It never fails to take my breath away - that moment when you enter the doors of a centuries-old cathedral so steeped in history you can almost smell it in the air. You enter the dim space and take in the hush of serenity and reverence, moving slowly into the nave as you absorb your surroundings.
And then that moment happens - again. You look up, and you cannot believe the infinite detail and brilliant artistry on display above you high in the vaulted ceilings.
That's the moment when I take a seat to reflect, not only on the magnificence of the artwork but on the men who created it. How many years did they give of their lives to produce something so spectacular? Did they know their legacy would inspire worshippers and visitors for centuries to come? Did they understand the impact their vision would have on future generations of church goers?
It is simply astounding, masterful and awe-inspiring. This ceiling in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, with its perfect proportions and symmetrical balance, makes me appreciate the architecture, the meticulous craftsmanship, the artistry, and the culture that created the men and women who made it possible.
