Tag: 15th Century

A photo of Ħal-Għargħur parish church

The independence of Ħal-Għargħur

In the 16th century, the rural village of Ħal-Għargħur became an independent parish for 3 brief years. It’s unusual that someone thought it should be independent and changed their mind a few years later. This article explains the village politics behind the situation, and how Ħal-Għargħur became a parish.
A photo of the organ and choir at St Clementine's - Prague, Czechia

St Clements in Pořiči

Near Prague's city centre, but not quite close enough, St Clement's church is possibly one of the oldest religious structures in the city. It is more than 1000 years' old.
A photo of Selimiye mosque - Nicosia, TRNC

The lost Cathedral of St Sophia

In occupied Cyprus, across the demilitarised zone in Nicosia, the French gothic cathedral of St Sophia is now Selimiye mosque. The building was at the heart of Cypriot crusader history, with many stories in its past. Today, tourists wonder at something that looks like European architecture is a mosque. This article explains the cathedral history, its significance and the current mosque.
A photo of the detailed stonework in the château of Châteaudun

The lost anti-Viking defence system

In the late 10th century, France faced with an economic crisis and an uneasy peace with the Vikings. Would the Vikings attack again? Or was their recent attempt at peace going to last?
A photo of St Stephen's Rotunda - Prague, Czechia

St Stephen’s missing rotunda

The Rotunda of St Stephen in Prague, was part of the Christianization effort in Bohemia. Constructed in the Benedictine-owned village of Na Rybničku, the rotunda was later owned by Teutonic Knights who reconsecrated it to St Longinus in the 15th century.
A photo of the fake ruins - Dejvice, Prague

The fake ruins of Baba

Europe is full of ruins that paint a delightful picture of its turbulent past. It's not every day you can see ruins that are as artificial as a fast food joint. Prague's ruins of Baba are one such fake ruin.
A photo of the Barbican - Coimbra, Portugal

The special Barbican of Coimbra

One thing which fascinates me is the amount of human history we've lost. The barbican is one of those historical architectural features we've almost lost. In fact in Coimbra, Portugal, one of the remaining few is often confused with something else.
A photo of St Martin's rotunda

St Martin’s rotunda

I'm fascinated by the rotundas in Prague. This city has more of them than I'd ever seen in my life. St Martin's rotunda sits inside the Vyšehrad castle complex and its history is as varied and complex as any other.
A photo of elaborate corrosion in the limestone - Koněprusy caves, Czechia

The amazing Koněprusy caves

The Koněprusy cave complex is in the middle of a nature reserve and is 40 km away from Prague. Don’t think this is a mere collection of caves because it is one of the most unique cave networks in the world.