Pillars & Foundations

Church or Basilica of the Nativity, Bethlehem, West Bank, Israel It's been a long time coming for me to post some of the last photos from our trip to Israel, and our tour into the Palestinian West Bank this past May. I felt this particular post would be timely. I'm very thankful to have visited this site as part of a West Bank tour. My wife were very lucky to arrive when the line for the Grotto of the Nativity, where I believe there was a chance circumstance where it was closed and re-opened and we were in the right spot at the right time. Our guides told us that often there is not enough time to wait for those on busy bus tours. History: I want to point out some high level details about the site, and leave some connections to other resources, as there is far to much for me to cover here. Wikipedia notes that an original basilica was built between 330 and 333 AD, only to be destroyed in 529 during the Samaritan revolts. Much of the church is said to be unchange...

Churches of Catalonia, Spain In addition to exploring local churches in New England, I enjoy travelling abroad and seeing religious sites, taking in the culture and the architecture. I intend to put a few of these posts together to show some of the photos I have from various regions I've been to. Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi   was under construction/renovation when I visited, but it was still an impressive site to see. Basilica de Santa Maria   Inside of Basilica de Santa Maria looking out- I like how this came out with the light in the door and the prayer votives. Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the glare and shadow was a bit intense. More renovation! Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (inside, chandelier) I believe this is now part of the Barcelona history museum- former church I'm actually not sure what this church is, I recall that it wasn't far from the water front- if someone...