Positano is known for it’s amazing beauty and ability to defy gravity with it’s buildings clinging to the Amalfi coast. The Positano church of Santa Maria Assunta and it’s cliff side backdrop vie for most picture perfect setting in the world.
History of Positano Church Santa Maria Assunta
The famed dome roofed church of Positano holds an intriguing history. Legend tells of a pirate ship sailing in nearby waters carrying plunder, including a Byzantine icon like painting of the Black Madonna, in 12th century AD.
When a violent storm hit, which would surely sink the ship taking it’s crew of Saracen pirates with it, legend tells of the painting of Mary crying out. ” Posa, posa” (lay me down). The boat then glided safely into the harbor.
The tale goes on to describe the pirates being so stricken with the wonder of the Black Madonna speaking that they became Christians. The locals of the area kept the painting and the town took the name Positano after the words (“posa, posa”) that were uttered from the artwork.
The Black Madonna
The Positano church of Santa Maria Assunta originated as the abbey of Positano’s Benedictine monastery in the 12th century AD and became home of the Black Madonna. Sadly the Romanesque building along with the entire lower town was abandoned from weariness of dealing with violent plunderers within the same century.
Apparently the story of the Black Madonna can only scare pirates for so long.
The Black Madonna above the altar in the Positano Church of Santa Maria Assanto
By the 18th century the all clear on pirate plundering was given and the church received a Baroque makeover complete with colorful majolica tiles on the dome.
To the right of the altar, in a niche, hangs a rare 1599 painting by Fabrizio Santafed of Baby Jesus being circumcised. Not something one sees every day that is certain. If you are an art lover apparently this is the finest historic painting in all of Positano.
I am no art expert but my comment from a nursing perspective is no child I have seen was ever so cooperative for this procedure. Just saying.
The church also holds a magnificent, and exceedingly loud, pipe organ. During our time in the church it was being played and I am not exaggerating in that my hearing may have been permanently affected. I was expecting the Black Madonna to shush the organist at any given moment.
That the church was about to close for lunch hour may have been the cause for the extraordinary volume coming from the massive instrument. The organist apparently was starving and determined to clear the congregation immediately.
Bell Tower of the Positano Church
Outside the bell tower dates from 1707. Above the door of the tower, and a tiny little door it is, sits a Romanesque relief scavenged from the original church. The scene of seven fish and a wolf mermaid were a reminder to worshipers in the church how integral the sea was to their livelihood.
The crypt of the church below is not open to tourists. Local legends tell of the Benedictine monks putting their dead brothers on the stone chairs of the crypt to decompose on the spot as a reminder of their own mortality. So much for resting in peace.
I wonder what the Black Madonna thinks now as the thousands of tourists spill into her quiet little resting spot.
I enjoyed reading this post and viewing the wonderful photos in it. Thank you for sharing!
I am smiling at the thought of you finding enjoyment in it. Positano is such a beautiful spot and finding out about this piece of history made it extra special. 🙂
Great post. Would love to hear that organ – it looks massive!! You are going to have to start travelling with a sound recorder as well as camera!!
Phil that would have been such a brilliant idea! I could have done it on my iPhone even. Drat! Well another time I will definitely do it. Honestly it seemed to me the pipes that face outward had been added for extra volume. 🙂
Thanks so much for the comment and the great tip for another time!
Nice story Sue. Positano is a wonderful place isn’t it? It was a favourite of John Steinbeck. The Amalfi Drive certainly lives up to its famous reputation!
Oh yes I’m not sure if you recall my post from when we were there. I almost needed to make an emergency stop along those twisty turns. So gorgeous and the cryptonite for those of us with motion sickness. 🙂
I appreciate your kind feedback Andrew very much.
Great photography and story, love it!!
John your kind feedback means a great deal to me. Thank you so much. 🙂
Never thought of creating a guide? “TRAVEL TALE new guide 2015” … Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Splendid photos and pleasant read…..
Haha well it would have to be a travel guide with some creative writing. I do like the sounds of it though. 🙂
Thank you kindly for your generous words. Very much valued!
W.o.w. Such a picturesque locale. I think I’m in love. All your photos and the story of the Black Madonna leave me in awe.
I believe you’re right about the organist wanting to clear the church because s/he was hungry. Where’s the Madonna when you need her?
Tess thank you for your lovely feedback. I really liked the story of the legend and certainly did not know this was how the town got it’s name.
My guess is the Madonna has gone deaf over the centuries listening to that. I’m not sure she is keen on having to watch the circumcision non stop as well. 🙂
The replay on the circumcision would break any mother’s heart. OuCh. <3 <3
Definitely an interesting find not seen in every church. 🙂
I’ve certainly never heard of this painting or any talk about this circumcision. Still oUcH.
Yes the nurse confirms “ouch”!
Sue, I love the pics, the history and the organ! LOL. The other day we were talking about my videos, I am pretty sure that if you had recorded the loud sound of the organ we could “enjoyed” with you! 😉
That’s right we were having the discussion about whether readers would click on a video or not. Well next time this happens I am going to at least take a 20 second clip. Likely readers couldn’t tolerate this organ much longer than that. 🙂
So glad you enjoyed the post and I appreciate your comment. Thanks so much!
Incredible shots and as always your narrative is insightful and funny! I’m with you on the child…no one is just going to stand there and take what’s coming his way with grace:) Love the way you framed the dome using bougainvillea and the other flowering trees or bushes as the foreground…every shot is incredible. Stunning scenery and your shots make me feel that I am there!!
Kirt your specific and generous feedback means a lot. Thanks so much. I am glad you are with me on the scene of the painting.
As far as the photos Positano is a photo paradise. You might have to be dragged away should you visit. 🙂 I too like that dome shot .Not sure if it was Dave or I behind the camera so thank you from both of us. So delighted you felt like you were experiencing it with us.
This part of Italy is so beautiful!
And guess what? I haven’t been to Naples and places around there!
Definitely have to visit there one day.
>Can you tell me if the hills are natural or are they man made?
Those burial mounds were built around 300 AD!
I thought those mounds on your post were burial mounds but I didn’t know if I should guess that. I find that so fascinating.
If you do go to the Naples area be sure to go to Pompeii, preferably in the off season.
Oh yes, Pompeii! It’s on my to-do list. 🙂
Plus, Sicily and Sardinia.
Italy is one my favourite countries in Europe.
>The on photo looks like a most extravagant float in a parade or procession. Am I right?
Yes, you’re right. Preparation for Deepavali parade in Penang.
It’s a public holiday in Malaysia, my home country. 😉
The photo in your post is amazing! It must be a wonderful celebration. Thank you for telling me about it.
I have been to Italy three times and feel as though there is so much left to explore. i have not been to Sicily or Sardinia. If you are interested here is our post on Pompeii when we traveled there in Sept. https://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/09/23/pompeii-under-siege/
He he.. I have been there 4 times 🙂
1st time: Mainly NW part of the country, plus Florence, Seina, Venice, etc.
2nd: Rome
3rd: SE region
4th: NE region
So many wonderful places to explore there.
It sounds like you have covered a lot of territory! Yes so many wonderful spots to explore.
Stunning photos of the scenery with touching stories. I love the cool photo of you standing under the in front of the arch door. 🙂
Thank you Amy. Fun to give perspective as to how small the doors actually were. 🙂
The colours of those buildings amongst the greenery, sloping down to the sea is just stunning. What a beautiful place, enhanced only by your arrival! 🙂
You my friend are very kind. Positano is incredibly beautiful. We worked hard to keep the tourist out of the captures but let’s say we were joined by thousands of others. I think it would be wonderful to wander about in November.
I always look forward to a post from you; you always deliver the goods with the photos and your descriptions.
Yvonne your comment has me smiling ear to ear. What a lovely thing to say. Much better than if you were dreading another post. :)Seriously though thank you for these very kind words.
Sigh….I wish I were in gorgeous Positano now! Yr post is very interesting! I didn’t know about the name… And yr photos are dreamy… Che Bell’Italia!
Yes let us wave the magic wand and we will be transported to Positano which now should be in it’s off season quiet, even dreamier. 🙂 Thank you for this kind comment which I am so grateful for.
True, true the tourist season is over so it would be quainter and less crowded… All of Amalfi Coast is amazing!
Thank you for your lovely blog!
My pleasure to have you visit. 🙂
I so enjoyed your post with the awesome photos and interesting history. And I laughed very hard at the circumcision comment. 😀
Beautiful photos, Sue. The houses clinging to the rocks remind me of our visit to the Cinque Terre. I love the story of the Black Madonna. She’s absolutely splendid. I had to laugh at your comment regarding the circumcision. 🙂 I’d love to have a go on that organ, as long as there was no-one their to hear me.
The Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre definitely have a similar look with their cliff clinging colorful houses.
Glad you enjoyed the post and the extra ‘surprise’ artwork. As far as the organ playing if you want the place to yourself it won’t take much to blast people out. The organ seemed more suited to a spot the size of the Basilica in Rome!
These photos, Sue, are positively breathtaking. I’ve heard of the Amalfi Coast but mostly in movies. Your photos are the most beautiful portrayal I’ve seen. Love the guided tour and history! 🙂
Linda such a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much. The Amalfi Coast is stunningly beautiful. Finding this piece of history nestled in the midst of it an extra bonus. Always happy to have you traveling with us.:)
“Not something one sees everyday, that is certain” – cracking up here – that was my first thought when I read they had a painting of the circumcision. I was like “Wait…what??”. Also, pretty sure we have the sister organ at my church here. Ginormous pipes and holy loud. Thanks for the entertaining history lesson! I wish my real history teacher in school had your talent!
Sue your congregation surely must be deaf by now. Holy loud indeed! I wanted to blurt out “Is that absolutely necessary?”
I give Dave full credit for the unique find of the circumcision painting. I had a similar reaction to yours.:)
Your comment about the history teacher has me grinning Sue. Thanks so much for your ongoing encouragement and feedback. It means a great deal to me.
Haha the circumcision part… Hilarious… Apparently only the son of God could go through that with such calm. 🙂
Jenny I have assisted with many of those procedures and I would have to agree it must have been some kind of miracle for the baby to rect like that. 🙂
nice post Sue! Amazing captures.. What camera do you use?
Thank you Jackson. These photos are a combination of my iPhone but most are taken with our Canon point and shoot. Here is a post from James and Terri at Gallivance about travel zoom cameras and why we bought this one. http://gallivance.net/2013/03/14/travel-zoom-cameras-the-perfect-compromise/
what a view and all the pictures looks so beautiful 🙂
Your kindness is so appreciated Joshi. Thank you!
Love the photos as always, Sue, interesting story about the Black Madonna – I hadn’t heard of her.
Annie I had not heard of the legend either. It is one of the great things about travel finding these hidden gems. Thanks so much for your visit and support since almost day one here on the blog. Much appreciated. 🙂
Stunning views of the coast. Lovely photos of the church, outside and in, as well. I hope you walked away with your hearing intact…the loud organ sounds must have reverberated all around the historic church, echoing here and there too.
Ah, dressed in blue there again I see, Sue. You’re crossing your arms, you look defensive and a bit fierce. So not you 🙂
Mabel I often walk with my arms like that. I can’t tell you why other than i seem to have ape arms and when I hike I usually have them crossed. Weird how we have habits. I think Dave was having an issue with the camera so I had been standing there for a bit so my look is ” Are you finally ready?” I’m really not very tough. 🙂
Ape arms?! Arms crossed when walking? I never saw that coming. I always thought you were the kind who walked with their arms swinging by their sides, making sure no one gets in your way 🙂
I trust that you are not very tough and will ask you for a photo if I do bump into you someday.
Well I am exaggerating a bit about the ape arms. They are a bit longer I think, one of the reasons I was relatively good at rock climbing.
Should we meet I am certain there will be many photos. Mabel. 🙂
I think crouching or slouching makes your arms look longer. Never noticed your arms were that long. They look normal to me.
Oh yes, when we meet there will be many photos. I’m sure Dave will take photos of us. And I will be trying to selfie 🙂
You be in charge of the selfies Mabel as I am quite hopeless it seems. 🙂
My arms aren’t noticeably longer. i think really it is just a habit I developed at some point. 🙂
No worries. I will also be teaching you how to selfie. Dave can teach me how to pose in the photo(s) with you.
Some say if you cross your arms, you look defensive, and may be feeling defensive. I’ve also heard that it may also mean you may want to ignore others and do what you want to do 😀
Mabel I totally agree. I actually do some consulting work teaching communication so it is kind of funny now that you mention it. I don’t tend to cross my arms unless I am hiking. I will have to pay attention to it. 🙂
Sue, I know that along with Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s well-touristed but really worth-visiting places. But I’ve never heard about the church, let alone its intriguing history. However it looks to me that Positano was quite empty when you came. Was that the case?
Oh Bama it was jammed with tourists! I can not tell you how hard we worked to get these photos. One morning it was raining hard. The second it let up Dave and I went dashing out for shots without the throngs. Thank you for noticing. I would suggest an off season visit to really enjoy it fully.
What beautiful photos! And I love the legend of the Black Madonna. The circumcision painting was an eye-opener for me, though – somehow during my four years of art history courses that one never came up! Must have been a clerical error… 😉
Diane that is very interesting about your art history! I can not imagine the painting to be most people’s first pick. An unusual find to be sure. 🙂 I appreciate the kind words and your ongoing support. 🙂
Oh, isn’t it wonderful to be back in the sunshine again, Sue? I’m basking in the warmth that radiates from this. Aren’t you glad you have all these wonderful memories to retreat into? This is a superb post. I didn’t know the story of the naming of Positano nor did we venture inside the church. As I recall it we were too busy manfully (and womanfully) climbing steps 🙂 Happy days!
Jo the sunshine suits this girl in ‘winterland’ very well. Beautiful memories of a beautiful place. Oh the steps of Positano. 400 plus from the beach to where we were staying. I had to go cycling to rest. 🙂
Thank you for the generous words about the post. It’s fun to find these hidden or lesser known spots.
breathtaking pictures, Sue! thank you for sharing this picturesque place, the church and the history of the black madonna. i love the church – so beautiful inside and out! 🙂
Such kind words Lola which I value very much. I am delighted to be able to show you this little gem in beautiful Positano. 🙂
I love your travelling stories. I feel like I’m right there with you! Every post about Italy makes me cry that I’m not going back there any time soon.
I think your photos have really captured how beautiful these cliffside towns really are!
Joanne it is the way with Italy isn’t it? One can never get enough of the place. You are so generous with your feedback and I appreciate your dedicated and unwavering support. It really means a lot. 🙂
What a stunning place it is and thank you for the story of the Black Madonna! BTW, I wonder what a wolf mermaid looks like..I have been searching in the images attached to this post but no luck 😀 😀
Thank you kindly Indah for this wonderful comment. Can you see the wolf mermaid in the collection of three photos where I am standing in the doorway. The one in the top right shows it a bit better. Hopefully the real thing isn’t swimming near the beach. Imagine finding that while you are scuba diving!
Now I see it 😀 How on earth I miss that!! No, I’d rather not to spot one of these wolf-mermaids underwater or near the beach 😀
Well it’s not like you see a wolf mermaid in a sculpture every day. 🙂 Yes may your dives be free of such ‘interesting’ creatures!
By Italian standards that is a very modest church. What surprised me was the amount of storytelling that was in churches and their paintings. Secular education of reading changed the world.
I agree that the church, compared with many did seem quite modest. A tiny little place actually. Yes a great deal of stories through the paintings. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated.
Sue, thanks for the entertaining and fresh historical perspective of this church, loved it – the photos too!! – Ginette
You are most welcome Ginette. Fun to find these lesser known facts, or possibly fiction. 🙂
Thank you for your visit and your kind words.
You must have been in awe/heaven to see such scenery! Gorgeous photos and no doubt, memorable few days there!
Jean thank you for this lovely comment. Yes it is almost hard to believe one is actually seeing it when being there. So beautiful. Truly a setting made for the postcard industry. 🙂
Started reading, then realised I needed a cuppa so I could settle in and go on a journey from the comfort of my couch. Gorgeous pics, especially the organ. One of the function spaces here in Canberra have a giant organ just like it. So historic and beautiful. 🙂
I love the vision of you settling in to walk through the church with us. So interesting about a matching organ in Canberra. Agreed so beautiful and laced with history. What a set of pipes! 🙂
Thank you kindly for taking the time to share this. Much appreciated.
What a great story of the Black Madonna. I enjoyed learning about this little village and the lovely church. Thank you.
You are most welcome. I appreciate your comment and so glad you enjoyed!. 🙂
Very beautiful church. I admired its roof. In the photo it is like a quilted roof.
It does look like a giant quilt now that you mention it. 🙂 Thank you and happy you enjoyed the post.
She thinks “Moolah, moolah !” rather than “Posa, Posa !”, I suspect. We drove past but didn’t stop: we didn’t have the means for Positano. How fortunate it is for religions (in this case, Catholicism) that their adherents are so ready to embrace silly legends, eh, Sue ?
:-\
Sorry: intolerance showing yet again.
[shuts mouth]
LUVERLY post – simply gorgeous !!!!
Well I didn’t recognize you at first! Now that you have moved blogs do I still get to call you M-R or do you have a new alias? 🙂
Thanks for the kind words on the photos. As far as the cost, not so different from a lot of Italy I’m afraid.
You may, she said graciously, continue to address me as ‘M-R’. You should live so long.
{grin}
Excellent because lalasciata is a bit of a mouthful. 🙂
It was just sumfing that came to mind in the pressure of the moment – when Pam of Support was trying to explain to me in a chat where I had gone wrong (again) …
Well glad you are really M-R 🙂
love how you ended the post with the tourists coming in with that tale in mind – and maybe everyone arriving can whisper “posa, posa – jk.
anyhow, enjoyed learning here – with your BEAUTIFUL photos (the first one is my fav)and nice to see such a famous painting – and I agree that babies are not so docile as portrayed, also – he surely looks older than 8 days! and this is why I do not like religious art – I am sure that it has much technical value, but the artist’s take on these stories is nothing like I envision the reality to be. I know part of the style was to make it heroic and even the muscles and bodies were created to add to the magic and supernatural they were trying to convey – and I can see that it back then this was part of the wow factor – to make things exaggerated for the impact and to leave them in awe – but it is so not my taste.
anyhow, I like your side shot of that painting – and fun to see you standing in the bell church tower….
🙂
Yvette your comments are like getting a gift. Your specific feedback is something I am very grateful for.
You bring up some interesting points about religious art. Definitely not my taste but yes the exaggeration does have a significant effect. I think in this case it is so obviously ‘misrepresented’ it leaves me at least, more skeptical than impressed.
Thank you for the kind words about the photos. Positano provides quite the backdrop for any camera. 🙂
well thanks so much for saying that – woo hoo – 🙂 and I also think that this painting adds the Catholic religion into the circumcision event when that is historical incorrect – and I heard (not totally sure) but heard that they even moved away from circumcision in that religion – and well – cringe – oh and as Christmas rolls around – I heard that when the wise men came to see Jesus – well he was likely a toddler by the time they reached him – but he was definitely walking and not in the manger any longer – and also you may know – but there were likely way more than 3 wise men – there were 3 gifts – gold frankincense and myrrh – but more than a half dozen wise men – (kings, astrologers, etc.).
anyhow, I forgot to note that organ – oh my goodness is that cool too – we have a gorgeous one locally at the U of R – but this is even more grand – what a place to tour!
Yvette I grew up Catholic but I am certainly no expert in religion. I can’t speak for the religious aspects of circumcision fbut certainly there has been a drift away from it from a medical standpoint in the West. That too is a controversial subject with all kinds of literature showing decreased HIV in African countries when it is done. I’m a bit off topic i think.
Yes the organ was astounding. I’m not sure if the volume was so loud because of the small space it was in or the organist was indeed starving for lunch. 🙂
I am so glad you noted the studies about the health benefits of circumcision – because last year a blogger who I no long follow was going off about how circumcision is bad and just some opinions that were not sitting right with me. And I am no expert either – ha! and we were Catholic until I was in 1st grade and some of my most special friends from childhood are strong Catholics – which usually means they love God with all their heart and they also party harty! ha – and nothing against any religion because Catholics get picked on way too much – but the truth is that religions are man-made and they are not the same thing as faith and spirituality – and so I think that too often the religion keeps people far from God and far front he freedom of the wonder of knowing and intimate God who calls us friend and created us for enjoyment. but I digress,
and so really , I am so glad that you noted the benefits of circumcision because that is what I thought I always read in the research lit –
oh and I tried to find a picture of the organ at U of R – we were there for my friend Karin’s wedding and got some shots, but real quick like this blog wrote about it – so you can see a pic here:
http://letterv.blogspot.com/2012/01/ur-organs-golden-anniversary.html
Thanks so much for sharing the post and photo. Now that organ looks like it could belt out some serious music!
As far as discussion on controversial subjects there is always two sides to every situation. I’m pretty open mined, at least I like to think I am.
Thank you for this excellent discussion Yvette. I really appreciate your thoughts on the subject and the feedback.
thanks so much sue – ditto!
and oh my goodness, every time I keep coming back here – that second photo is a pure joy – the blues and the greens – and the richness and well, I changed my mind – that is my fav of this post. Also, if I was teaching art right now – which I am glad I am not, but if I was…. I would probably use this post to teach kids about warm colors vs. cool colors – (ands maybe a contrast lesson) but I think I counted 5 cool blues in that second photo – so again, wonderful photos amiga –
You my friend are very good for my confidence. I do love that second photo. I took it on the afternoon we arrived and it was our first exploring on the beach. I recall looking back and thinking that the scene was surreal:one almost couldn’t believe it was not a painting. 🙂
Should you ever teach paining again I would love to see the results.
Hi – well thanks for saying that 🙂 <3 – and when I taught art it was not really teaching painting, well somewhat – but elementary art is actually about the elements of art (EOA) and then some upper level classes get into the principles of design…and so painting is only a small percent – especially when we follow the state standards on what kids need to know for art. However, I did allow the students paint more than most art teachers because I realized how much they loved it and I also realized it was something that does not get done enough (at home or in the classroom) because it is a lot of work to prep and then clean up – but I tried to make it happen as much as I could – and would set up supplies for students to move through a painting station if time permitted.
and quick side note (and don't mean to clog the comment section here – lol) but this summer I actually made a picture of a city on the side of hill – it was my version of Nineveh (don't ask!!!) but I will try and get back later to share a picture of my city by the sea….
Yvette I LOVE comments so never apologize for leaving them. It has been one of the best things about creating the blog; having conversations and meeting people for mall over the world.
Thank you for explaining your role in teaching. Obviously i had a pretty narrow view. Sometime if it works i would love to see your painting. There is something about that cliff side feel of buildings rolling to the water that melts one’s heart.
Hi – well I know you love comments – which is another thing I luv about ya. and well….. I actually made a video with the Nineveh painting – lol – I will be back later to share it 🙂
Glad to hear we are on the same page Yvette. 🙂 Looking forward to the video. I am going to be out of town without my usual internet access so fingers crossed i will be able to play it. 🙂
Hi well here is the video – and there is a quick story behind it – the quick version is that I was on Spotify while painting last summer – and I was trying to find the Lionel Richie song “Sail On” – and the good thing about Spotify is the variety that comes up – and in this case, the song Sail On by a white rapper came up – which I would NEVER normally listen to – but his faith lyrics were pretty awesome. Later on, my teens were like “what the heck is mom listening to…” ha!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbaBg9LcbDY
Yvette that is amazing! I had no idea how such textures and beautiful images were created.Thanks so much for sharing it. I can see why your kids wondered what you were listening to. 🙂 I did pick up the lyrics and understand.
Hi Sue – well I know you said we are not clogging the comments – so I will chill – ha! but they were not home when I made that painting. It was after this that I put “Haystak” on a play list because I was completely shocked by the diversity and it was just unlike other music I had listened to. Also, I think his “Sail On” song may have inspired this episode of Monk (Mr. Monk ands the Rapper) but Haystak drops way too many F bombs (not like your one slip while climbing) and so my older son thought my youngest was listening to something inappropriate and when it came out that it was my playlist – bhahaha – but it was a very special discovery – because it was another example of how we “live our faith in the life that we have” and I do not know much about this swearing rapper – but his fresh music inspired my painting that Sunday morning when Grandma was visiting and everyone left for church. I had a little bit of church myself with some painting reprieve. and it was the first time I ever painted and recorded at the same time – lol
thanks for allowing me to share – it has been fun amiga
Yvette I really appreciate you sharing how the morning played out for you and how the music came to be. Perhaps one just has to be open to things, including music and not brush it all aside as something one does or does not like. Lovely to chat my friend.
Such a beautiful place… And I truly liked to read about the Black Madonna´s legend.
Thanks for sharing your travelling experiences with us… I Love them !.
Best wishes and happy weekend ahead dear Sue.
Aquileana 😀
Thank you kindly Aquileana. So glad you enjoyed the story and photos. Sending you my very best wishes as well! 🙂
Always when I see this many comments I wonder if I should bug you since what more is there to say??and it’s clear how much this post was appreciated. Given how gorgeous these photos are and how interesting the content (who knew there was a painting of Jesus getting circumcised) I had to add my thanks too!
I love all the comments so please don’t hesitate no matter what the count. I appreciate your feedback very much. I’m with you who knew such a painting existed? You are most welcome and I always value your visits and thoughts.
Wonderful, Sue! I only took pics of this church from outside; now I know what it looks like from the inside 🙂
Thank you Paula. It was fun to explore and happy to share it with you.