hidden stairway to heaven, a photo from Alba, West

Photographer's Note

I noticed this building many times before, but never took interest in it. It is located next to medieval St. Michael's cathedral, within the citadel in Alba Iulia (Weissenburg/Karlsburg/Gyulafehérvár).
In recent years I read a few things about it, and found out that it is the Bishopric palace of the archdiocese of Transylvania, now the diocese of Alba Iulia, Archidioecesis Albae Iuliensis, founded in 1007 as a diocese of Hungary, Alba Transylvaniensis, by the first king of Hungary, St. Stephen and recognized by the Vatican in 1009.
The history of this building spans over more than 700 years. The palace was recently restored and architectural elements from different periods of its history were exposed. The building was errected sometime in the 13th century as a gothic style palace, and was continuously reshaped throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods. In the 18th century, it served as barracks for the Austrian Habsburg garrisons in the citadel.

One day, the gate was open and I entered its inner coutryard. Nobody was around, and I could only hear voices inside the building. It is a simple and beautiful building with a baroque facade. Below a sundial on the wall, there was a small Renaissance doorway which was open, and I sneaked in, curious to see what does it look like inside. I was impressed by the simple but beautiful appearance of this small space, so typically medieval, which seems to have preserved much of its initial appeal.

The picture was taken with my digital camera and edited in Photoshop (resized, auto levels, sharpened, adjusted color saturation, frame, saved for web)

avigur_11, elroyie, Hanssie, nelly, cgrindahl, nwoehnl, Galeota, nfriedli, charmante, nchifan, xln, Galmeida, philip_coggan, lcask, Alan_Kolnik, ruisc_pt, Wandering_Dan ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

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avigur_11 (22553) 2004-06-13 15:31

That's what I call etermination, Michael, and it had really paid off, while you got an excellent shot. It's the light which makes this shot so good, producing such nice tones on the walls. Very nice POV, very well seen and done.

RGatward (20108) 2004-06-13 15:43

Yes, I agree with Yitzhak, this has worked out really well, not just the light, but the lines of the vaults and stairs all work together to make a really good effect. Your PS work was worthwhile too, leaving good contrast, but also detail in the shadows.

elroyie (2750) 2004-06-13 16:05

Very good frame and excellent composition, although you burned a little part of the frame (where the light from the door 'hits' the wall) it is still a very good picture!

Hanssie (11022) 2004-06-13 16:48

Beautiful note and a nice interior of this building, which you've captured in a fine way, Michael, good colours and great light !

nelly (360) 2004-06-13 19:22

I admire your photographic taste, Michael. You have shown the beauty of these simple stairs in a very refined way. You were lucky with the light. It spiritualizes the architecture, and renders it vividness. An excellent work.

cgrindahl (6113) 2004-06-14 1:56

This is a gorgeous image Michael. You handled the challenging contrasts in light very well to allow us to see the detail of the stairs rising upward. You've composed the image very nicely to capture the unusual angles and curves of the alcove. Very well done on every level.

lost (694) 2004-06-14 13:29 [Comment]

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nwoehnl (122) 2004-06-14 13:52

Very good handling of the exposure in those conditions that were not the easiest ones. The splendid interior architecture for itself would already deserve a long close look, but the play of light and shadow makes this shot really special. Good sharpness and the various textures of the surfaces are well rendered. Good shot, Michael.

Galeota (10352) 2004-06-15 0:52

Very, very interesting note on this photograph. I regret the slightly overexposed parts of the ground and stone of the stairs (we loose the detail). If the door had been closed it would have been easier to adjust an unifrm exposure.

Good composition.

charmante (1090) 2004-06-24 2:25

you've chosen for this niceshot a great composition & frame, well done Micheal !
I always take pleasure at seeing old building, heavy masonery walls & parts,,,you'd showen this item very well,
thanX !

nchifan (910) 2004-08-06 1:25

I like your composition. Excelent shoot Michael!

xln (196) 2004-08-10 19:12

Hey Mike,

I've just been looking through your photos, and boy you sure take some good ones! Anyway, this is my favourite. Great geometry - the lines are very Escher. Also, the light... coming from the door and window, bouncing off the walls and stairs, curving around, the shadows, etc.
Well done!

Galmeida (12559) 2004-12-23 15:39

A interesting and excelent indoor perspective of a beautiful mainly white building. It's wonderful why you made this very good composition. I like white and blue, like the Sea and Mountain. Happy Christmas to you and congratulations!

philip_coggan (11) 2005-01-06 16:10

Thanks - I enjoyed the photo and also your note :)

lcask (591) 2005-03-14 13:36