THE CASTLE OF CARDONA

NORTHERN SPAIN

IMAGE NUMBER 760

The Castle of Cardona is the most important medieval fortress in Catalonia and one of the most important in Spain. It is situated on a hill overlooking the river valley of the Cardener and the town of Cardona.  The fortress was initially constructed by Wilfred the Hairy in 886. It is in both the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and includes the so-called Sala Dorada and Sala dels Entresols. During the 14th century, the dukes of Cardona came from the most important family of the Crown of Aragon, which was second only to the royal house. Because of this, they were called “kings without crowns,” as they had extensive territories in Catalonia, Aragon, and Valencia, and dynastic ties with Castile, Portugal, Sicily, and Naples. This presumably increased the importance of the castle.  The fort is currently used as a parador, a state-run luxury hotel.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/250th of a second and at aperture f11. 150 mm Schneider Kreuznach telephoto lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.

 

OLVERA

CADIZ, SPAIN

IMAGE NUMBER 715a

At the tip of the "White towns route", the city of Olvera is located in the province of Cadiz, near the borders of the provinces of Seville and Malaga.  The main monument of this city is itself. A phrase that exemplifies this reality is "Olvera is a street, a church and a castle, but what a street, what a church and what a castle!"  For that reason Olvera was declared “A Protected Area of Artistic and Historical Importance” in 1983. 

Dominating the area, like the top of a pyramid, is Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (the Parish of Our Lady of the Incarnation) next to the Arabic Castle: it is the vertex of a white expanse of houses amongst olive groves. This church, in neoclassic style, was built by the orders of the Duke of Osuña in 1822.  Nicholas de Ribera, El Viejo, 'the old one', was born in Olvera in 1487 and took part in the conquest of Peru. In 1535 he was named the first mayor of Lima.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/135th of asecond and an aperture of f10.  45 mm Phase One wide angle lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

THE BLUE MOSQUE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 572

The Blue Mosque was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name. The tiles number in the tens of thousands, there are 260 windows and the central prayer space is huge. The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled so as to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; tourists must use the south door 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken rested on a railing with a hand held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of .57 seconds and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

HAGIA SOPHIA

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 552

Hagia Sophia is a former Christian patriarchal basilica, later an imperial mosque, and now a museum.  Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". It remained the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. The current building was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 on the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I .  In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II, who ordered this main church of Orthodox Christianity converted into a mosque. It remained a mosque until 1931, when it was re-opened as a museum by the Republic of Turkey.  

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/400th of a second and aperture F7.1.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

THE SULTAN'S QUARTERS

THE TOPKAPI PALACE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 564

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1/69th of a second and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

AUDIENCE ROOM, TOPKAPI PALACE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 526

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

This image looks into the audience room at the front gate of the palace.  Here the Sultan would receive ambassadors beneath a cupola.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1/4 second and aperture F6.3.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

SULTAN'S QUARTERS, TOPKAPI PALACE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 525

The Topkapı Palace was one of the major residences of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465–1856) of their 624-year reign.  It is now a museum and as such a major tourist attraction. It also contains important holy relics of the Muslim world, including Muhammed's cloak and sword. At its peak, the palace was home to as many as 4,000 people, and covered a large area with a long shoreline.  The palace complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers.  They contain large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as Ottoman treasures and jewelry.  However the greatest treasure may well be the spectacular tiling in the principal rooms.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a hand-held Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1/200th of a second and aperture F5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach wide angle lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

OIA- BELL TOWER

SANTORINI, GREECE

Image Number 515

Oia is a picture perfect village in the north west edge of the Santorini island.  It extends for 2 kilometres along the edge of the caldera that forms the island. It is built on the steep slope of the caldera and the houses and restaurants are built into niches carved into the cliff on the seaward side. Oia is an idyllic complex of white washed blue domed churches and charming, traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses.  It offers excellent views of the sunset over the caldera.  In summer over 120,000 visitors from cruise ships visit Oia every day and the tiny main street literally becomes impassable.  Oia no longer has a local population - almost all houses have been converted to pensions.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/125th of a second and aperture F10.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

OIA - BLUE DOMED CHURCH 

SANTORINI, GREECE

Image Numbers 491 & 492

Oia is a picture perfect village in the north west edge of the Santorini island.  It extends for 2 kilometres along the edge of the caldera that forms the island. It is built on the steep slope of the caldera and the houses and restaurants are built into niches carved into the cliff on the seaward side. Oia is an idyllic complex of white washed blue domed churches and charming, traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses.  It offers excellent views of the sunset over the caldera.  In summer over 120,000 visitors from cruise ships visit Oia every day and the tiny main street literally becomes impassable.  Oia no longer has a local population - almost all houses have been converted to pensions.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image Number 491 (top)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/160th of a second and aperture F9.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image Number 392 (bottom)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/274th of a second and aperture F8.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

OIA - BLUE DOMED CHURCH

SANTORINI, GREECE

Image Number 490

Oia is a picture perfect village in the north west edge of the Santorini island.  It extends for 2 kilometres along the edge of the caldera that forms the island. It is built on the steep slope of the caldera and the houses and restaurants are built into niches carved into the cliff on the seaward side. Oia is an idyllic complex of white washed blue domed churches and charming, traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses.  It offers excellent views of the sunset over the caldera.  In summer over 120,000 visitors from cruise ships visit Oia every day and the tiny main street literally becomes impassable.  Oia no longer has a local population - almost all houses have been converted to pensions.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/223th of a second and aperture F9.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

OIA

SANTORINI, GREECE

Image Number 484

Oia is a picture perfect village in the north west edge of the Santorini island.  It extends for 2 kilometres along the edge of the caldera that forms the island. It is built on the steep slope of the caldera and the houses and restaurants are built into niches carved into the cliff on the seaward side. Oia is an idyllic complex of white washed blue domed churches and charming, traditional Cycladic houses and cave houses.  It offers excellent views of the sunset over the caldera.  In summer over 120,000 visitors from cruise ships visit Oia every day and the tiny main street literally becomes impassable.  Oia no longer has a local population - almost all houses have been converted to pensions.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/320th of a second and aperture F7.1.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

MONASTERY OF TIMIOS STAVROS

CENTRAL GREECE

Image Numbers 409, 410. 411

The small Monastery Church of "Timios Stavros" in Doliana-Trikala is located in central Greece about 80 klm from Meteroa.  The church has 13 domes and is among the most remarkable Greek Byzantine churches.  It was built in the end of 17th century, in basilica order, and it consists of three aisles. It initially functioned as a monastery but it was abandoned in 1924.   It has recently been restored with assistance from the European Community.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Image Number 411 (top)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1.6 th seconds and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens wide angle with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image Number 410 (middle)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 400. Exposure of 1.6 th seconds and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens wide angle with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

Image Number 409 (bottom)

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 200. Exposure of 1.6 th seconds and aperture F4.5.   28mm Schneider Kreuznach lens wide angle with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

MONASTERY OF TIMIOS STAVROS

CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 408

The small Monastery Church of "Timios Stavros" in Doliana-Trikala is located in central Greece about 80 klm from Meteroa.  The church has 13 domes and is among the most remarkable Greek Byzantine churches.  It was built in the end of 17th century, in basilica order, and it consists of three aisles. It initially functioned as a monastery but it was abandoned in 1924.   It has recently been restored with assistance from the European Community.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 100. Exposure of 1/69th second and aperture F5.6.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

ROADSIDE SHRINE

KASTRAKI, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 407

Road side shrines abound in Greece.  Originally built to facilitate pilgrims, they increasingly evolved into small family chapels. More recently they are being built to commemorate road accident victims.  This shrine overlooks the village of Kastraki in central Greece, amidst the monoliths of Meteora.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 45. Exposure of 1/5th of a second and aperture F14.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

 

ROUSANOU MONASTERY

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 413

The Metéora, literally "middle of the sky", is one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   In the 9th century AD, hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the 14th century.  Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. Six monasteries remain today.  Each monastery has fewer than 10 inhabitants.  The Monastery of Rousanou was built in the 16th century.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/60th second and aperture F5.   45mm Phase One lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

VARLAAM MONASTERY

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 417

The Metéora, literally "middle of the sky", is one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   In the 9th century AD, hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the 14th century.  Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. Six monasteries remain today.  Each monastery has fewer than 10 inhabitants.  The Holy Monastery of Varlaam – The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery in the Metéora complex. It was built in 1541.    Beyond it is the Monastery of the Holy Trinity (1475).

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/3of a second and aperture F14.   80mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

MONASTERY OF ST. NICHOLAS ANAPOUSAS

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 406

The Metéora, literally "middle of the sky", is one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   In the 9th century AD, hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the 14th century.  Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. Six monasteries remain today.  Each monastery has fewer than 10 inhabitants.  The Monastery of St Nicholas Anapousas was built in the 16th century.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/6 of a second and aperture F14.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

ROUSANOU MONASTERY

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 405

The Metéora, literally "middle of the sky", is one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   In the 9th century AD, hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the 14th century.  Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. Six monasteries remain today.  Each monastery has fewer than 10 inhabitants.  The Monastery of Rousanou was built in the 16th century.

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 1/3 of a second and aperture F14.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.  

VARLAAM MONASTERY

METEORA, CENTRAL GREECE

Image Number 403

The Metéora, literally "middle of the sky", is one of the largest and most important complexes of Greek Orthodox monasteries in Greece, second only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars in central Greece. The Metéora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.   In the 9th century AD, hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the 14th century.  Until the 17th century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. Six monasteries remain today.  Each monastery has fewer than 10 inhabitants.  The Holy Monastery of Varlaam – The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery in the Metéora complex. It was built in 1541.   

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod-mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 35. Exposure of 4/5ths of a second and aperture F12.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with leaf shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.