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I know atheists are not officially banned from setting foot inside churches (these days some clerics might hope for the beginnings of a conversion) ...but in Batea I struck lucky. The town has two churches and both of them were unlocked. I was able to capture some fine examples of 'graven images' and idols. Superb examples of how the poverty-stricken wine growers of the area had their tithes turned into monuments to a god that will consign you to eternal burning if you screw up ...but he loves you!! |
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Batea isn't a place of pilgrimage (as far as I know) and it isn't that close to anything of mind-blowing religious significance. This means something quite astonishing; these churches were built in this small (but old) town in the middle of the countryside for no better reason than to satisfy the local people (and some bearded bloke in the sky)! |
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There's probably a proper name for this enormous pillared monument (left) just behind the altar (I just don't happen to know what it is). What I do know is that I couldn't get all of it in shot without kneeling down! Fortunately, nobody witnessed this and mistook my enthusiasm for photographing things, for a private act of piety (the damage done to my street cred would've been irreparable)! |
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There was no sensible place to put this photo (left) ...but I just had to include it. I visited Batea in September; just as the grape harvest had begun! |
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The tractor trailer is heaped up with grapes and a steady stream of these vehicles were pouring into the town and through its narrow streets from the vineyards to the bodega. This went on from first light! The place is probably much quieter at other times of the year. |
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