Without a forecourt or towers and somewhat hidden away in the Old Town, the true magnificence of the Baroque Asam Church Maria de Victoria lies in its stunning interior. Two exceptionally valuable artistic treasures adorn this architectural gem, which was built between 1732 and 1736 as the oratory of the Marian student congregation.
The Incarnation of the Lord is the subject of the phenomenal ceiling fresco that was painted by Cosmas Damian Asam, the most well-known Bavarian artist of the Baroque era, at the height of his creativity. This perspectival masterpiece, which is the largest flat ceiling fresco in the world and measures 42 metres by 16 metres, can be best appreciated by walking around beneath it. Another valuable artefact is the Lepanto Monstrance, which was completed in 1708 and stands in the treasure chamber.
This filigree work of art, set in gold and silver, represents the Christians' victory over the Turks in the sea battle of Lepanto - the unique portrayal of a combat on the world's most valuable monstrance.
References: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.