Sunday, January 3, 2016

The Temple of Canova


Sitting at the top of hill on the edge of Possagno Italy is this spectacular temple built by the sculptor Antonio Canova and people of Possagno.  Although Canova began his sculpting career at the early age of 9, it wasn't until he was 63 that he laid the first stone for this temple to the Holy Trinity.


It was built in a severe neoclassical style with grand columns and a round rotunda. 


While the Doric columns bring images of the Pantheon in Greece to mind, the body of the temple itself is more reminiscent of the Pantheon in Rome.






























The view from the entrance looks out over the Grappa Range and onward toward the Alps.  


Construction began in 1819 and was completed in 1830.  Canova spent his own money to build this monument which became his tomb when he died 1822.  The people of Possagno completed the temple after his death.  

There are many works of art inside the temple including this painting by Luca Giordano above the altar.  
































You might notice a person standing on the roof in the second photo above.  There was a very narrow spiral staircase in a hidden corner of the temple and believe it or not, I climbed to the top to take in the view.  

6 comments:

Andy said...

Amazing sight.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh well done Sharon, you are braver than I :) wonderful images of and out from the temple.

Lowell said...

These places, which we don't find in the US, are in my opinion, wondrous. I was surprised, though, to learn it was a church as I first thought of an old Roman temple. Thanks, too, for sharing the interior...it is so beautiful in every way. Your photos are so well done...I almost feel like I've been there.

Catalyst said...

What a beautiful building! Lovely photographs by you, too. You might check out Joan's blog (http://charlestondailyphoto.blogspot.com/2016/01/church-photo-in-lieu-of-attendance.html) today for a building that looks somewhat similar to your first photo.

William Kendall said...

Magnificent! I think there's a Canova sculpture here in our national gallery.

William Kendall said...

Even more amazing taking a second look at the place.