The Notre-Dame de Boscodon Abbey, founded in 1142 in the Hautes-Alpes, is a gem of Romanesque architecture. Built by monks of the Chalais order, it became Benedictine in the 15th century and experienced periods of prosperity and decline. Transformed into a stable after the French Revolution, it was gradually restored from 1972 onwards thanks to the initiative of the Dominican community and volunteers.
Its architecture, inspired by the Cistercians, is based on symbolic geometric shapes and harmonious proportions. Today, the abbey, classified as a historical monument, hosts visitors and cultural events, attracting nearly 90,000 people per year.
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.