Travel Photography by Matt Castle
Palace of the Popes, residence to a number of Popes during the 1300′s before they returned to Rome in 1377. The palace is a UNESCO world heritage listed site and is the largest gothic palace in all of Europe. Exploring the inside of the palace was amazing, the rooms and halls are so well preserved considering the age of this place.
The Pont d’Avignon is a medieval bridge spanning the Rhone river in the town Avignon in the south of France. Built in 1185 the bridge originally spanned 900m and consisted of 22 arches. Today though only 4 of the arches survive, the rest collapsing due to catastrophic floods. The bridge leads into the Palais des Papes, Palace of the Popes, residence to many Popes during the 1300′s.
The Ancient Theatre of Orange is one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Europe and is also a UNESCO world heritage listed site. Construction of the theatre started around 100BC and was completed about 45 years later. Roman theatres were renowned for their acoustics, something the 10,000 patrons packed into the theatres terraces would have been quite appreciative of. I sat on the upper levels and watched as the sun rose and lit the green and red limestone stage. This place would have been magical back in its day.
The Eiffel Tower, it makes Paris what it is. So recognisable, such an iconic monument, 384 metres of solid steel towering into the sky. No wonder then that it’s the most visited monument in the world, steel is sexy right? Perhaps I’m not the only one that thinks so, but I like this structure. I have climbed it twice now and admired many of its fancy light shows. This time though instead of the usual ‘postcard’ photo I positioned myself at the base of the tower looking straight up into the guts of it. The patterns the steel form, the symmetry and the lighting all add to the towers beauty. I could come back to Paris again in another 10 years and still be in awe at the Eiffel Tower. Paris, I love you.
Paul the Apostle must have been a pretty special bloke to have such a cathedral built in his name. St. Pauls Cathedral is an impressive structure, standing inside looking up at the massive dome is quite a sight. It is such an icon of London, and what’s even more impressive is how it still stands after being targeted during The Blitz of 1940. The modern Millenium Bridge spanning the River Thames leads you to the doors of St. Pauls, new and old connecting each other.
I happen to be in Paris during some sort of political event. Diplomatic cars are zooming around the city in a flurry of police escort. Streets are quickly closed down, a few black cars with flags race down them, then the street is open again before you even bat an eyelid. Security around the city is noticeably present, armed army personnel stand at the street corners keeping a watchful eye on the general public. At the Eiffel Tower I snapped this guard keeping an eye on the tourist crowds lining up to do the climb. Quite menacing.
The Pantheon in Paris is up there with the most interesting buildings I have visited. I was about to call it a church, but that would be incorrect, as some time ago it was changed to a secular mausoleum. The interior is amazing, so much colour and detail. The main feature for me though is the 67 metre pendulum which hangs from top of the central dome. This pendulum demonstrates the Earths rotation, as it swings along its plane our planet rotates underneath it. It completes a full rotation in around 32 hours. The Pantheon is also home to an elaborate crypt and is resting place for such recognisable people as Victor Hugo and Jean Moulin.
Notre Dame cathedral in Amiens, France. The largest cathedral in the country both in terms of overall height and interior volume. Impressive is an understatement, it makes Notre Dame Paris look like a doll house in comparison. It was the perfect day to explore the cathedral, the sun shone through the stained glass windows and naturally lit the vast interior. Walking through the 126 enormous pillars and wondering how they hold up the heavy ceiling. Admiring the artwork and attention to detail in the construction of the cathedral. Quite a sight to see, I’m glad I came to Amiens purely because of this Cathedral.
Exploring the historic quarters of Lyon I came across this small shop. It had everything I needed, stuff to make a yummy baguette and a six pack of beer to wash it down with. Pity it was all miniature scale, one of those beer bottles would be smaller than my little fingernail. Actually, I probably wouldn’t even fit my head into this shop.
Lyon’s world heritage listed historic quarter is packed full of character. Ancient alleys link the cobble stoned streets which are lined with beautiful 12th century buildings. A number of small cathedrals and town squares are scattered amongst it all. There is detail in every little corner of this place. This sculpture was on the fountain infront of the main cathedral as you enter the district, I was drawn to it and had to capture the detail.
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