Portugal – Batalha, the Abbey (14th-16th Century). Jesus, in the middle, with a globe in His hand, indicating Christianity’s universality. Around Him are the four Gospel–writers and their symbols. Each Gospel uses a symbolic emblem, taken from the Books of Ezekiel and the Revelation. These are known as the Tetra morphs, the four pictorial representations of the attributes of the four Evangelists: A human face or figure for Saint Matthew, a lion for Saint Mark, a winged ox for Saint Luke and an eagle for Saint John.
In the Late Gothic architecture of the Dominican Convent at Batalha, St. James the Greater with his attribute of the Scallop Shell on his Bible.
Batalha Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Portugal – Batalha.
The Way of St. James, a leading Catholic pilgrimage root originated in the nineth century. It was traditionally a hard journey made on foot, a journey of 900km, typically begins in France and ends in Santiago de Compostela, in the province of Galicia, northwest Spain. Certification for those that complete the Camino, the requirement being at least 100km on foot along the Santiago trail, with stamps in your official credential or passport to prove your journey. Santiago, St. James’ Spanish name, was declared by King Alfonso II as the country’s patron saint. Over 100.000 pilgrims travel to Santiago de Compostela each year. The Scallop Shell, or Concha Shell, emblem of St. James the Greater, worn by pilgrims. Concha Shells were used by thirsty pilgrims to scoop water out from streams.
Spain – Santiago de Compostela.
On a voyage to the Holy Land, St. Nicholas saved the ship from being wrecked with his prayers, which is how he became the patron saint of travellers, sailors and those overtaken by sudden danger.
In Grundtvigs Kirke, outside Copengahen, St Nicholas is represended by a ship maquette.
Denmark – Copenhagen.
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