Monday, July 11, 2011

Basilica of St. Anne–Lower Level

We discovered the lower level of the Basilica quite by accident. We did not have a map or any information about the layout of the church….we just saw a set of stairs and decided to see if they led anywhere in particular…….

When we walked downstairs and into the '”Chapel of the Immaculate Conception”, the chapel entirely devoted to Mary, our breath was taken away…….

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This Chapel was stunning……..both expansive and cozy…….magical and mystical……..and holy…….

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Again, we tried to take in the scope of the artwork…….every arch was outlined and decorated with mosaic tile,

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And each and every side of each pillar is decorated with a different mosaic depicting birds or insects or flowers - 178 in all.

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And along the side aisle are paintings by Frederic Doyon, whose work was influenced by Salvador Dali…….

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They complemented the ethereal quality of this chapel……..

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And the total effect was one of serenity….and reverence……and majesty…….

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