Backlit Exit

Basilica Santo Stefano, Bologna, Italy

Whenever I visit Europe, I am amazed at the history and architecture that has survived many centuries. Here in the United States we think of 250 years as being old as opposed to the 1,000 years of many of the structures across the pond. This particular church. Basilica Santo Stefano in Bologna, Italy was built by Saint Petronius, who was bishop of the city during the 5th century, making it 1,500 years old. The Basilica originally consisted of seven buildings. There are only four remaining after renovations made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This image was taken near the end of our tour throughout the complex. It caught my eye as the combination of the light coming through the back exit illuminated the decaying walls showing the age of the Basilica.