31 July 2010

Vintage Cannes Harbour, French Riviera

Cannes, pronounced as kan in French, is arguably one of the most famous cities on the French Riviera. It is well-known for its annual Cannes Film Festival and is a popular tourist desitnation.


Vintage photomechanical print of the harbour in Cannes, France, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05921).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the rnage of products featuring this beautiful vintage photochrom of the harbour at Cannes on the French Riveriera in France.

30 July 2010

Vintage Antwerp in Belgium

Antwerp, or Antwerpen in Dutch, is a city and municipality in Belgium. It is located on the bank of the river Scheldt and is the capital of the Antwerp provence in Flanders, one of three regions in Belgium.

Antwerp's City Hall, Staghuis in Dutch, is situated on the Great Market Square (Grote Markt). This Renaissance building was constructed between 1561 and 1565 and incorporated Flemish and Italian influences.


Vintage photomechanical print of a general view of Antwerp, Belgium at the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows a view of Antwerp, with the City Hall and the Scheldt River. Photograph courtesy of the LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05614).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of Antwerp in Belgium

28 July 2010

Zazzle calendar from OldeWorldGifts: Olde World Views of Copenhagen

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Zazzle calendar from OldeWorldGifts: Olde World Views of Copenhagen Ca...

A collection of vintage prints of Copenhagen and surrounding areas, which were taken towards the end of the 19th century. The calendar includes cityscapes of Copenhagen, Tivoli Par

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27 July 2010

The Forum, Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii is a Roman town near Naples in the Italian region of Campania. In the later months of 79AD, Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius. About 2,000 people perished in Pompeii as a result of the eruption which lasted two days. It was buried under 4 to 6 metres of ash and pumice and was forgotten until its accidental discovery in the late 16th century.

When Pompeii was first founded, the Forum was a small market located in the centre of town, at the crossroads of important trade routes to Naples and Stabia. Following the expansion of Pompeii in the 2nd century BC the Forum was no longer located at the centre of town but it continued to be the political, religious and economic centre of Pompeii.

The important role of the Forum in the daily life of the inhabitants of Pompeii is evident by the other buildings surrounding it, such as the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Vespasian, the Basilica, the honorary arches dedicated to Drusus and Tiberius or Germanicus, municipal buildings, and a range of markets.


The Forum is rectangular in shape, measuring 32 metres by 142 metres, and is paved in travertine. It was surrounded by a covered arcade, or portico, on three of its sides.




Vintage photomechanical print of the Forum in Pompeii Campania, Italy, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-06582).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of the Forum in Pompeii.

26 July 2010

Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, England

The Sheldonian Theatre is located in Oxford England and was designed by Christopher Wren, one of England's most famous architects. It was built from 1664 to 1668 and was named after Gilbert Sheldon, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chancellor of the University. He was also the project's main financial backer.

Prior to the Sheldonian Theatre being built, the ceremonies of the university, such as graduations, were held in the univesity's church, St Mary the Virgin on High. It was felt that this was not the appropriate location and Sheldon was approached for his blessing and assistance to create a place for such occasions.

The building has a prominent eight-sided cupola, a small dome-like structure, in the centre of the roof which can be accessed via a staircase. The cupola has large windows on all sides which provide views across Oxford.

It continues to be used for the ceremonies of the university, as well as musical recitals, lectures, conferences. Handel performed at the Sheldonian Theatre in 1733.
 
In 1994, the European Commission described the Sheldonian Theatre as "one of the architectural jewels of Oxford".


Vintage photomechanical print of St John's College, Oxford in Oxfordshire, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-08775).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England.

25 July 2010

Quai Vert, Bruges, Belgium


Vintage photomechanical print of Quai Vert in Bruges, Belgium which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph features the famous canals and bridges of Bruges, with boats moored in the water. The photo also shows the beautiful old architecture of the era in Bruges. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05644).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of Quai Vert in Bruges, Belgium.

24 July 2010

Clifden, County Galway, Ireland

Clifden, An Clochán in Irish, is a town on the coast of County Galway, Ireland. It is the largest town in the Connemara area and is often referred to as the Capital of Connemara. Clifden was founded in 1812 by John D'Arcy as a market town. He lived in Clifden Castle, which is now in ruins.

The town is located on the Owenglen River where it flows into Clifden Bay. It is surrounded by the Twelve Pins mountain range which offers a beautiful backdrop to the town.

Clifden has played a key role in history on two occasions. The first translantic radio message was sent from the Marconi Wireless Station which is situation south of the town. Secondly, Clifden was the landing site for the first non-stop translantic flight by Alcock and Brown.


Vintage photomechanical print of Clifden in County Galway in Ireland, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Clifden is on the Owenglen River and the photograph shows a view of the town alongside the river with mountains in the background. Visit the store for coordinated gifts, postcards and US postage stamps. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-009893).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the full range of products featuring this vintage print of Clifden in County Galway.

22 July 2010

Church of the Holy Trinity, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

The Collegiate Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity is the parish church of the Church of England in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England. The church is alos known as the Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Church and Shakespeare's Church.

The present church was built around 1210 on the site of a Saxon monastery on the banks of the River Avon and is Stratford-upon-Avon's oldest building. It is the most visited parish church in England with more than 200,000 visitors each year.

William Shakespeare was baptised in the Holy Trinity Church on 26 April 1564 and was buried there on 25 April 1616. His wife, Anne Hathaway is buried next to him as well as his eldest daughter, Susanna. It is said that Shakespeare's body is buried 20 feet deep to prevent its theft.



Vintage photomechanical print of Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows the church from across the church yard, with the graveyard at the forefront of the image. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-08870). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of the Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon.

21 July 2010

The Mars Gate, Reims, France

The Mars Gate, otherwise known as the Porte de Mars in French, is a triumpham arch in Reims. It has three archways flanked by columns and is 108 feet in length by 43 feet in height.

The Mars Gate is the oldest monument in Reims (previously named Rheims) and was one of four Roman gates to the city walls. It is believed that the gates were restored in the 9th century at the time of the Norman invasion of northern France. It was named after a nearby temple dedicated to Mars.

A popular legend is that Remi, a Belgic tribe of the north-eastern Gaul in the 1st century BC, constructed the gate in honour of Augustus (Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus) when Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa made the great roads. However, it is believed that the Mars Gate belongs to the 3rd or 4th century.


Vintage photomechanical print of the Mars Gate in Rheims, France, which was taken at the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05340). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of the Mars Gate.

20 July 2010

Vintage Photochrom of Hallstatt in Austria

Hallstatt is a village situated on the south-western shore of the Hallstätter See in the geographical region of Salzkammergut in Austria.

Until the 19th century, Hallstatt could only be reached by boat or narrow trails. As can be seen in the photochrom below, the land between the lake and the mountains was minimal and the inhabitants had used every available inch. The first road to Hallstatt was built in 1890, made possible partially by rock blasting.

Hallstatt is considered one of the first places of human settlement, primarily due to the rich sources of natural salt, which have been mined for thousands of years.  Some of Hallstatt's oldest archaelogical finds date back to around 5500 BC.

Vintage photomechanical print of Hallstatt in Austria, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph features a view of the town in Upper Austria, situated on the south-western shore of the Hallstätter See (Lake). Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-09249). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this beautiful vintage photochrom of Hallstatt in Austria.

19 July 2010

London Bridge, London, England

Since Roman times a bridge has existed over the River Thames at or near the present location of the London Bridge since approximately 50 AD. In 1799 a competition was held to replace the old bridge, which was over 600 years old.

The bridge was finally replaced by a structure of five stone arches, as pictured below, designed by engineer John Rennie. Construction began in 1824 and the foundation stone was laid on 15 June 1825. King William IV and Queen Adelaide attended the official opening on 1 August 1831.

In 1896, it was estimated that 900 vehicles and 8,000 pedestrians crossed the bridge every hour, making it the busiest point in London. The bridge was widened between 1902 and 1904 by 4 metres in an attempt to combat London's traffic congestion. The widening eventually proved too stressful on the bridge's foundations and it was later discovered that the bridge was sinking over 2 cm every eight years.

In 1967, the Common Council of the City of London placed the bridge on the market for sale. On 18 April 1968, Rennie's London Bridge was sold ro Robert P. McCulloch, an American business man, for US$2,460,000. It is thought that he mistakenly believed he was buying Tower Bridge.

As the bridge was taken apart, each piece was numbered to assist with the assembly of the bridge at Lake Havasu City in Arizona, United States. The reconstruction spans the Bridgewater Channel canal and is the centrepience of an English style theme park. After the Grand Canyon, Rennie's London Bridge has become Arizona's second biggest tourist attraction.
 
The current bridge, built between 1967 and 1972, was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 March 1973 and is the latest in a succession of bridges to occupy the spot and claim the name, London Bridge.

Vintage photomechanical print of London Bridge in London, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows people crossing the Thames by horse and cart. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-08569). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of London Bridge.

18 July 2010

Launch of the Titanic

The hull of the infamous Titanic was launched on 31 May 1911, with the outfitting of the ship completed by 31 March 1912. RMS Titanic set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England on 10 April 1912, bound for New York City, with Captain Edward J. Smith in command.

Titanic was designed by Lord Pirrie, Thomas Andrews and Alexander Carlisle. It was built at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Construction began on 31 March 1909 and was funded by the International Mercantile Marine Co. owned by the American J.P. Morgan.

Owned by White Star Line, Titanic  was the largest passenger steamship in the world when she set off on her maiden voyage with 2,223 people on board. On 14 April 1912, four days into the trip, the "unsinkable ship" struck an iceberg and sank, killing 1,517 people.


Vintage photograph taken of the hull and propellors of the ill-fated titanic ship at its launch, which was to sink on its maiden voyage. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-USZ62-34781). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products available with this great vintage photograph.

16 July 2010

Roman Baths and Abbey, Bath, Somerset, England

The Roman Baths is a well preserved Roman site in the English city of Bath which was used for bathing. The fundamental element of the baths is the sacred spring where hot water (at a temperature of 460°C) rises at the rate of 1,170,000 litres every day. A phenomenon which could only be the work of the gods to the people in ancient times.

The Celts were the first to build a shrine on the site of the sacred spring, which was dedicated to the goddess Sulis, who the Romans identified with Minerva. Following the Roman invasion, the name Sulis continued to be used and the Roman name of the town was Aquae Sulis, meaning the water of Sulis.

The Roman temple was built in 60-70AD and over the following 300 years the complex was built up. The healing powers of the goddess and the mineral-rich water from the spring attracted visitors from across the Roman Empire. It is believed that the Roman baths were destroyed, after many years of being in disrepair, in the 6th century.

Since this time, the baths have been modified on a number of occasions. In the 12th century, John of Tours built a curative bath over the King's Spring reservoir and in the 16th century,a Queen's Bath was added to the south of the spring. In the 18th century, John Wood the Elder and John Wood the Younger designed the building which now houses the spring.
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The ancient Roman Baths were rediscovered and excavated in the late 18th century, which was an important archaeological find. They continue to be one of Bath's main attractions.

Vintage photomechanical print of Roman Baths and Abbey, Bath in Somerset, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows the baths originally founded by the Romans in 75 AD, with the Georgian building erected in the 18th century when bathing became popular in England again. The Bath Abbey can be also be seen in the photo. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-07995). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the full range of products featuring this vintage photochrom of the Roman Baths and Abbey in Bath, England.

15 July 2010

Warrenpoint, County Down, Northern Ireland

Warrenpoint is a town located on the northern shore of Carlingford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. The town sprang from a  group of dwellings for inhabitants that were reliant on fishing for their livelihood.

It is believed that the name "Warrenpoint" was taken from the name of a family that lived there around the second half of the 18th century. It is believed that there was a family called Waring that lived there and a house called Waring's Point. It appears that over time the name changed from Warring's Point in 1733 to Warrens Point towards the middle of the 19th century. Today, it is referred to as The Point by locals.

Vintage Warrenpoint I, County Down print
Vintage Warrenpoint I, County Down
by OldeWorldGifts

Vintage photomechanical print of Warrenpoint in County Down, Northern Ireland, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows the town of Warrenpoint across Carlingford Lough, the sea inlet which forms part of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-09869). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this beautiful vintage photochrom of Warrenspoint.

14 July 2010

Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds, Yorkshire, England

Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined Cisterian monastery in Kirkstall, north-west of the city centre of Leeds in West Yorkshire. It was founded by the monks in 1152 and it was closed under the Dissolution of the Monasteries by 1539 under the orders of King Henry VIII.

The Abbey has an interesting history, particularly in regards to its foundations in Barnoldswick in 1147 when 12 monks and 10 laymen from Fountains Abbey settled there on land given by Henry de Lacy, baron of Pontefract and their move to Kirkstall on 19 May 1152. (More information on the history of the Abbey can be found at The Cisterians in Yorkshire).

It is arguably one of the best preserved archaelogical sites in the United Kingdom and has been a source of inspiration for many famous artists, including JMW Turner and Thomas Girton.


Vintage photomechanical of Kirkstall Abbey in leeds, West Yorkshire, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph features the ruins of the Cistercian monastery which was founded in 1152. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-09037). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the wonderful range of products featuring this lovely photochrom of Kirkstall Abbey.

13 July 2010

Zazzle Mail Sale on NOW

Zazzle is having a sale on US postage stamps until Wednesday which gives you $8.80 off each sheet of $0.44 stamps. Zazzle has an incredible range of stamps to suit all occasions and to suit all tastes. Just use the coupon code JULYPOSTDEAL at the checkout to receive the discount - see below for full details.

OldeWorldGifts has a large variety of stamps with matching postcards, cards and gifts. Here is a small sample of what people have bought taking advantage of this great sale.

Isola Madre I, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy stampIsola Pescatori I, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy stampIsola Bella I, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy stamp

* $8.80 discount applies to one or more sheets of $0.44 Zazzle Custom Stamps. Enter promo code JULYPOSTDEAL at checkout to receive the discount. Offer is valid from July 12, 2010 through July 14, 2010 at 11:59pm PT. This promotional offer may not combine with any other Zazzle promotional or volume discount offers. If a volume discount applies to your order, you will receive either the discount set forth in this offer or the standard volume discount, whichever is greater. Offer valid on Zazzle.com only.

11 July 2010

Zazzle print from FRUITLOOPY: Vintage Iris Poster

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Zazzle print from FRUITLOOPY: Vintage Iris Poster

Beautiful lris with stunning colors and textures. Perfect for the lover of flowers, gardens and plants. Vintage botanical floral art with a flair!

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10 July 2010

Blackpool Promenade in Lancashire, England

Blackpool is a seaside town on the coast of the Irish Sea in Lancashire, England. It rose to prominence as a seaside resort during the 19th century for the workers and their families from the northern mill towns.

Blackpool first became popular with the trend of the wealthier classes of bathing in the sea to cure diseases, which saw many visitors making the difficult trip. 1846 saw the introduction of the railway which resulted in a influx of visitors. This in turn led to the construction of accommodation and new attractions in the town, which then resulted in more visitors and rapid growth in the 1850s and 1860s.

A common practice by the owners of the cotton mills in Lancashire would be to close the mills for a week each year in order for their machinery to undergo services and repairs. These became known as wakes weeks and each town would close for a different week. The workers and their families would often spend this time in Blackpool, which meant that it had a steady stream of visitors during the summer.

In 1801, the population of Blackpool was recorded in the census as 473. By 1851, it was 2,500 and by the 1890s, it has a population of 35,000 and could accommodate 250,000 holidaymakers. It has been estimated that the number of annual visitors was approximately three million.


Vintage photomechanical print of the promenade in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph shows a historic view of this seaside resort taken with a view of the tower and promenade. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-08014).

09 July 2010

Brabo Monument in Antwerp, Belgium

The Brabo Monument is in the centre of the Grote Markt in Antwerp, Belgium. The statue was made by the sculptor Jef Lambeaux in 1887. 

According to legend, Silvius Brabo was a mythical Roman soldier who is said to have killed a giant called Druon Antigoon. This giant lived on the banks of the river Scheldt and would ask for money from people who wanted to pass over the bridge. If they refused to pay the toll, the giant cut off their hand and threw it in the river. When Brabo killed the giant, he cut of its hand and threw it into the river.


Vintage photomechanical print of a photograph taken of Brabo Monument in the town centre of Antwerp, Belgium at the end of the 19th century.  Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05619).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photograph of the Brabo Monument in Antwerp.

07 July 2010

Killybegs, County Donegal in Ireland

Killybegs, or Na Cealla Beagain Irish, is a harbour town on the south coast of County Donegal in Ireland and is located north of Donegal Bay.

Killybegs is a natural deepwater harbour and it is well-known throughout Ireland as a famous fishing town. Killybegsexistence as a fishing port is not a recent one. In the 16th century, Killybegs was the chief port of Tír Chonail and the O'Donnell chieftains were known as the "best lords of fish in Ireland".

The town’s patron saint is St. Catherine of Alexandria - she is the patron of seafarers and the association with Killybegs is thought to be from the 15th century which further confirms that Killybeg’s tradition of seafaring is not a recent one.

The area around Killybegs has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and there is evidence of as many as twenty ring forts, with the majority of these near the shore.

On the right hand side of the image is St Mary of the Visitation Roman Catholic Church. The foundation stone was laid on 2 February 1842 and although the first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day in 1843, the Church was not completed until 1854.

In the centre of the image is St John's Church of Ireland. The building of the Church began in 1825 and on 6 June 1828 it was consecrated and dedicated to St John by William Bishop of Raphoe.

Vintage photomechanical print of Killybegs in County Donegal, Ireland, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-009864).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photograph of Killybegs in Ireland.

06 July 2010

De Oude Schans in Netherlands

The Oude Schans or Oudeschans, initially known as the New Canal, is a wide canal in the heart of Amsterdam. The canal was excavated between 1515 and 1518 as an arm of the Amstel River as an added defense for the city. 

As part of the fortifications of the city, the tower, known as the Montelbaanstoren was built in 1516. In 1606 the tower was extended to include the decorative top half, which was designed by Hendrick de Keyser. 

In the late 16th century, new city walls were built to protect Amsterdam from the Spaniards and the New Canal was then within the city walls. At this time, the name of the canal was changed to Oude Schans.

Vintage photomechanical print of the Oude Schans in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, which was taken towards the end of the 19th century.  Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-05779).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this vintage photograph.

05 July 2010

Picturesque Monte Carlo in Monaco

Monte Carlo is an administrative area of Monaco, although it is often mistaken as its capital. Monte Carlo was founded in 1866 and was named after the reigning monarch, Charles III of Monaco.

The first permanent settlers of Monaco were the Ligures, who came from Genoa in Italy. In the 6th century B.C., the Phocaeans, Greek colonists, founded the colony of Monoikos in the area now known as Monaco. It then fell under Roman control following the Gallic Wars.


Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire on 476, barbarian tribes, including the Saracens, ravaged the area. The Saracens were expelled in 975 and by the 11th century, Ligurians had once again populated the area.


Monaco's modern history is often cited as starting on 10 June 1215 when the construction of a fortress on top of the Rock of Monaco was started by a detachment of Genoese Ghibellines, a faction who supported the Roman Empire. The fortress was intended to be a strategic military stronghold and they created a settlesment around the base of the Rock to support the garrison. In order to attract migrants from Genoa, they offered tax exemtions to land grants to new settlers.

As the Ghibellines intended their fortress to be a strategic military stronghold and center of control for the area, they set about creating a settlement around the base of the Rock to support the garrison; in an attempt to lure residents from Genoa and the surrounding cities, they offered land grants and tax exemption to new settlers.

The Rock of Monaco was seized in 1297 by François Grimaldi under the sovereignty of Genoa, starting the Grimaldi dynasty in Monaco. It has remained under the control of the Grimaldi family since this time until the present day, except when it was under French rule from 1793 to 1814.


Vintage photomechanical print of Monte Carlo in Monaco which was taken towards the end of the 19th century. The photograph features the beautiful old buildings of the era in Monte Carlo, situated on the Riviera. Photograph courtesy LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-09988). Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the range of products featuring this picturesque vintage image of Monte Carlo.

04 July 2010

Genealogy For All Blog

I have always had a love of old things - pictures, furniture, jewellry, ornaments, china and glassware to name a few things I have collected over the years - ranging from the 60's to antique items. In the past two years, this interest has developed further as a result of my growing interest in genealogy, particularly in regards to pictures and photos that help create an image of what life was like.

Over 25 years ago, my parents started researching their family trees - the information wasn't available on the internet back then - so they paid professional genealogists to do the research. This was really the only way at that time given that we did not live in the country where my ancestors came from. While I had a mild interest in the information they uncovered, I was a teenager and I had other important things to think about.

A few years ago, I started to research the family tree. I'm not entirely sure what triggered this, but I have to say it became an obsession. I have created a blog called Genealogy For All where I hope to create a growing list of useful resources and helpful hints for the keen genealogist. A place where I can share my experiences - the highs and the frustrations - and you never know, perhaps someone may wander along and have the key to the next part of my family tree.

Feel free to visit and follow my genealogy blog - it may just help you uncover another branch of your family tree

01 July 2010

Square of Miracles - Pisa, Italy

The Square of Miracles, Piazza dei Miracoli, is a walled area in the centre of Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. It is officially known as Cathedral Square, Piazza del Duomo in Italian, and is surrounded by the Cathedral (Duomo), the Leaning Tower, the Baptistry and the Camposanto.

At the centre of the Square, is the Duomo, a medieval cathedral, St Mary of the Assumption (Santa Maria Assunta). Construction began in 1064 by the architect, Busketo, and was built in what was to become the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style of architecture.

The Baptistry stands opposite the west end of the Cathedral and is dedicated to St John the Baptist. It was begun in 1153 and built in the Romanesque style by the architect, Diotisalvi. The construction was not completed until the 14th century when the Gothic style top storey and dome were added by Nicola Pisano and Giovanni Pisano. It is the largest baptistry in Italy with a circumference of 107.25 metres.

The Campo Santo Monumentale, the monumental cemetary, lies at the northern edge of the Square. The building dates from the 13th century and was built over an earlier burial ground. It is said that that the cemetary was built around sacred soil from Golgotha, which was brought back from the Fourth Crusade by the Archbishop of Pisa in the 12th century. The cemetery was completed in 1464.

In 1987 Cathedral Square was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cathedral Square, Pisa, Tuscany, Italy print

Vintage photomechanical print of the Cathedral Square in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy, which was taken at the end of the 19th century. The image shows a view of the Square with the Baptistry, Duomo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the background. Photograph courtesy of LOC (LC-DIG-ppmsc-06580).

Visit OldeWorldGifts to see the wide range of products featuring this wonderful vintage view of the Square of Miracles in Pisa, Italy.