From the outside, signs of a church are few: two small crosses, barely in view (and the same for the belfry that takes some craning to see.) Traces of a wide fresco of five figures (however religious they appear) topped off by a hut-like cover: crude in form as re-used stone is dear.
Once inside, a single nave, atop the raised floor, gives the game away. As do the many frescoes, however damaged, shout what they portray: the Blessed Mother and Child is everywhere, with crucifixions galore. Over by the crypt, though, a martyred St. Becket fights a political war.
Tough rhymes give way to a weak photo shoot. Can’t blame it on the (new) camera nor criticize the scaffolding: without that work, Chiesa dei SS. Giovanni e Paolo (XII sec.) would still be closed. And I still wondering about what it holds out for vagrant contrarians on a Sunday in a foreign country.
P.S. Illustrative photos, however lame, were meant to supplement these words. They are still hanging fire somewhere between the Wi-Fi and this upgraded(sic) operating system. Post later, if the gods ordain.
John Davis said:
The rhymes may be tough, but serene, never rough.
jturner@mi-connection.com said:
Would they not hamper the rhythms.