Closely Crypt Secret

Anagni Expedition, Part I of II.

Saturday five of us embarked on a southwards trip about an hour from Rome, to the Medieval city from which came four Popes and became associated with many Saints, including Thomas Becket from England.

Most remarkable is the cathedral, begun in 1072 and completed in 1104.
















Originally Romanesque, portions were remodeled as Gothic in the 1200's.


The gem of the church is the crypt, where the frescoed ceilings date back to the 11 and 1200's.




















One of the funnest series depicts scenes from Revelation.









You can't quite make it out in this shot, but the lamb, surrounded by the four creatures and worshiped by the 24 elders, has 7 eyes: Rev 5:6-14.



The fresco to the left of the one above shows the lamb who was slain, with the martyrs below the altar: Rev 6:9.















Up to the right is the angel with the incense: Rev 8:3.



And of course you can't leave out the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Rev 6:1-8.

















For good measure, the ceiling to the right shows the fallen angels being cast out of heaven: Rev 12:7-8.




















I'd like to show all the frescoes, because they were so great, but I'll just include Abraham and Elijah.














Here the fully armored Abram returns from battle and gives his tithe to the priest Melchizedek, who offers up bread and wine: Gen 14:14-20.



Here Elijah, on his way up to heaven, tosses his mantle back to Elisha: 2 Kings 2:9-12.













Notice Elijah again at the lower left being fed by the raven: 1 Kings 17:1-6.


To be continued . . .