Confessions of a ceiling addict (The international edition)

My obsession with ceilings has peppered many a post in this blog. I have previously blogged about ceilings in Madrid, Seville, Avila, Toledo and Majorca, all from Spain, but now I have realized I also do have pictures of ceilings from other European countries!


Sistine Chapel, Vatican City, ITALY. The most attention-grabbing ceiling of them all is probably that of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Upon entrance, tourists are greeted with a long hallway whose well-illuminated ceiling is adorned by classical painting of Renaissance masters. The ceiling of the chapel itself is a masterpiece of Michelangelo himself.


Hôtel des Invalides, Paris, FRANCE. Hovering over the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte is a golden dome that seemingly exalts the glory of this conqueror and self-proclaimed emperor.


Church of the Holy Apostles, Athens, GREECE. Most, if not all, Greek Orthodox churches have the image of Christ, called the Pantokrator, on the main dome of the nave. This church in the Roman Agora in Athens has retained its ancient Pantokrator despite the recent rennovation it has undertaken.


Cathedral of our Lady of Antwerp, BELGIUM. Although most tourists enter this cathedral to see the paintings of Peter Paul Reubens, the dome still mesmerizes. It depicts the coronation of the Virgin Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.


Praça do Comércio, Lisbon, PORTUGAL. This is the ceiling of the big arch that towers over this seaside square of Lisbon. The arch itself is a dazzling architectural masterpiece.