Friday, May 13, 2011

São Domingos Church


The construction of the original building started back in 1241. It collapsed after the 1755 Great Earthquake. All downtown Lisbon was destroyed not only by the earthquake but also by the tsunami that followed it, but the façade of the Royal Palace chapel was rescued and used in the reconstruction of this church, as we see it today (previous post). About two centuries later (1959) a great fire destroyed the interior and roof. Restoration took place (for years and years!). However, all the stonework has been left ruined and I think it looks fantastic like that.

25 comments:

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

This is unique. This is sort of a living remembrance and memorial to the great earthquake. The devastating effects on peoples lives in 1755 is unimaginable. I wonder how much the geologists and public of the day understood about seismology.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I was wondering what caused that effect on the stonework. What a marvellous space.

Dina said...

This poor church has gone through many "tribulations" but continues to live. The rough look of the stone inside is a strong reminder.

Thanks much for these two posts, JM.

Leif Hagen said...

What a huge, massive, amazing church! And what a history! I'd love to attend a mass or concert in there!

Sharon said...

What an amazing site! The walls seem to cry out their story!

Anonymous said...

Wow - these shots, this place - pure magic!

VP said...

You are right, this stonework has been through a lot and it is right to kepp it as is. Impressive and quite unlucky building!

Sylvia K said...

Such an amazing and beautiful old church and what a history it has! Superb captures once again!

Sylvia

joo said...

Fabulous place!

Babzy.B said...

very surprising !!

Kate said...

It is indeed an unusual place that has had its own trials. It looks enormous! I wouldn't mind worshipping in that building and would be fascinated, I'm sure, by its interior.

Rob Siemann said...

I totally agree with you, JM: fantastic is the right word. Been in there myself quite a few times (I knew one of the priests), and I never got tired of just looking and looking... Great post idea!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad blogger is back up, I've been trying to comment on this since I first saw it!!

This is amazing, I like it just the way it is!!

I've not experimented with HDR, but this would make for an extraordinary subject.

Gunn said...

yes, just like Woody wrote, I think this is amazing too!
- Have a nice weekend!

Carolina Louback said...

A História contada pela história. Belíssima!

Lowell said...

Quite incredible. I'd love to see this is person! Great photos, Jose! At first I thought it was another of your "decay" places! :-)

Jack said...

Wow! This is a fscinating cathedral. The lines of the chapel are classically beautiful, but the destruction it has suffered give it a mystical appearance. These pictures were well worth looking at very slowly. I love them!

T. Becque said...

What a church! I love the ruin, I thought at first it was decay and was wondering why it wasn't part of your series! :)

Cezar and Léia said...

Que igreja maravilhosa, e ela é enorme!
Amei os arcos e colunas, o lugar transcende uma paz, boas energias!
Léia

Sebab said...

I thought I would miss this post in the blogger mess. Wow! This is just beautiful!

My few posts are back with no comments.

Joe said...

Magnificent architecture.

Small City Scenes said...

totally beautiful. I am glad it was left this way. MB

Stickup Artist said...

Wow. I'm glad I stopped by and got to see this amazing and glorious church. What a great decision to leave the stone burnt and play it off against the surprising peach tone. You photographed it wonderfully and I don't think I'll ever forget this structure!

jennyfreckles said...

How beautiful in its own way - it really tells a story.

Arija said...

A wonderfully splendid church, I really love seeing Portugal through your eyes.