Mosta Rotunda Photo

Photographer’s Note

Mosta Rotunda

Mosta’s Rotunda, 37 meters (122 feet) in diameter, is the fourth largest unsupported dome in the world and the third-largest church dome in Europe superseded by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Its design is based closely on the dome of the Pantheon in Rome.

The Church of Saint Mary was designed by Giorgio de Vasse and built between 1830 and the 1860s over and around the existing church which was demolished. It is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. St. Mary’s can accommodate approximately 10,000 people.

In 1942 during World War II, a bomb pierced the dome and landed inside the building where 300 people were gathered for Mass. The 200 kg bomb fell and bounced on the floor, but failed to explode. It was diffused without harming anyone. The event has become legendary and a replica of the bomb is housed inside the sacristy of the church for visitors to view. Workshop

For another view see workshop.

Vasa, marjan, belido, jmdias, gunbud, gracious, dareco, Jakab, vmukherjee, paura has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

marjan (6081) 2008-09-18 12:01

hi Betty, very good shot, nice composition and interesting interier. Good light and notice.
Marjan

batalay (20858) 2008-09-18 18:26

Hello Betty,

Another superb note highlights the image of the Mosta Rotunda. The dark wood pulpit is unusual for its color and its isolated position. I had no idea the dome was a large as you've explained it is. Your perspective, the light management, and the resolution are all first rate. In my youth (when I was just five) my parents and I took a ship from Istanbul to Izmir, then onto Alexandria. We were there for a few weeks, waiting for transportation to London, where my father had been appointed a military attaché. Transportation became available, when we flew from Cairo on a British military transport plane to Malta. After a few days there, we flew to London. So Malta has been in the recessive corridors of my brain since I was a child. Thanks for allowing me to return to those day of adolescence.

Warmest regards,

Bulent

belido (16357) 2008-09-19 4:32

Hi Betty,

incredible details! Such a beautiful interior shot. You managed the light very well. I don't know what were the settings but the exposure is really good. The images in the ws complete this post. Very well done!
Regards,
Carlos

testmaniac (12072) 2008-09-19 20:51

Hello Betty,very good indoor shot and architecture detail! Good job!

TFS

Phil

jmdias (19115) 2008-09-20 8:07

betty

very nice artworks in the place, we can enjoy many details here cause the light,m pov and sharpness are perfect. This note if nice too. very good compo

hugs

jorge

gunbud (27789) 2008-09-21 18:34

Hi Betty,
Wonderful intricate details and balanced clear crips colors to this beautiful church.
The blue and gold colors blend beautifully as they contrast with the rich wooden pulpit.
Regards, Tom

gracious (20017) 2008-10-17 1:10

Hello Betty,
Great architecture interior shot well captured with the best exposure and focus!
the pov is perfect with great sharpness, wonderful colour and details!
I enjoyed it very much
well done
Tony

dareco (17104) 2008-10-17 2:10

Amazing architecture and artwork! Beautiful colors and excellent detail. Very nice pov and framing. TFS

Beasolea (1640) 2008-11-09 16:15

Hello Betty,
I know, how hard is to show this kind of view.
You did a very nice job with lights, and colours.
TFS.
Bea

Jakab (3466) 2008-11-19 2:24

Hello Betty,
not an easy task to produce a good architectural photo from short distance without special equipment (shift lens). Due to the wide angle lens the verticals are inevitably leaning but I do not find any serious distortion. The picture gives a good impression of a beautiful Neoclassical cathedral with many fine details and nice colours. Also the note is informative, congratulations!
Laszlo

Vasa (5454) 2008-12-18 16:41

Hi Betty, friend,

from time to time i come back in your gallery - to see the nice pictures. Like this one from Malta. Great realization. Your Canon is for something, but i admire your decision and your idea.

With best wishes for 2009 year! Friendly your

Branko

vmukherjee (395) 2009-02-27 21:53