Santa Maria Church at Betancuria Photo

Photographer’s Note

The original capital of the island, Betancuria was founded in 1405 by Norman conqueror, Jean de Bethencourt, but suffered repeated raids by pirates who eventually totally sacked the city and caused its citizens to move elsewhere. Today it has a small population of a few hundred, and relies mainly on day visitors who come to admire the restored Santa Maria church.

The town is dominated by the church, which at one time was a cathedral. It was built in the years following the founding of the village, destroyed by pirates in 1539, and rebuilt in 1620. Later renovations have given it an 18th Century look and feel. The Judgement Day painting in the South-West chapel is quite action packed, and the black-robed carving of Santa Maria herself is exquisitely sorrowful.

ChrisJ, papagolf21, lucero, feather, chrisnet, chinchini, jhm, tigra, Pitoncle has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

ChrisJ (70443) 2007-01-15 4:14

Hi Stephen

I like the diagonal axis of the stairs opposing the roof line. Excellent sharpness & pov, with attractive splashes of colour from the blue & pink flowers. Congratulations!

papagolf21 (56811) 2007-01-15 5:04

Bonjour Stephen,
Jolie présentation de cette ancienne cathédrale. Le cadrage ne devait pas être facile pour restituer toute la majesté que représente cet édifice religieux. J'aime beaucoup ce massif de fleurs, qui met bien en valeur l'architecture simple de l'église.
Une très bonne photo.
Amitiés.
Philippe

lucero (964) 2007-01-15 6:09

Hola Stephen:
Bonita y sencilla fotografía con buena claridad y composición estética.
Me gusta la presencia de las escaleras en la parte inferior y el punto de vista inferior que hace más monumental la torre.
Un saludo: Javi

feather (50230) 2007-01-15 6:44

Good choice of vertical format to emphasise the height of the church and tower. The steps and flowers in the foreground add a pretty charm to the place. Nice work
Kath

maltese (21537) 2007-01-15 8:17

Hello Stephen
Très sympa cette composition, avec ce massif de fleurs en premier plan. les coumeurs et la composition sont superbes. Du beau travail
Amicalement
Hervé

wolf38 (13087) 2007-01-15 10:09

Hello Stephen. The variety and the architectural styles of the churches are impressing. The church is simple and nevertheless by the front effective. This photo is particularly well composed. It is suitable for each book of pictures. Best regards, Wolfgang.

chrisnet (20376) 2007-01-15 14:15

Hello Stephen,
A good framing of this beautiful church and I like much the flowers in the foreground, well done!
Regards
Christian

Fis2 (46465) 2007-01-15 14:29

Witaj Stephen!
Beautiful church, curious architecture. I like the frame and light. Good colors.
Regards
Krzysztof

chinchini (27841) 2007-01-15 16:39

Bonsoir Stephen,
Très belle présentation du clocher de la cathédrale d'une agréable architecture hispanique.
Le massif fleuri occupe une bonne place à l'avant-plan.
J'admire ces gargouilles particulières à la base des tuiles.
Mes amitiés
Pierre

jhm (83446) 2007-01-16 11:55

Hi Stephen,

Wonderful composition with the flowers in foreground, nice perspective through the roof of the church, choice of vertical format to emphasise the height of the church and tower make this picture very attractive. TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

tigra (2968) 2007-01-18 3:29

Hello Stephen
I like this capture, mostlu for the bright summer colors.
But I think you can add saturation here a little and framing, to make it more impressive.
Katia

cuneyt-sb (6559) 2007-01-19 12:14

Hi Stephen
Nice garden and building
Great POV for me , stairs is cut of on left just in place
Well done
TFS
Regards

Pitoncle (3743) 2007-01-19 16:17

Bonjour Stephen,
Le cadrage vertical s'impose dans cette composition mais ce morceau d'escalier à gauche n'est pas du plus bel effet et peut-être aurais-tu du choisir un cadrage un peu plus large. Dans la composition ces buissons fleuris contribuent à la mise en valeur du clocher par opposition des agréables couleurs. Très belle lumière.
A bientôt sur TE pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard