DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.62133#0181
CONSECRATION OF THE BASILICA.
1G5
CHAPTER XVI.
CONSECRATION OF THE BASILICA.
Nov. 24.—The first stone of the Basilica of St. Boni-
fazius was laid by King Ludwig in 1835, in celebration of
his Silberner Hochzeit,—or the twenty-fifth anniversary of
his marriage. It has taken fifteen years to complete and
enrich it with sculptures, arabesques, frescoes, and carving
in wood. Last week the rich gold and silver vessels, the
gold and silver crucifixes, the altar-cloths and splendid
robes for the priests, the embroidered banners and cano-
pies, the velvet cushions, the gorgeous carpets, thrones,
and seats required by the pomp of Catholic worship, were
exhibited for three days in the church to the public, who
streamed thither in crowds. To-day, was the consecration.
This church may be considered unique; being a revival
of the Basilicas of the fifth and sixth centuries—a Roman
hall of justice converted into a Christian temple. It is
built entirely of beautiful dark-red brick. Adjoining it is
the monastery of the Benedictine Monks, built also of
brick, and with the same round-arched windows as the
church,—of which, indeed, it seems a portion. A portico,
supported by eight noble limestone columns, runs along
the front of the Basilica and three lofty doors, rich with
emblematical carvings in wood and stone, lead into the
church. The interio divided into five naves by sixty-four
columns of grey mar ole, with exquisitely-sculptured white
marble capitals and bases. Entering by the middle door,
1G5
CHAPTER XVI.
CONSECRATION OF THE BASILICA.
Nov. 24.—The first stone of the Basilica of St. Boni-
fazius was laid by King Ludwig in 1835, in celebration of
his Silberner Hochzeit,—or the twenty-fifth anniversary of
his marriage. It has taken fifteen years to complete and
enrich it with sculptures, arabesques, frescoes, and carving
in wood. Last week the rich gold and silver vessels, the
gold and silver crucifixes, the altar-cloths and splendid
robes for the priests, the embroidered banners and cano-
pies, the velvet cushions, the gorgeous carpets, thrones,
and seats required by the pomp of Catholic worship, were
exhibited for three days in the church to the public, who
streamed thither in crowds. To-day, was the consecration.
This church may be considered unique; being a revival
of the Basilicas of the fifth and sixth centuries—a Roman
hall of justice converted into a Christian temple. It is
built entirely of beautiful dark-red brick. Adjoining it is
the monastery of the Benedictine Monks, built also of
brick, and with the same round-arched windows as the
church,—of which, indeed, it seems a portion. A portico,
supported by eight noble limestone columns, runs along
the front of the Basilica and three lofty doors, rich with
emblematical carvings in wood and stone, lead into the
church. The interio divided into five naves by sixty-four
columns of grey mar ole, with exquisitely-sculptured white
marble capitals and bases. Entering by the middle door,