Michael Harvey

INTRODUCTION

Time, an ever-expanding tapestry, unfurls before us, narrating tales of cosmic wonders and human ingenuity. From the first luminescent burst of the Big Bang to the sophisticated structures of today's cities, our story is ceaselessly etched, revealing our roots and aspirations.
The foundations of our modern world lie buried within the sands of ancient civilizations. Be it the towering skyscrapers that kiss the skies or the intricate bridges connecting vast terrains, their conception began millennia ago. These historical remnants are not mere tales; they serve as signposts, directing our collective journey and hinting at the vast potentialities ahead.

Join us as we traverse the arteries of the global economic system, shedding light on banking's storied past. Discover the pivotal moments, the unexpected detours, and the visionary foresight that have shaped our financial landscape. As we glimpse back, we also cast our eyes forward, speculating on the awaiting burgeoning opportunities and challenges.

Each piece of knowledge we share, insight, and revelation is a jigsaw piece, constructing a panorama of understanding. Our pledge to you encapsulates our guiding principle:

"HELPING YOU TO MAKE YOUR PLAN WORK."

Whether charting the maze-like alleys of today's fast-paced commercial world or seeking clarity amidst life's unpredictabilities, our beacon remains steadfast, illuminating your path.

Arm yourself with knowledge, for the wisdom of bygone eras empowers us to meet the morrow. Moreover, dear reader, that future is not merely approaching—it is already at our threshold.

Lecce Cathedral: A Masterpiece of Italian Architecture

Introduction

In the third instalment of our Architectural Icons series, we delve into the captivating world of Giuseppe Zimbalo, a distinguished Italian architect and sculptor of the Baroque era, famously known as "Lo Zingarello" or "Tiny Gypsy." Zimbalo's remarkable contributions have left an indelible mark on the southern Italian city of Lecce. Specifically, he played a pivotal role in transforming and enhancing Lecce Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Lecce; Cattedrale dell'Assunzione della Vergine). This blog post will explore the cathedral's historical evolution, exquisite interior, and towering bell tower gracing Lecce's skyline.

Giuseppe Zimbalo: The Architect and Sculptor Extraordinaire (1620–1710)

Zimbalo, nicknamed "Tiny Gypsy," is celebrated as one of the preeminent figures in the Baroque movement within Lecce, his hometown in southern Italy. His creative genius left an indelible imprint on various architectural wonders, including the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Celestine Palace. However, it was his transformative work on Lecce Cathedral that truly shone.

Lecce Cathedral's Historical Evolution

The roots of Lecce Cathedral extend deep into history, with its initial construction dating back to 1144. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent several repairs and alterations. However, its most significant transformation occurred between 1659 and 1682 under the skilled guidance of Giuseppe Zimbalo. Bishop Luigi Pappacoda commissioned this ambitious endeavour, forever changing the cathedral's face. Notably, the cathedral now houses the remains of Bishop Luigi Pappacoda in the altar dedicated to Saint Orontius of Lecce, the city's revered patron saint.

image by Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Interior Grandeur of Lecce Cathedral

Step inside the cathedral and the awe-inspiring grandeur of its interior will greet you. Lecce Cathedral follows a Latin cross plan with three naves elegantly divided by pilasters and columns. The crowning glory of the interior is the main altar, situated at the eastern end of the church. Here, visitors are treated to a visual feast, with the central nave and transepts adorned with a wooden ceiling featuring coffered designs dating back to 1685.

The magnificent paintings by the talented Giuseppe da Brindisi depict significant scenes such as the Preaching of Saint Orontius, Protection from the Plague, Martyrdom of Saint Orontius, and the Last Supper.

Image by Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Enchanting Side Chapels

Lecce Cathedral boasts twelve side chapels, each with its unique altar. These chapels are dedicated to various saints and religious events, and they feature exquisite artwork created by renowned artists such as Giuseppe da Brindisi, Oronzo Tiso, Gianserio Strafella, G. Domenico Catalano, and G. A. Coppola.

The Dazzling Main Altar of Lecce Cathedral

The main altar is a true gem within the cathedral, a masterpiece crafted from marble and gold-plated bronze. This opulent creation was brought to life under the guidance of Bishop Sersale and consecrated in 1757 by Bishop Sozi Carafa. At its heart, you will find the monumental central painting,

Palickap, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

"The Assumption of Mary" by Oronzo Tiso (1757). Flanking this masterpiece are two lateral images: "The Sacrifice of the Prophet Elias" and "Noah's Sacrifice after the Flood" (1758). The choir stalls and the bishop's chair, made from exquisite walnut, were meticulously designed by Emanuele Manieri and commissioned by Bishop Fabrizio Pignatelli in 1797.

Exploring the Baroque Crypt

The cathedral's 12th-century crypt underwent a Baroque transformation during the 16th century. This underground sanctuary features a longitudinal space that houses two Baroque chapels with captivating paintings. A corridor runs through this space, with ninety-two columns graced with intricately decorated capitals featuring human figures.

Image by Holger Uwe Schmitt, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Towering Bell Tower

As one gazes upon the cityscape of Lecce, one cannot miss the imposing presence of the cathedral's bell tower. It was erected between 1661 and 1662 under the watchful eye of architect Giuseppe Zimbalo at the behest of Bishop Luigi Pappacoda. This majestic structure replaced the previous Norman bell tower, which had succumbed to decay in the early 17th century. The tower's distinctive square shape rises gracefully through five tapered levels, culminating in an octagonal majolica dome adorned with an iron statue of Sant'Oronzo. Each of the top four floors has a single window on each side, enclosed by a balustrade. Latin inscriptions drawn from the writings of Giovanni Lecce Camillo Palma grace plaques positioned above the mullioned windows.

Standing tall at an impressive 72 meters, the bell tower offers panoramic vistas of the Adriatic Sea. On exceptionally clear days, one can even glimpse the majestic mountains of Albania. Due to its partly sunken foundation, the tower's subtle tilt only adds to its charm.

A Gem in the Heart of Lecce

Located in the heart of Lecce, the cathedral graces the southeast corner of the Piazza del Duomo. It boasts two entrances, one on the north and the other on the west, offering access to the vibrant square. The cathedral shares this splendid space with the imposing bell tower, the bishop's residence, and the seminary.

Image by Iacopetta, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In Conclusion

Lecce Cathedral is a magnificent testament to the artistry and devotion of its builders and the city of Lecce itself. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and artistic treasures make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the beauty of Apulia, Italy.

"Earth from Space with Stars" by DonkeyHotey is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Introduction:

Welcome back to the third part of our journey through the Pleistocene epoch, also known as the Ice Age, as we explore Book Two, Chapter One. In this instalment, we delve deeper into the intricacies of ice ages, the massive ice sheets that shaped our planet, and the incredible geological features they left behind.

The Dance of Ice Ages and Greenhouse Periods:

An ice age is a prolonged period of cooling on Earth, characterized by the expansion of continental and polar ice sheets and alpine glaciers. Earth's climate oscillates between these ice ages and greenhouse periods, where glaciers recede. Our planet finds itself amid an ice age known as Quaternary glaciation. Within ice ages, we experience individual episodes of frigid climate, referred to as glacial periods. Conversely, the warmer intervals punctuating ice ages are known as interglacials or interstadials.

This image was prepared by Robert A. Rohde from published data and is part of the Global Warming Art project.

The Chilly Effects on Sea Levels and Land Bridges:

During the Pleistocene ice age, the Earth's temperature plummeted significantly. This dramatic cooling had far-reaching consequences, most notably the reduction of sea levels. As ice sheets grew, vast quantities of water became locked in glaciers, leading to a drop in sea levels. This lowering of sea levels exposed land bridges between continents, providing migration pathways for diverse animal species. These land bridges played a pivotal role in shaping global ecosystems and the distribution of life on Earth.

Map of Panama, converted directly from CIA World Factbook GIF Source en:Image:Pm-map.png {{PD-USGov-CIA-WF}}

The Isthmus of Panama is a land bridge whose appearance 3 million years ago enabled the Great American Biotic Interchange, in which animals and plants from the north colonized the south and vice versa.

The Last Glacial Maximum and Vanishing Ice:

The world looked vastly different at the peak of the most recent ice age, approximately 20,000 years ago. Sea levels were a staggering 130 meters lower than they are today. This remarkable drop resulted from the substantial evaporation and subsequent deposition of seawater as snow and ice, primarily within the Laurentide Ice Sheet.

The Laurentide Ice Sheet: A Geological Giant:

The Laurentide Ice Sheet, a colossal expanse of ice, covered millions of square miles during various Quaternary glacial epochs spanning from 2.58 million years ago. Its last significant advance occurred between approximately 95,000 and 20,000 years ago. This colossal ice sheet had a profound impact on the landscape.

image from https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/continents/map.jpg

The maximum extent of glacial ice in the north polar area during the Pleistocene period included the vast Laurentide ice sheet in eastern North America.

Scars of the Ice Sheet:

The Laurentide Ice Sheet advanced and retreated, leaving an enduring mark on the Earth's surface. It carved out the five Great Lakes and numerous smaller lakes across the Canadian Shield. These lakes stretch from the Northwest Territories through Canada to the upper Midwest of the United States, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The ice sheet's influence extended further, shaping regions as far south as New England and Nova Scotia and impacting coastal cities like Boston, New York City, Chicago, and St. Louis. Beyond, it merged with the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, leaving an indelible imprint on the landscape.

Conclusion:

The Pleistocene epoch, with its ice ages and interglacials, reveals a dynamic Earth undergoing remarkable transformations. The Laurentide Ice Sheet's dominance and retreat are just a glimpse into the profound influence of ice on our planet's geography and climate. As we continue our journey through Earth's frozen past, we will uncover more secrets of this intriguing epoch and its impact on life on Earth. Stay tuned for the next instalment in exploring the Pleistocene Ice Age!