat to control the surrounding areas.

Castles were not designed to be luxurious.

Castles had peep-holes in their walls so archers could shoot out of them and still be behind cover.

Castles were oftentimes on the water to fortify a country's defense.

Castles typically had moats and cannons.

Everything in castles is designed for practicality, including how spiral staircases were created. They often ascent clockwise. They needed their enemies to be at a constant disadvantage.

Castles normally have:

Moats

Walls (Inner & Outer)

Gatehouses

Drawbridges

Inner Defense

Baileys or Wards

Living Quarters w/ Support Buildings

Keeps

Dungeons

Great Halls

Chapels

Stables

Wells

Workshops

Architect Designs Include:

Crenellations

Walkways

Hoardings

Bretèche

Arrow Loops

Embrasures

Castles were not places of luxury. For example, toilets were often in bedroom closets. Toilets were wooden planks with holes held up by stone supports. People hung their clothes in the room to prevent moths from getting to them.

Palaces:

Palaces were designed simply for elegance, lavishness, and luxury. They didn't have fortified walls, moats, or cannons. Palaces are lived in by royalty, heads of state, or heads of churches. They are lush and often have gardens surrounding them.

Palaces are crafted to hold a wide accommodation of people. For example, the Palace of Versailles in France has 2,300 rooms. Buckingham Palace only has 800. It is a place the monarch will entertain. The monarch would typically have a bedroom, a drawing room, a privy, and a closet. The kingdom would ensure it is furnished with the best clothes and furniture.

There are three type of major palaces in our everyday life:

Royal Palaces: Official residence of monarchies or royal families.

Imperial Palace: Grand residences of emperors or imperial families.

Episcopal Palaces: Residences of high-ranking clergy.

[cliozaur]

Today’s chapter, especially the part where M. Myriel exchanges his episcopal palace for the hospital, brought to mind something I saw at the Museum of Medical History in Rouen. (In fact, the museum is called Musée Flaubert et Histoire de la Médecine—it might sound odd, but it's incredibly informative and worthwhile. If you're ever in Rouen, don’t miss it.) They reconstructed a nineteenth-century infirmary, complete with a huge bed meant for 6 to 8 people (see the photo below). It’s hard to imagine how they could fit there! Such places were terribly overcrowded, making the episcopal palace a more fitting location for a hospital.

One thing that bothered me while reading (which @shsenhaji also touched on today) is that although M. Myriel’s decisions about his expenses are incredibly kind and generous, and probably beneficial for the souls of everyone in his household, it’s not ideal to do it at the expense of his sister and Mme Magloire. The latter was elated about the 3000 francs: “Good. Monseigneur began with other people, but he has had to wind up with himself, after all. He has regulated all his charities. Now here are three thousand francs for us! At last!” Since he isn't the one handling the household finances, it might be difficult for him to grasp the challenges of running even a small house with almost no money.

[jkrikis]

camino frances / astorga

© 2023  Yiannis Krikis

[wgm-beautiful-world]

Belle porte à Palais Archiepiscopal d'Aix-en-Provence, FRANCE

[postcard-from-the-past]

Episcopal Palace of Guayaquil, Ecuador

Ecuadorian vintage postcard

[eopederson3]

Palacio y jardín episcopal, Astorga, León, 2001.

¡Felices Pascuas!

[vapaus-ystavyys-tasaarvo]

I don't know if anyone has pointed this out yet in the Les Mis Letters tag, but I figured I'd mention it just in case: the Bishop Myriel is based on a real historical person:

Both were bishops of Digne beginning in 1806, both known as "Monseigneur Bienvenu", both famous for their charity and humility.

There are differences as well of course, but the source of inspiration is clear.

Miollis also didn't live in the episcopal palace although the part about switching with a hospital isn't accurate. According to this source I found linked on the official page of the Diocese of Digne (on a website that looks like it's from the very early 00's at best), if I understood correctly, the palace wasn't available as it had been taken over by the district during the Revolution and was being used for various administrative offices.

This is a PDF link, just to warn you:

A son arrivée à Digne, l'immeuble n'étant pas en état, il acquit une maison bourgeoise, rue de l'Hubac (la maison est bien à son nom au cadastre de Digne), où il vécut modestement et très charitablement.

He acquired a bourgeois house on the rue de l'Hubac, where he lived modestly. I'm not entirely sure what the palace being "pas en état" means in this context tbh, I'm sorry.

The house where Miollis lived

Picture by Szeder László

Close up of the plaque

Picture by Renaud Camus

This house was not next to the episcopal palace (circled in red on the right) but closer to the Cathedral St. Jérôme in the old city centre, see the red arrow:

(Map from 1921 which is over a century later and thus isn't quite accurate for our era, but it was the oldest map I could find that shows the buildings clearly and readably; modern maps lack the palace which has since been demolished)

The house is sort of behind a few retaining walls (?) and downhill from the cathedral, there is a rather steep hill to climb, but it's a very short walk otherwise (the Cathedral is built right on top of the hill, it's hard to see from the map but all the houses and streets around the cathedral are built on a very steep slope in all directions, each "ring" of houses lower than the last one as you get further from the cathedral.)