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MidlothianScotland

Rosslyn Chapel – Counting the green men

August 26, 2016 59 Comments

I’ve always wanted to visit Rosslyn Chapel, especially for all the myths and mysteries surrounding this chapel, so I was very excited when we decided to visit it last summer. Many believe that the Holy Grail or even the head of Christ all lie hidden within the chapel… then there was Dan Brown. All in all, Rosslyn Chapel attracts a lot of visitors for different reasons 🙂

Rosslyn Chapel

When we arrived, I was really disappointed to learn that we couldn’t take pictures inside the chapel. The place was really small… and there was a lot of people.. so in a way I could understand that they have to limit the number of flashs or selfie sticks to make the experience pleasurable for everyone. I was a bit heartbroken because I would have loved to take pictures of all the intricate carvings and others symbols 🙁 The museum was really entertaining and we learnt a lot ! Thankfully, I managed to take a few pictures inside the museum as well as in the souvenir shop, where it was allowed.

One of the most impressive thing about this chapel were definitively the carvings, mostly inspired by nature.

There are more than 100 green men in Rosslyn chapel and it was kind of fun to try to spot them all.

Green Man in Rosslyn Chapel

They were well hidden sometimes. The human faces are surrounded by vegetation, often growing out of their mouths. It’s very common in most medieval churches apparently as it represents the symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of growth each spring. The most interesting bit about that is that you could find different faces, with young faces symbolising spring at the East of the Chapel, ageing faces as autumn approaches through South and West, and skeletons in the North.

Of course, there are more carvings than green men, for example the gargoyles, or the finest of all, the Apprentice Pillar.

Carvings at Rosslyn Chapel
Carvings at Rosslyn Chapel
Carvings at Rosslyn Chapel
Carvings at Rosslyn Chapel
Carvings at Rosslyn Chapel

I was fascinated by the story of the Apprentice Pillar. The legend says that the master stonemason had to design a pillar. The carvings were so intricate that he didn’t work to work on it until he had travelled to Rome to see the original. While he was away, the mason’s apprentice had a dream that he had finished the pillar. When the master came back, the pillar was complete, a masterpiece of stonework. The mason was not pleased and killed the apprentice.

The guide told us that the pillar was probably made by an expert stonemason and not by apprentice.  I like the story better 🙂

After that visit, I had mixed feelings. In a way I was very happy to have visited it but I could have learnt all of that by watching a documentary I suppose. When I cannot take pictures, half of the fun is gone for me.. I know it’s a bit sad but I can’t help it ! That’s how I enjoy my visits 🙂

 

 

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59 Comments

  1. navasolanature Reply
    January 6, 2017 at 8:26 pm

    I have carved a green man from Norwich cathedral, agree such a pity you couldn’t capture your own angles. Perhaps they should allow done photography sessions. I will try and look up the green men carved there.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      January 7, 2017 at 5:12 pm

      Oh that’s awesome ! I love green man, I love the idea behind the sculpture

  2. tinteratreasures Reply
    September 13, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Reblogged this on Tintera Treasures and commented:
    With Vinotok and the Green Man being picked from many ‘hopeful’ young men, I found this article fun and interesting.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      September 13, 2016 at 11:45 am

      Thank you for the reblog 🙂

      • tinteratreasures Reply
        September 13, 2016 at 1:44 pm

        Thank you for writing it, and your more than welcome.

  3. rosemaylily2014 Reply
    September 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Beautiful photos Gin! Have never been to Rosslyn Chapel – must explore more of Scotland one day as I’ve only been there once! Have Scottish ancestors on my dad’s mother’s side of the family too!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      September 9, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      Maybe next year you will have time to explore the North 🙂

  4. Anabel Marsh Reply
    September 2, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    We visited here years ago – long before Dan Brown. A friend lived close by and we were the only four in there! I think we took photos, but whether I can find them again is another matter.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      September 5, 2016 at 3:09 pm

      Oh it must have been so much better than now. It attracts so many people. At the same time it’s good because they make lots of money for renovation but at the same time, the huge number of tourists increase the degradation I think

  5. inesephoto Reply
    August 30, 2016 at 7:41 pm

    Oh I would be upset too… Our photographs are our special, personal memories of a place. No youtube video can replace them.
    The carvings are so fascinating. I would be standing there and staring for hours 🙂 Pity about photography 🙁

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      September 5, 2016 at 2:07 pm

      The carvings were amazing ! There was just so much to see in this tiny chapel, it was crazy. I understand the fascination for that place.

      • inesephoto Reply
        September 6, 2016 at 4:53 am

        Yes, so much in such a tiny place, and the variety is overwhelming.

  6. lesouffleurdemots Reply
    August 30, 2016 at 11:18 am

    Très jolie chapelle. Très belle journée à toi

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:30 am

      Merci ! A toi aussi !

  7. europewithanedge Reply
    August 30, 2016 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for the go ahead Darwin. This is the link to the Balkanvibes travel writing competition. There’s some good stories and great photos on there so I hope anyone who follows the link enjoys them and thanks again DOTR.

    https://www.balkanvibe.com/category/Balkanvibe-Contest

  8. Tina Schell Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    No photos? Agree wholeheartedly it would take some of the fun out of it. I always say then you have to take eye-photos instead😊. Thanks for the tour!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:34 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed the virtual tour ! 🙂

  9. madlyinlovewithlife Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    You managed to get some great shots anyway! I love the shot you got of the one of the 100 Green Men. Nice work! :))

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:25 am

      I wish I could have captured the details of the apprentice pillar 🙂

  10. joylovestravel Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 10:02 am

    The no photo thing always disappoints me too – but you did get some great ones. Sounds like a fascinating place, all those stories about it are wonderful. My son has just discovered Dan Brown amongst our old books and is turning into a mega fan – this is somewhere we should go!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:16 am

      haha ! I quite enjoyed that book when I was a bit younger, so I’m not surprised he is a big fan ! Then visiting this place would be great for him. They also do special Dan Brown tours starting from Edinburgh that take you to all the famous filming locations 🙂

      • joylovestravel Reply
        August 30, 2016 at 4:45 pm

        Didn’t know that either – sounds great and another good reason to go back to Edinburgh. Thanks for the tip!!

  11. Marko Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 5:05 am

    Hello
    I wish you a nice weekend.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Thank you ! I hope you had a nice weekend as well.

  12. T Ibara Photo Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 1:44 am

    Hello Gin,
    What an interesting place you have visited! I too would have been disappointed in the same situation, but very happy you could get a few shots and visit of place full of history and intrigue 🙂 Hope you have a good weekend.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:09 am

      Thank you ! I had a good weekend ! I tried some archery this weekend and we had fun. Then went to a food festival. How about you ? Did you have a good weekend ?

  13. YellowCable Reply
    August 27, 2016 at 12:02 am

    That was too bad that they do not allow taking pictures inside. I know many places do that. I can understand the reason for no flash photography but sure about no picture at all.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:08 am

      I’m with you. I understand perfectly the reason behind the no flash photography but why forbidding photography without flash ? Maybe some people had weird behaviors (selfie sticks ?)

      • YellowCable Reply
        August 30, 2016 at 10:48 pm

        Perhaps disallowing selfie sticks (selfie without stick is ok)?

        • darwinontherocks Reply
          September 5, 2016 at 2:14 pm

          They should do that but allow people to take pictures without flash 🙂

  14. twobrownfeet Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 11:57 pm

    And then, there was Dan Brown! Haha! I know, it’s disappointing when you can’t take pictures. But the ones you did get — are pretty awesome! 🙂 I like the way every historical/religious place has some mythical story about it. We rarely opt for guides, prefer audio guides or books. I’d rather take my time and admire these works of art, than listen to a guide. 🙂

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:06 am

      I’m really crazy about all mythical stories linked to old places. That’s why I love stone circles so much I think 🙂 There are still so many mysteries around them.

      Here the guide was included in the price of the ticket, and we had a limited time in the chapel.

  15. Sue Slaght Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    Always disappointing to find a no camera policy. I’m with you in that I have a hard time enjoying it as much without being able to photograph it to share with others. The little green men are fascinating!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:04 am

      The story behind the little green men was fascinating especially them changing appearance according to the cardinal points. I wouldn’t have noticed it if the guide hasn’t told us !

  16. gabigabs111 Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 9:07 pm

    Looks like an awesome place to visit. The architecture reminds me of Kutna Hora in Czech republic.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:03 am

      Oh I just google it and it looks so intricate ! What a beautiful architecture ! If I ever visit Czech Republic I will try to not miss that place.

  17. explorvistas Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    Takes me back to the time I read “The Pillars of the Earth”. Loved that book!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:02 am

      Oh I love this book ! I had to read it for school probably 15 years ago and I just love it. Love the story, the details … oh .. I have read that book so many times ! I didn’t really enjoy the sequel though.

      • explorvistas Reply
        August 31, 2016 at 1:39 am

        I never read the sequel, but the original was great! 🙂

        • darwinontherocks Reply
          September 5, 2016 at 2:15 pm

          Don’t bother with the sequel 😀

  18. Chillbrook Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 6:29 pm

    Superb photographs Gin! 🙂

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:01 am

      I was a bit frustrated as it’s quite difficult to take a full picture of the chapel as it is enclosed in a very tiny space and I don’t have a wide angle.. so I just used my phone as last resort 😀

  19. europewithanedge Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 5:42 pm

    Re my comment above – sorry, I thought I was emailing you, not directly commenting on your blog! D’oh and apologies.   

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 11:00 am

      No worries ! 🙂

  20. europewithanedge Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 5:28 pm

    Hi there, Enjoyed this post as I do with all of yours – good photos, even if you were a bit denied to take all the ones you wanted. I felt the same in the Cistercian crypt in Rome. All those fascinating Baroque designs made out of human bones and you can’t take photos. You follow my blog as well (europewithanedge) and I wanted to ask if you had any objections to me posting a comment/link on your latest post to a story of mine that is in a Balkans travel writing competition? It has been published on their website and they said they will be judging on ‘social media virality’ as well as story quality so I am trying to ‘up’ my ‘likes’ and I thought if I could link to it on your blog more people would get to see and hopefully enjoy it. It’s about raspberry picking in Serbia – now who wouldn’t like a story about that! 🙂 No worries if you’re not OK with the idea but I thought nothing ventured … All the best.  Ian

    PS There are other good stories on there too, with some great photos that you and your followers might like as well. 

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:59 am

      Someone told me the same about Rome, it seems there are a lot of places where photography is not allowed over there. I suppose people may have been disrespectful at one point and they had to stop it ?

      Oh yes sure, you can put the link in the comment of the last post if you want (as long as it is not 5 links ;-)).

  21. Dancing With Shadows Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I can totally empathise with you. I would be disappointed, too, if I wasn’t allowed to take photos of a building as famous as Rosslyn Chapel. After reading this post about the crowd and no photography allowed inside, I think I will shift gears a bit and take your advice on watching a video on Rosslyn Chapel instead! 🙂 You managed to get some great photos, though. Just love the attention to detail on the carvings and sculptures.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:56 am

      The sculptures are just amazing ! There is so much thoughts put into these carvings, incredible !

      • Dancing With Shadows Reply
        August 30, 2016 at 1:43 pm

        Yes, truly inspiring. So much skill, dedication and love put into the fashioning of these sculpture and carvings! 🙂

  22. Indah Susanti Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Oh, that reminds me of several places in Rome where we were not allowed to take pictures of..it’s too bad 🙁 but memories that linger on our mind would certainly better than any images we captured 🙂 Great review!!

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:55 am

      The memory is still here and we had a great time, which is great.

  23. jebusandandrea Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Cool learning about this but I know what you mean, it sucks when you can’t take pictures 🙁 We thought there was no photography allowed in the catacombs in Paris and were disappointed. Then we realized the sign meant no flash so we cheered up right away.

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:54 am

      yeah, I understand the no flash policy because it’s really annoying when people blind you while trying to take pictures 😀

  24. lexklein Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    The green men are fascinating. I love that photo and the idea behind them is really interesting, too. Although I love taking photos most times, I actually feel relieved sometimes when photography is not allowed! It frees me to really look at things with my eyes and spend time absorbing rather than documenting. Maybe I’m weird …

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:53 am

      I understand your point of view, and I think a lot of people may be like you. I joined what Mabel explained in her comment, taking pictures allows me to focus on the details and really get into a location and learn about it. It’s not just for the sake of taking a picture, it’s the way I enjoy my visit 😀

  25. Aishwarya Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 10:10 am

    The Rosslyn Chapel! How exciting…Dan Brown did his part in making it popular, didn’t he! 😉
    Loved the story of the apprentice pillar, interesting stuff. 🙂

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:49 am

      Yes, I think it was not that famous before the Da Vinci Code 😉 I really enjoyed learning about the apprentice, it was very interesting. I love all these kind of stories 🙂

  26. Mabel Kwong Reply
    August 26, 2016 at 10:03 am

    These are beautiful photos outside of the chapel. Amazing intricate architecture indeed, and interesting to know some faces at different locations align with the meaning of the way the sun moves. You know, I am like you too. Whenever I go somewhere, a lot of the fun for me is taking photos – I feel like I learn and observe better when I get to take photos. For me taking photos is not just for souvenir, but it also trains me to see what I see in a different angle…which is also why I prefer going by myself than joining a group to see a place. But sometimes that can’t be helped 😀

    • darwinontherocks Reply
      August 30, 2016 at 10:48 am

      I think you want to search for details when you can take pictures, you want to explore, look everywhere. Here it was very weird, it’s a bit like I didn’t know where to start 🙂 I’m completely with you on that !

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