Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Isola di San Giulio

We docked at the little island in the middle of the lake. A a Benedictine monastery is in the center. Below that, a walk encircles the island, meant to be taken in silence and meditation. Below that is the surprisingly large Basilica of San Giulio and a ring of buildings that face the lake, former homes of the basilica's canons. The original church dates back to the 4th century, but it has been rebuilt more than once. I loved the colors of the brilliant frescos, some of which date to the 1400s, and started snapping pics until I looked closely at them. Each was worse than the last - - scenes of saints being tortured in horrible ways. What is it with Catholics and the graphic depiction of martyrs? Below the nave of the church is a catacomb with a very elaborate glass casket heavily encrusted with silver.

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