Switching – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetryTags:
Main facade view: Palermo Cathedral Sicily Italy. Image credit: © KavalenkavaVolha | iStock

doors switching roles

inscribe the way in bronze

for others to find

*

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Palermo Cathedral) in Sicily, Italy reflects Palermo’s diverse heritage. Since its consecration in 1185 A.D., Palermo Cathedral has incorporated a unique blend of architectural styles.

Even its main facade is unlike any other cathedral. The south side of the building serves as the main facade, connected by supporting buttress arcades to the adjacent green-doored Archbishop’s residence (shown above). Moreover, its intended main entrance (*the featured door imaged below) on the west side of the cathedral is rarely used.

**The featured door, Palermo Cathedral, Sicily, Italy — West Side Portal.

Bronze Doors. West side entrance, Palermo Cathedral, Sicily. Image credit: © Zoblinski | iStock

These rarely used bronze doors were created by sculptor Filippo Sgarlata and installed in 1951. The bronze panels depict the life of Christ and Mary his mother according to the gospel of Matthew.

Trivia #1: Palermo Cathedral’s Mystery.

A Roman column dating to the 15th century, and a key component of the pillars supporting Palermo Cathedral’s south side (used as its main entrance) portal, has a carved Arabic inscription quoting the seventh Surah of the Quran. This Surah praises God as the Creator who made the world in six days. Still in situ after centuries, no one is certain how the inscription came to be there.

Trivia #2: Palermo City and Palermo Cathedral were among the filming locations for the critically acclaimed and award-winning Netflix mini-series “Ripley,” an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s The Talented Mr. Ripley (1955). Upon its debut on April 4, 2024, within its first few days of release “Ripley” vaulted into Netflix’s top ten at number six, with over 16 million views.

*Fun Fact: According to Forbes’ List of the “Best Street Food in the World,” Palermo is listed at number five.

South Entrance (Main Entrance), Palermo Cathedral. Image credit: © Giuliano Benzin | iStock
View from the driveway entrance. Palermo Cathedral, Sicily, Italy. Image credit: © sirene68 | iStock

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ThursdayDoors
In Primo piano

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

52 thoughts on “Switching – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors”

  4. Pingback: Switching – Haiku 2024 #ThursdayDoors | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  5. What a majestic structure, Suzette. Maybe the inscription is to show that all faiths have some fundamental things in common. In any case, I think it’s interesting. As always, I’m amazed at the vision and craftsmanship that no doubt began about 1,000 years ago.

    Liked by 2 people

  6. I don’t really have words of my own

    authentic enough to honour the beauty and originality of your thought

    doors are never easy to describe

    they fascinated us through thr centuries

    these doors are so worthy of your pen word.

    Closing the door quietly.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. You are so right, doors are not easy to describe, hence the poem at the beginning of these posts..they are the best I can do to honor their great stories.
      Thank you for your heartwarming comments. Blessings to your day!

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      1. With your authentic and original impressions, you are a blessing to the world of doors

        the comment, I delight to mention was off the cuff

        and I’m simply glad they were heartwarmingly accepted in this profound world of originality.

        Liked by 2 people

  13. This was fascinating!

    I have recently been studying the Qu’ran, and find a little-known fact that its authoring prophet repeatedly said that he was here to confirm the holy books which had come before him, not to create competition with their true followers. Apparently some enlightened ancient Abbot came to the same understanding! Very strange that there are no records of its installation, however… One of history’s many mysteries…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are probably right, Ana. Someone in church authority probably chose to leave the inscription because it connected with the holy books. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Bless you.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes Kerfe the facade looks like its almost framed by the sky ceiling. Good point. I agree the different styles were well accomodated to the structure. Hope you are doing well. Have a good one!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. I liked your words “inscribing the way.” On so many levels! The inscriptions are sometimes in words, sometimes in sculptures, sometimes in architecture, but so often leading a way. It’s wonderful that the Quran is part of it. Beautiful, Suzette!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Well said Maureen! Yes, “inscribing the way” offers various perspectives for the reader to chose in the reading. As do the markings and sculptures on these grand building/cathedrals.
      Glad you enjoyed the connections and the Quran reference as well. Have a wonderful day.
      As always I appreciate your always thoughtful insights.

      Like

  19. One more amazing cathedral and its door, Suzette! Love its background. I think this church was converted into a mosque during Muslim rule, and then converted back into a church. That may be the reason of inscription. And this is not the isolated case, I’m sure.

    Liked by 1 person

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