The Basilica of the Holy Blood, a minor basilica in Bruges, claims to own a relic of Jesus Christ: namely, his blood. Unveiled every Friday in a public procession, a vial containing a cloth soaked in Christ's blood lends its name to the Roman Catholic Church.
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Bruges is home its very own belfry: a medieval bell tower that once doubled as the city's archives and central administration building. The building looms over Bruges' central market. To get to the top, you'll have to climb 366 narrow, rickety steps!
This magnificent square not only exhibits fine examples of Flemish architecture during its golden age, but also currently houses a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Many little (and quite large) bronze statues litter the city of Belgium, calling attention to the artists and their many, varied muses. Off of a main square, a statue of Renaissance painter Rogier van der Weyden marveling at Jesus and Mary captivates tourists as they look upon the artist's chief inspiration.
The Aachen Cathedral in Western Germany is the oldest cathedral in northern Europe, built from 796-805 and commissioned by Charlemagne. It boasts a variety of mosaics, including one featuring a mother pelican feeding her young the blood of her breast. The pelican was a symbol of the passion of the Christ in medieval times and holds a prominent place in Aachen's great cathedral.
The Netherlands is noted for its production of tulip bulbs. However, the Dutch prize fresh flowers in their homes. This regular market does a booming business.
Bicycle and pedestrian traffic, Amsterdam
The flat, crowded setting of The Netherlands makes high-density urban planning essential. Dutch citizens use bicycles extensively, aided by the relatively moderate climate.
Amsterdam's winding canals necessitate a maze of bridges, which enable citizens and merchants to coexist peacefully. The bridges are pulled up to accommodate larger boats, and the canalside fosters a strong pedestrian and cycling culture.
The Dutch, like the Germans, rejoice in their beer. Today, Heineken is one of the Dutch's largest alcohol exports. Their regional take on the beverage, white beer, is made with added spices for a stronger flavor than the average lager.
The Frans Hals museum is housed in the former Old Men's Alms House. It displays art from the period of Hals (c.1579-1666) and items of local historical interest.
Pedestrian crossing by Amsterdam RR station
Amsterdam, and the Netherlands generally, have emphasized bicycle and pedestrian friendly urban environments for many years.
Because of his many commissions, Rembrandt accumulated significant wealth and built a fine home. This houses a major collection of his etchings.
Amsterdam accumulated great wealth in the late 16th and 17th centuries due to trade, as shown in these magnificent homes.
Canal house boats and private homes, Amsterdam
At the heart of the city of Amsterdam are five major circular canals, along which the most splendid homes stand. Population growth and lack of space -- in addition to high costs of permanent housing restrictions on building height and architectural character -- have increasingly driven newcomers and permanent residents alike to live in houseboats.
During her period hiding from the Nazis, Ann Frank was inspired by both the sounds of the bells in this church [the 'West Church'] of Amsterdam and by the sight of the tree shown in this picture. This view was taken from the window of the attic room where her family was concealed. Because of age and disease, this tree was cut down in 2008.
The Protestant Reformation prompted some Amsterdam Catholics, newly stripped of the right to worship openly, to build "schuilkerken," or secret churches. This secret church was constructed in the top three floors of a canal house in 1660 and was christened the second-oldest Dutch museum in 1888.
At the Frans Hals museum, tourists can view the subtle mastery of Dutch Protestant Reformation artwork, and experience what a dining room may have been like for the upper echelons of society.
The Frans Hals museum is located in a hofje, or courtyard surrounded by small homes. It houses municipal relics, mostly dating back to the Protestant Reformation.
Charming houses line the streets of one of Haarlem's oldest neighborhoods.
Haarlem was a center of culture in the Netherlands during the 1600s. A local Haarlem legend states that Laurens Janszoon Coster was actually the first inventor of the printing press. A statue commemorates him in the market square.
Some homes in the Netherlands have permanent hooks on the overhangs of their windows to facilitate moving furniture - the doorframes are too small!
This Dutch B&B just screams Rembrandt and Scarlatti. In the 1600s, the Dutch defined luxury. They became incredibly wealthy and prosperous merchants for a time.
The Paleis Het Loo, a baroque 17th-century palace in the Netherlands, was commissioned by William III and Mary II of England. The palace features a "Great Garden" behind it, with winding pathways through the woods.
The balanced architectural style of this noted late 17th-century royal residence resemblesl the symmetry of Versailles, the most impressive palace in Western Europe.
Long, grand entrances of this sort characterize European aristocratic country estates.
This depiction of a circus performance, painted in 1890 a year before the artist's death, shows dancers performing the ever-popular 'Can-Can.'
The gardens of former royal palace include several types of display, including this 'English' style section.
Part of the gardens restored after 1962, this arbor provides shade on summer days
Built ~1685 for rulers of the House of Orange, this served as the Dutch royal residence until 1962.
Elaborate fountains of this sort displayed the wealth of aristocratic estates.
To conserve on heat and maximize efficient use of space, farm families would often sleep close to the stable, to capitalize on their animals' warmth.
Wattle and daub constructions, 17th-century home
Construction based on wattle and daub -- wooden strips filled and covered by a mixture of soil, clay, sand, animal dung and straw -- has existed for thousands of years. It is cheap, relatively durable, and even used low-environmental impact housing.
Note the high windows and narrow facades, typical of Dutch urban architecture
Spanning the lower Rhine River, this bridge became the scene of major combat between Allied and German forces in September 1944. Ultimately, British and American forces had to withdraw in the face of strong resistance.
Folk patterns on textiles, plats and wooden boxes
Dutch storage containers meant for display included lively geometric designs.
This simple room in a famrer's cottage includes many agricultural tools.
The Dutch developed making of fine tiles into a major practical craft and art work by the 1600s, as the influence of Chinese pottery spread through Europe.
Along the banks of the Lower Rhine River
Modernized for barge, pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the river bank provides a pleasant place for diversion.
Located in the heart of the country, this museum of 'ordinary' structures fascinates visitors. Few mills actually powered by wind can be found in the Netherlands, although over half of lies between sea level. Picturesque and energy-conscious, but not 'modern.'
Built ~186 and 200 CE, this gate marked the entrance to the largest Roman city north of the Alps. "Porta Nigra" literally means "black stone," referring the effect of centuries of weathering. It stands at the city's northern entrance. Trier is also known as birthplace of Karl Marx.
Interior of farm house, Dutch open air huseum
The vibrant, Van Gogh-like colors of this room contrast with the cloudy weather characteristic of this part of the Netherlands.
Side view of Porta Nigra, Trier, Germany
Charlemagne established the seat of Holy Roman Empire here in 768 CE, building a splendid basilica to honor this event. Aachen was known for its hot springs, even in Roman times. Leaders of the Holy Roman Empire continued to be buried here from the time of Charlemagne until 1531.
Grapes and Wine are two of Italy's largest exports, and a source of much cultural heritage, as well. Wherever there is arable, open land, there are rows and rows of grapevines.
Largely untouched by the Napoleonic wars or the two World Wars, Aachen features a lovely vehicle-free city center, locale for major public buildings, outdoors cafes and the like.
In this area of scattered villages, farming dominates, with generous support from the European Union.
Like many other cities, Aachen has established a vehicle-free zone in its central shopping and plaza area. The city itself has a long, rich history, having been the site where Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE.
De prentenliefhebber (Dr. Aegidius Timmerman), 1897-1900 (The print lover (Dr. Aegidius Timmerman)) by Jan Toorop (1858-1928)
Oil on canvas at the Kröller-Müller Museum
These colorful balloons provide a pleasant contrast with the gray stone of St. Peters and the obelisk in the center of the piazza in front of it.
In order to appreciate St. Peter's, visitors find it useful to up a flight or two. This view was taken from a nearby building.
Balloons outside of St. Peter's Basilica
Street vendors of all kinds sell trinkets and toys outside in the Vatican, taking advantage of unsuspecting tourists while earning some extra cash.
This photograph, a Polaroid, shows the daytime skyline of the City of Rome with the Appenines in the background.
To help visitors better understand the vast Roman Forum, the scale moodel in the foreground orients visits. The Arch of Constantine stands in the foreground, the Arch of Titus at the back left.
At all seasons of the year, the Sistine Chapel is filled with visitors come to see Michelangelo's extraordinary frescoes.
Given the age of religious structures in Italy -- many of which were built on shaky foundations in earthquake-prone areas, and others were constructed above earlier buildings -- careful archaeological digging often accompanies restoration. These photographs illustrate change over time.
This vast public space in the heart of Rome serves as the focal point for the world's Roman Catholic population. From the balcony above the entrance, the Pope appears on important occasions.
Priests moving toward the altar for mass
These solemn men of the cross are about to celebrate mass in St. Peter's Cathedral, one of the largest churches in the Christian world and the spiritual center for Roman Catholics.
These priests are moving toward the seat of Peter (the Cathedra Petri), located in St. Peter's church. This church serves as the symbolic center for the world's Roman Catholics.
Bernini's exuberant matserpiece typifies rococco style. Sculpted around 1640, this fountain is located in the Piazza Navona, Rome.
Stones of earlier building incorporated into Pantheon
Worthy of notice here are the stones from another structure used directly for building the Pantheon. Such recycling was common for hundreds of years, given the difficulties in mining, transporting and preparing marble or other fine stones for public buildings.
Artemis in Greek mythology is the twin of Apollo. She had special links to the city of Ephesus. The many sacs on her body represent fertility, whether as breasts, eggs or bulls' testicles. The statue dates from ca. 590 BCE.
The strong classical lines of this entrance area, constructed in 315, illustrate the impact of Greek architectural style on Roman builders.
Keeping this huge basilica in proper shape involves scores of workers on a full-time basis.
This photograph helps us understand better the scale of St. Peter's. It was taken from the roof, looking toward parts of the Apennines.
When the Pantheon was built ca. 125 of the Common Era, it was not jammed among other structures. The quality of Roman engineering is shown in the fact that the dome remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The huge square in front of St. Peter's can be jammed with thousands of visitors. On this less crowded day, a group of nuns wearing traditional garb are taking a tour.
Sculpted by Nicola Pisano ca. 1260, this pulpit is widely regarded as one of his masterpieces. It combines French Gothic style with Roman classical elements.
This arch, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Constantine in 315, was erected to commemorate his decannalia (ten years of reign).
The Medici family became one of the wealthiest in Renaissance northern Italy. These mosaics can be found on a family tomb in Florence.
The central part of the city of Amsterdam is divided by a series of semi-circular canals, crossed by atractive bridges like that shown here.
San Miniato al Monte stands atop one of the highest hills of Florence. The basilica itself is Romanesque in style. Three different orders -- Benedictines, Cluniacs and Olivetans -- have controlled the church.
Millions of tulips are produced annually in the fields around this city, all land reclaimed from the sea by Dutch farmers.
Literally millions of tulip bulbss are produced annually in this town. It drew its name from a herb garden linked to a castle belonging to the Count of Hainault.
Tulip bulb production for much of the world is concentrated in the region around this area. As many as seven million bulbs are planted annually. It is called the world's large flower garden.
This is an example of a traveling straatorgel ("street organ"), which are still used in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Well before the electronic period, merchandisers advertised their products with sound and color. These figures would move on the hour, with music played from the display.
This tower and its chimes have become well-known internationally through the diary of Anne Frank. Her family could hear the church's bells ring in their attic hide-away.
This picture was taken inside the cloister of Pisa's cathedral.
The Dutch love for flowers can be found regularly at this famous market. As the flags suggest, it has become a magnet for visitors from other countries.
For 22 Fridays each year, cheese venders in Alkmaar follow time-honored traditions in displaying and selling their products. The flags indicate the international, touristic nature of the cheese market, with more than 100,000 visitors annually. Those working there are organized in four groups ("vemen") of seven men each. They can be distinguished by the colors they wear. The market itself has been active since ~1593.
This world-famous Florentine artist Fra Angelico ("Angelic Brother") painted this world-famous fresco at San Marco, Florence, ca. 1445. His naturalistic depictions made Fran Angelico one of the most important artists of the Italian Renaissance.
Mosaic floors and statutes, Chapel of the Medici.
Many works of art adorn Florence's oldest church. These mosaics and statues are in the Chapel of the Medici, a monumental chapel where many of the Medici patriarchs are interred. Needs confirmation
Many works of art adorn Florence's oldest church, including those by the Renaissance master Michelangelo. These statues are in the Chapel of the Medici, a monumental chapel where many of the Medici patriarchs are interred.
Michelangelo's Tomb for Giuliano de Medici
This extraordinary, almost baroque sculpture by Michelangelo honors Giuliano de Medici, 1479-1516. The tomb includes figures of day and night. Giuliono ruled in Florence from 1512 to 1516.
Crucifixion, Fran Angelico, Dominican Monastery, Florence
Fra Angelico painted a wide variety of holy scenes in the San Marco monastery during this residency there (1436-1445). Because of his skill in painting, he soon became known as "The Blessed." Fra Angelico's natural details marked a significant break from earlier, more stylized Christian art.
This baptistery pulpit is widely regarded as a (perhaps the) master work by Nicola Pisano. Pisano, who lived between ~1220 and 1285, demonstrates many classical Roman characteristics in his sculpture. Many see him as the earliest Renaissance sculptor. The pulpit shows the Annunciation to the Shepherds and the Adoration of the Magi.
Now located in the Museo del Duomo, this Cantoria, or singing tribune, was modeled on ancient sarcophagi and Byzantine ivory chests. Donatello completed this work around 1440, after seven years work.
A tourist at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo in front of a wall mosaic, depicting the face of an unknown boy.
A tourist at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo catches sight of Donatello's famous Penitent Magdalene, carved in wood and containing traces of gold leaf. The sculpture is one of Donatello's last works, dating from 1455.
This detail from the world-famous fresco is said to depict Michelangelo, posing as Herodotus. Raphael completed the full work between 1509 and 1511. It is located in the stanza della segnatura, in the Vatican.
Donatello, who lived from ~1386 to 1446, became known as one of the greatest sculptors of the Italian renaissance. This statue shows the prophet Zuconne (Habbakuk). It is noteworthy for its realistic style.
Museo del Duomo (cathedral museum), Florence, Italy
This dramatic crucifixion scene was painted by Fra Angelico, at the Friary of San Marco outside Florence. He lived there from 1436 to 1445, where he was given responsibility for artistic creations. Fra Angelico was noted for his realistic depiction of Biblical figures. Note how people around the feet of the crosses appear like "regular" human beings.
Wealthy Romans decorated their homes with elaborate mosaics. These often depicted natural products, such as those shown here, notably food. Hunting provided a further common basis for mosaics, as did various gods and goddesses. This mosaic dates from the earliest years of the Common Era.
This grandiose expression of Roman power commemorates Emperor Constantine's triumph in the Battle of Milvian Bridge, fought in 313 CE. At that time, the central arch spanned the Via Triumphalis, the way taken by the emperors when they entered the city in triumph. Scholars disagree about the meaning of the inscriptions. Constantine convened the first Council of Nicea in 325 CE, which established the foundations of contemporary Christian belief. The Arch itself is located close to the Colosseum. Unlike it, however, the Arch of Constantine stands in a pedestrian-only area. Active archaeological digs surround it.
Due to the large life of wars, particularly World War I, each French municipality has one or more memorials to soldiers killed in action
Rural France, like other parts of modern Europe, was served by a network of trains. Service on this line ceased many years earlier, but the structure remains.
Jura Mountains from Ferme de la Fontaine
As winter draws nearer, the snow line moves down the slope
Scenes of this typify much of Western Europe. The scene here is the hamlet of Chevry, in France near Geneva
Although this village is a suburb of Geneva, the bucolic character is maintained by strict zoning
This one-time barn has been converted into a series of comfortable condos, in easy reach of Geneva