Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Batahla Monastery, about 45 min. from our rental house.  The guide book said "Flamboyant Gothic" and that it is indeed.














Took over 100 years to build, spanning the reign of 7 kings, but was never completed. Several parts - the Imperfect Chapels - have no roofs.




















Damaged by the big earthquake of 1755. Sacked by Napoleon in 1810.  Dominican monks expelled in 1830.  Fell into ruins. And yet, here it stands today...(after years of restoration)....resplendent.





Much of it is carved limestone - wildly labour intensive.















Oh and to Richard's and my delight: plastered in wildest gargoyles we have seen yet.