Christopher Columbus

[low_delta]

This is one of the chapels. It is dedicated to the patron (matron?) saint of travelers. Christopher Columbus is said to have prayed here, before and after his voyage.


There are many tombs in the floor here. I like the skull and crossbones on this one.


After stepping out the side door of this chapel (many of the chapels were locked behind bars), we discovered Columbus's tomb. For many years (centuries?) it was unknown if it really was his body inside. It was determined last year, through genetic testing, that it really is his body inside. Columbus's son is also buried in the cathedral, so they compared the two. His son's grave was recently upgraded with a large bronze plaque. Maybe Donna got a picture of it.

This is quite a large monument. Surprising for a non-religious figure, in a cathedral. Surprising to me, anyway. I wonder who the larger-than-life figures are. Columbus's body is inside the raised casket.

In this photo, in the very large painting, is Saint Christopher. I mention this because I enjoyed Donna's story about how he got the Pluto treatment. The church decided that he wasn't really a saint, because they couldn't prove he really existed, but he was so popular, they just downgraded him to a "Minor Saint."

This photo is a prime example of something I shot, but didn't really see. I was trying so hard to get a decent photo, that I never stopped to look at it. By the time I got the not-so-great photo, it was time to move on. I really need to go back to this church, and really take a look around.

Comments

[vocalista001.livejournal.com]

Got the Pluto treatment.

ha ha! What a funny phrase!

I wouldn't be surprised if some geneticist wants to get Columbus' DNA to see if blah de blah de blah de blah. (I'd read the news articles!)

I can't even imagine that my bones would ever be interred in a work of art....

[emschin.livejournal.com]

I love seeing pictures of your trip almost every day. I'll be so disappointed when they're all up.

[pondhopper.livejournal.com]

That would be the Virgin of the Ancients, Patroness of those who travel the seas.

I tried to get a picture of the bronze plaque on the tomb but it just didn't come out right.
:(
Oh...Columbus' brother is also buried in the Cathedral and they used his bones for genetic testing as well.
The figures bearing the casket are royal pages as Columbus was commissioned and supported by the monarchs and even though he fell into disgrace he still got the royal treatment.

We'll let you loose in the Cathedral next time and you can spend all day there. Three hours wasn't enough, huh?
;)
I know we had to rush towards the end. I tend to forget the wealth of things and views it holds.

[low-delta.livejournal.com]

Not complaining about the rush, even at the end. We did have a schedule. Maybe three hours will be good the next time. :-)