Architecture Around the World ............... Sicily
Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano
Taormina, Sicily
Erected: 13th century
TEXT Beneath Illustrations
13th century Romanesque style |
Parapet supported by a corbel table |
Norman Arab black/white design achieved using black lava stone and gray limestone |
Corbel table with trefoil patterns |
Rear entrance |
Lava rock and limestone voussoirs |
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Rusted tie rod anchor |
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Main entrance |
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Arrow loop ( now glazed as a a window) |
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Crenelation with loophole |
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Interior |
Interior |
Interior |
Interior |
Gothic ribbed vaults in basement |
Capital features acanthus leaves |
Arrow loop
( now glazed as a a window). |
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In England and France a number of Romanesque
churches were converted to Gothic plans during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries [See St.-Denis Abbey].
In Italy the true Gothic never made substantial inroads, though prominent exceptions like Milan's cathedral stand out. Instead, a kind of mixed style evolved. This so-called "Italian Gothic" or "Romanesque Gothic" was essentially an updated interpretation of the Romanesque favored by diocesan sees as well as the religious orders such as the Franciscans. Despite the addition of a few Gothic details, there wasn't much "Gothic" to it. No external buttresses, narrow naves, high towers, large windows or gargoyles. -- Sicilian Romanesque Gothic, by Carlo Trabia |