High on a Hill

 So here are three more, very different images from the Chateau de Haut Koenigsbourg in Alsace.

The first image is taken from one of the towers looking along the ramparts and into the distance towards Germany. This region was hotly contested throughout the centuries and changed hands between France and Germany several times. The castle itself has fallen into ruin and been reconstructed over time too and is now a remarkable place to visit.

The second image is og a sculpture that sits on top of the well in the inner courtyard. I wish I could say more about it but sadly I didn't pay enough attention to the information display so all I can say is that it is an interesting sculpture of a mermaid.

The final image is of the main staircase which leads from the inner courtyard and is housed in a hexagonal tower. Can you tell whether you are looking up or down the stairs?

Inside The Dome

This was the second time I have visited this Chateau at Vaux le Vicomte and there were a few noticeable differences.

Firstly in the grounds the Box hedge parterre has been removed it having been ravaged by the Box moth caterpillar and secondly the additional fee to climb the stairs to the dome and view the grounds from above had increased from 1 euro to 3. Even taking inflation into account my first thought was that this was a bit steep (rather like the stairs). However when I got to the stairs it was obvious that the extra funds had been put to good use in stabilising the stairs which previously had been rickety and quite scary. This time there were new treads and additional supports so climbing up I felt much more secure.

It was worth it too as the view from the top is spectacular although I know that there are some people who seeing these stairs might think twice about venturing higher.

Heavenly Light

We had queued to get into St. Vitus Cathedral and it was definitely worth it for the stunning Gothic architecture. 

The cathedral holds the tombs of St Vitus, St Wenceslas and St Adelbert and while I won't pretend to know why they achieved sainthood the grand surroundings suggest that they were well revered and must have done something truly remarkable.

The cathedral also houses the state treasury.

I took the first image in black and white because I think it highlights the architecture and the darkly Gothic feel to the place and the cool of the interior. But when you then look at the second shot in colour I think you get a different feeling, of warmth and light. The nave is largely in shadow but as you look further into the church towards the chancel you can see how it is beautifully lit by the light through the windows up high on the right, shining down onto the alter. I love this shot but don't think it really does justice to the feeling of being there.

The third picture is quite a contrast to the first two which are open, welcoming and full of light. This one is closed off and yet I feel it still draws you in. I love spiral staircases for all sorts of reasons and I was curious about this one and why it was closed off. I like the stonework surrounding it and I like the ironwork of the gate and I would have loved to have been able to explore further but all I can do is imagine what was on the other side...

A retrospective...

The eagle eyed among you will probably realise that the pictures I have chosen today are ones that I have posted previously.  Why when I have so many pictures to share have I done this?  you might ask, good question I would reply...

I recently submitted these two pictures for entry to the Williamson Art Gallery Open Exhibition, they were accepted and this evening I have been to see them hanging in the gallery.  This is the first time I have entered my pictures into anything and so it gave me a real buzz to see them well presented with the work of other keen photographers around Wirral.

The exhibition is open until 10th May so hopefully lots of visitors will get to see the pictures, I think they look great and so I wanted to share them with you again.

Tomorrow I will be back with more of my road trip pictures.

The Two Towers

The pictures today are of the chateau at Blandy les Tours in the Seine et Marne region of France, taken in 2008.

I like the colour of the stonework and the spiral staircase. I also like the curve of the roof in the foreground of the second picture.

The steps up to the tower in the final picture are quite steep and to access the tower it is necessary to cross a narrow walkway which for anyone with a fear of heights is quite a daunting task.

Spiral

Spiral Staircase at Versailles

Just one picture for today.

This was taken  on my old 450D using a Sigma 10 - 20mm EFS lens at 10mm f4. ISO 200 in aperture priority mode.  I loved that lens but it doesn't fit my new camera body so a good wide angle lens will probably be the next bit of kit I buy.  

Anyway enough of the geeky stuff, this staircase is in the Palace at Versailles.  I love the warm colour of the stone and the workmanship was outstanding.  I  also love the form as the stairs lead upwards to nothing. I like to imagine all the people who would have climbed these stairs in their fine clothes back in the day...