Ah, the dome! It’s like the architectural equivalent of a well-placed hat. You often see it elevating the entire outfit, or in this case, the entire structure. This particular dome, perched on the stunning Greek island of Santorini, stands tall against a backdrop of brooding clouds, as if it’s daring the weather to rain on its parade. Spoiler alert: it probably will, because, you know, it’s Easter, the Holy Week, and all.
Now, let’s talk about faith. Not the kind that involves Sunday mornings and potlucks (though those are delightful), but the kind that makes you look up at a structure like this and think, “Wow, someone really believed in the power of design.” I mean, just look at those windows! They’re like the architectural equivalent of a well-timed punchline. They are perfectly placed to let in just enough light to keep things interesting without overwhelming the whole vibe.
And speaking of vibes, can we take a moment to appreciate the drama of monochrome? It’s like we all collectively decided that color was just too mainstream and opted for a more sophisticated palette. Who needs a rainbow when you can have a thousand shades of gray? It’s the kind of choice that says, “I’m deep, I’m mysterious, and I probably have a collection of vinyl records that I only play when I’m feeling particularly introspective.” John Coltrane for the win, right?
But let’s not get too lost in the clouds, pun intended. This dome isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a structure that embodies faith, resilience, and maybe a touch of sarcasm. After all, it’s standing there, unbothered by the whims of the weather, as if to say, “Bring it on, Mother Nature! I’ve got a solid foundation and a killer view.” This is from Greece after all. A place that has seen empires rise and fade away.
Remember those pesky Romans? Ah, yes, they’re gone now. But through it all, the dome still remains. I think if you peek inside, the dome even has cable TV nowadays. I bet you can’t say that about a Roman chariot now, can you?
It’s Easter Sunday today and I thought I would share a church view to celebrate the end of Holy Week this year. Recently, while poking around on the Internet, I came across a video from Santorini during Holy Week. It was shot at night in the town of Pyrgos where they light tens of thousands of lanterns and have a procession. It was absolutely beautiful and made me want to go back to the Island.
This is now a bucket list item for sure and I’m kind of upset about it, because now I am thinking about all those steps, but I still want to go. Santorini is the Stairmaster of the Aegean Sea, for sure, but I can’t resist lanterns at night. Hopefully, I’ll make it back someday and should I do, I’ll be able to keep up with the Greeks on the steps.
So, as we gather this Easter, whether you’re in a church pew or lounging on a beach, take a moment to appreciate the artistry, the faith, and the sheer audacity of it all. And remember, whether you’re a fan of architecture or just someone who enjoys a good cloud-watching session, there’s always something to be learned from looking up. Just don’t forget your umbrella!
Until next time…
