Saint Nicolas Church - Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
St. Nicolas Church by Day
Image Courtesy: Virtual Tourist
Photographer: Mike Bond
This is the oldest church in the historic and beautiful town of Boulogne, France. Originally called Gesoriacum, by the Romans, it was the major port that connect the Empire to Britain and today is the major fishing port for France. (Personally, I remember this port as the one from which I caught a Dover bound fairy-boat back in the late 70s!) This St. Nicholas church was founded in around the 12th century and much of it is Gothic in style.
How this beautiful church looked approximately 175 years ago!
Image courtesy: Antique Prints of France
Steel engraving by C. Heath, after Captn. Batty Ca 1835
(This print is for sale at Antique Prints of France)
It doesn't look much different from today since the facade had - recent to this engraving - been added to the building at the end of the 18th century.
Inside, many statues from the 15th century are to be seen.
Interior
Image Courtesy: Virtual Tourist
Photographer: Mike Bond
Another, very interesting modern "take" on this 900 year old church courtesy of Neo light.
Another, very interesting modern "take" on this 900 year old church courtesy of Neo light.
Image Courtesy: Neo light - Lighting Design Agency
Neo light is a very interesting site that uses computer simulations to show structures, gardens, etc in a new light! This St. Nicholas church is just one example of this company's rather amazing work which I was very happy to just happened upon.
Another Neo light view
Image Courtesy: Neo light - Lighting Design Agency
17 comments:
Wow! This building is quite magnificent! It has a certain "weight" to it, doesn't it? Loved the info about the Romans and Gesoriacum ;)
What a beautiful church! I love the way it is lit at night.
The 12th century!!!
Isn't that amazing that we have buildings that have been around that long and are still being used!!
Very nice structure, I liked the windows behind the alter to bring in good light.
Each of these wonderful Gothic churches has its own story. Nine hundreds years ago surely puts our more recent "long ago history" in perspective.
My what wonderful pictures! It so nice to visit places if only virtually! Thank you! Cathy
ANN!!!! Oh, now you are in my TERRITORY....FRANCE! Oh là là, les eglises en France sont si vieilles et belles!!! Thank you for coming by today to celebrate our birthdays dearest! Yes, April is a fine month..bringing flowers and hope of SUNSHINE! DO you know that Shakesphere's bday is on my day? APRIL 23!
THANK YOU for your visit and I will put you in for the bird wand....guaranteed to at least make you dream!!!
MUCH LOVE TO YOU..and how is Sir Edward of Canterbury? teeeeheeee
I hope he is well, sitting on his little paper bag!
A wonderful gothic CHurch, and I loved the interior. Also, how it is lit up at night. Very interesting post and I enjoyed reading about this lovely Church.
Oh I am glad that Edward is well. Those EYES of his filled with wonder and the perception that he is well-loved....and yes, FRANCE IS INCREDIBLE! We hope to get back next summer. The Southwest of France is amazing and when I was in Nice, I used to go to a Catholic church down the street from my apartment. Lovely....then I attended a PENTECOSTAL service in Grasse and everyone was singin' with their hands in the air, and we took communion with REAL WINE and CHUNKS of baguette! So lovely to see how people worship differently around the world.
Have a peaceful evening dear Ann, Anita
Dear Ann
Beautiful images aside, you posts are always so informative Ann.. Thank you so much for sharing with us all, and thank you for wandering over to my little part of the world and leaving such a sweet note.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
Blessings,
Penny
p.s. Bonjour Anita!
Interestng how the surroundings around this church has changed through ages
It is quite beautiful! I am at odds , te huge Cathedrals with all of the beautiful archetexture amaze me , yet I am still more drwn to the simple "country Church"
I love Gothic style churches and cathedrals. There is something so infinitely majestic about them.
Beautiful images and France indeed has so many stunning places of worship.
Have a lovely Sunday dear Ann,
xoxo
Gosh - doesn't that look beautiful all lit up at night? xx
Ann this church is really beautiful. It is even lovelier lit.
There are so many I would love to see in person. I don't know when and I don't know where, but someday.
hugs to you...
I've been in this church...how lovely to see it here. There is a wall around the city and you can walk the ramparts there. We stopped in this little town en route to Le Touquet. Enjoy your weekend!
Hello Ann! I'm catching up on the blogs that I follow today...and yesterday..! Whew! Love all of these beautiful churches! I really enjoy the pictures of the historic ones, like the one in Dereham founded in 654. So hard to believe it's been around for so many years! I love the story of the well water being able to heal those who drink from it. You do a wonderful job in researching all of these churches. I hope Edward is doing well! He's such a sweetie! Happy Easter to you Ann and your family!
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