Imaging Germany 009: St Michael and St Sebastian Church, BERNKASTEL-KUES (RP)

A personal selection of photographs with their stories.

009: St. Michael and St Sebastian Church

One of the landmarks in the scenic city of Bernkastel, located in the Moselle Valley, is the St. Michael and St. Sebastian Church. It is dedicated to arch angel Michael (since 1324), and to St. Sebastian (since 1669). The 56 meter high tower is constructed with rubble, and was built in 1291 as a fortified tower. The church was built about a century later. During the centuries, the facade has changed various times, until the baroque facade was changed for a neo-gothic in 1870. A century later, in 1968, the baroque facade was restored. The church contains various religious sculptures, reliefs, statues and altars that date back until the 15th century. The vineyards in the background are part of the Badstube vineyards.

© Adriano Antoine Robbesom 1991-2001, 2017

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Imaging Brazil 357: Lamp Post, PETRÓPOLIS (RJ)

A personal selection of photographs with their stories.

357: Lamp post

When you visit the City of Rio de Janeiro, it is recommended to visit the Imperial City of Petrópolis, about 70 km away, in the Fluminense mountainous region. In the seventeenth century, the location gained some importance because it was located along the Estrada Real: the road that was used for transportation of the earth’s riches from the mines in Minas Gerais (Diamantina, Ouro Preto) to the ports of Rio de Janeiro and Paraty. Brazil’s first emperor, Pedro I, liked they moderate climate and decided to start the construction of his summer palace. However, he stepped down before it could be finished. His son, Pedro II (after whom Petrópolis is named), issued a decree to establish a settlement (of German migrants) and a summer palace. In fact, Petrópolis became Brazil’s capital. The lamp post in the picture is not from the imperial era, but is now part of atmospheric illumination in the historic center.

© Adriano Antoine Robbesom 2012, 2017