Thursday, September 2, 2010

Lisbon Cathedral and the Tram Cables


The construction started in 1147 (three years after the conquest of the city) where there was once an old mosque.
The building was damaged by many earthquakes and has been modified several times.

26 comments:

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I was unable to take a photo of the front of the Lisbon Cathedral without overhead cables in the photo.

Many centuries ago they needed to tell European urban planners to design open spaces in front of every cathedral so there would be enough area to back up and get a photo of the entire facade, without wires and without traffic.

The Duomo in Florence is a good example of a front facade that is a challenge to capture in its entirety. Same problem in Como.

Halcyon said...

It's a beautiful building. I have always wanted to visit Lisbon. I think it's going to move up higher on my list of places to go.

Small City Scenes said...

Very nice and the cables make an interesting cross hatch pattern.
It boggles my American mind to know of buildings so old and even through many renovations are still standing. MB

Leif Hagen said...

What a fantastic Romanesque church! I wonder what it looks like inside?
Loved yesterday's WHALE sculpture!

Sharon said...

This is a building that has stood the test of time....and earthquakes. I must say that I kind of like the cables in the photo. It gives it a sort of abstract look.

Hilda said...

It's beautiful! I think the different ages of the stones just make its texture even more interesting.

Kaori said...

Beauty lasts...love that circular window :D

Kate said...

The angle of this shot (even with wires!) makes this historical site even more imposing. Cathedrals are great to photo, even when challenging.

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

Some fabulous photos as always. I like the little white men. The old red brick wall with the bike is excellent too. I always enjoy your photography.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

I think that we will have to say that this is in interesting juxtaposition of different centuries. Great diagonal angles anyway with the cables and I am sure you ordered the vivid blue sky!

Dave is right about the Duomo in Florence -- maybe I needed a different lens.

JM, do you have any photos of the windows from the inside?

Sylvia K said...

There's something amazing about seeing such an incredible, very old building surrounded by today's technology/tram cables. Marvelous capture as always, JM. Do love those blue skies. Have a great weekend!

Sylvia

cieldequimper said...

This makes me giggle: it looks as though the tram actually enters it!

Cezar and Léia said...

This brings me good memories... While walking with Leia in Alfama, looking for some place to eat. We ended up in a very modest tasca which served the most delicious fish! And as it was early in the evening, we were the only customers and the waiters were just having their own dinner next to us, chatting with us and having a fun time!
God bless you!
Cezar

joo said...

The cathedral looks fabulous, and the cables make it even more interesting:)

VP said...

A wonderful facade, a pity for the cables, but I'll forgive the tram: those cars are too cute!
They are still around, aren't they?

Judy said...

Imagine all the people who have gone into this building over all those years. All the history it has stood through. It is awe inspiring.

Lowell said...

I was going to say that the place isn't safe if it's been damaged by several earthquakes...but then it has been around a long time and is still standing.

I don't mind the cables...especially when dealing with a place like this. They're just part of the ambiance.

Nice composition, JM!

PeterParis said...

The cables of tram line 28! Had a nice ride there recently! That ride is what the grandkids especially remember from their visit to Lisbon! :-)

jennyfreckles said...

It's a lovely old building - I get a real thrill out of seeing something with that kind of history. I'm another one who thinks the way you have composed the shot with the tram cable diagonals has made a virtue out of a problem.

Photo Cache said...

lovely floral design of the window - a real focal point.

Tinsie said...

I like taking pictures through tram cables. The building is impressive too. But what I love about this photo is the glorious colour of the sky!

Randy said...

Is the interior as beautiful at the exterior? So many beautiful places to see in your lovely city.

Stickup Artist said...

1147! You will laugh, but in California, a building is considered old if it's from the 1950's! The whale tail in the previous post is a trip. What a lively, rich, and diverse city you live in. I will add it to my wish list...

B SQUARED said...

That is incredibly old.

BlossomFlowerGirl said...

I love this. Great angle and perspective.

glduro_marieloupe said...

Ora veja, JM! Gostei de rever a Sé. Sabia que há uma antepassada minha enterrada aí? Não me lembro o nome todo mas o sobrenome é Lopo. Quando estive em Lisboa, descobri seu túmulo: ela tem aos pés uma raposa devorando uma ave e um livro aberto sobre o peito. Se você puder descobri-la e fotografá-la seria genial!

marieloupe