Legacy – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:
The NEW Salamanca Cathedral, Spain. Image credit: © Raul G. Herrera | Dreamstime

past’s load-bearing wall

holding up its legacy—

a sound foundation

Using the original Salamanca Cathedral as its staff, the South wall of the New Cathedral of Salamanca (1513-1733) rests on the North wall of the original Salamanca Cathedral (circa 12th century). Both cathedrals still stand today permanently linked.

*The featured wood doors (image below) are the New Cathedral of Salamanca’s famous North Portal,” La Portada de Ramos.”

La Portada de Ramos, North Portal, The New Salamanca Cathedral, Spain. Image credit: © Cesar Fabian Mendez | Dreamstime

La Portada de Ramos features the famous tympanum (above the doors) relief carvings —illustrating the biblical narrative of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday—considered by some as one of the best iconographic sculptures in stone in Spain.

The featured doors date back to the 19th century and were fully restored in 1992.

Trivia#1: Besides building the New Salamanca Cathedral into the North Wall of the original cathedral, the New Salamanca Cathedral’s foundation was built on the original Salamanca Cathedral’s first bell tower’s foundation.

Trivia #2: Trinity Church Boston, Massachusetts, USA borrowed with acknowledgment, the pointed roof dome design aka Torre del Gallo, from the original Salamanca Cathedral. Images are below:

Trinity Church, Boston Mass, USA. Image credit: © Alexandre Fagundes De Fagundes | Dreamstime
Torre del Gallo rooftop dome on the Right, Original Salamanca Cathedral. The New Salamanca Cathedral is on the left, Visitors line the roof walkway between the two cathedrals. / © Dreamstime

**Fun fact: Did you know that Salamanca University, Spain’s oldest university (and originally housed in the cloisters of the original Salamanca Cathedral) first proposed the Gregorian Calendar?

Members of Salamanca University first pitched to Pope Gregory, a big fan and huge supporter of Salamanca University, the idea of changing from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar (that is, counting the ”opening” of the calendar year as January 1st instead of March 25.) And the rest, as they say, is history.

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Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

64 thoughts on “Legacy – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors”

  1. Hi Suzette, another triumph. The haiku is great, the doors and especially the carvings are magnificent, and the facts and trivia, once again, are fascinating.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. You’ve given us another beautiful post, Suzette and an interesting construction story. Reusing the wall and foundation might have saved some cost/effort but it also resulted in two buildings being preserved. I love the trivia about the calendar. I hope you have a great weekend.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are right Dan, the builders did well to keep both buildings intact. They probably took the cost savings and applied it to the epic and bespoke interior of the new cathedral, which I did not mention in this post.
      Thank you! And a great weekend to you.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Beautiful cathedral doors, once again displaying the skilled craftmanship of the era.

    the metalworks give the impression of embroidered or knitted pattern

    the story of restoration and preservation are beautifully reflected in your haiku

    magnificent carvings

    the scholars or students at the time are no different to what we experience today. They too, were on a revolutionary path advocating for the change of the Julian Calendar

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, so true. Great skill and devotion in their works. You make a good point about the metal pattern. I had not thought of that.
      Yes, agreed, centers of learning have a responsibility to champion new thought.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A marvelous Thursday offering Poet, with our contemporary eyes, still to be admired. Amazing work of art and centre of study. So true, like universities throughout the world, always in pangs and motions of growing new thought.
        The contrasting colours definitely leaves me with the impression that the metalsmiths got their idea from a knitting or embroidery pattern if one of their wives…lol

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Lol.. you are probably right about knitting or embroidery and the artistic nod to the lady of the house’s creative talent in garment making/adornment. Perhaps the metalsmiths were trying to suggest these doors as curtiains…eh?

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Oh yes we shouldn’t leave out the clothmakers and seamstress. They definitely held influences over the hubbies, the metalsmiths.
        In fact the door looks like a warm metal quilt or blanket.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Yes, I think not too long ago the word quilt was an emphasis in one of your haikus too. I agree, a beautiful tapestry connecting the two cathedrals

        Liked by 1 person

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  9. Magnificent architecture with an imposing door! Love the fun facts. And your haiku, as always, encompasses everything. Well done, Suzette!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well spotted Kerfe! Yes, their seems to be an impression of a progression with those nested arches. The pointed domes are beautifully understated elegance, I feel.
      Thank you for your insightful comments as always, Kerfe. Have a lovely day!

      Liked by 1 person

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  22. Suzette, your Haiku shares the richness of history found in this cathedral’s foundation and supporting wall. The carving which attests to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem is something blessed to behold.

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Yes, “legacy” and “foundation.” Exactly so — and embodied in such astonishing craft! I’d need a whole week just to walk around that. Beautiful! Thanks, Suzette!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree. There is indeed such richness in this cathed, just the sculptures on the entrance would hold my attention for hours, if I were visit.
      You are very welcome, Maureen. Grace and peace to you.

      Liked by 1 person

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