Glendalough
Glendalough ([ ˌɡlɛndəˈlɒx ], Irish Gleann Dá Loch [ ˈgl´ɑːN dɑː ˈlox ], German "Valley of the Two Lakes") is a valley in the Irish Wicklow Mountains , about 40 km south of Dublin . It is known for its monastic settlement - one of the most famous on the island of Ireland - on the lower of the two lakes.
history
The Holy Kevin retired in the 6th century back here. Similar to St. Francis is said to have been accompanied by birds and is therefore often shown in pictorial representations with a blackbird. He wanted to live in harmony with nature and in seclusion, but his hermitage quickly became a lively center and a school for the Iroschottische Church . According to legend, Kevin died in 618 at the age of 120. In ancient traditions it is reported that more than 3000 people lived in the valley as early as the 12th century and there were seven churches. Although Vikings and English troops raided the monastery several times and largely destroyed it in 1398, it was able to hold its own until the dissolution of all Irish monasteries in 1539 by the English King Henry VIII . Every year on June 3rd, St. Kevin's Day is celebrated and pilgrims from all parts of the island come to the valley.
Glendalough is currently the seat of a titular bishopric of the Catholic Church.
investment
The most striking monument of the scattered monastery complex is the 33 meter high round tower , which was built around 1066 during the Viking invasions to protect the religious relics, books and chalices.
The squat chapel of St. Kevin's Church from the 11th century was also called St. Kevin's Kitchen because of the tower reminiscent of a fireplace .
A Celtic cross , St. Kevin's Cross , can also be viewed. Although it is a typical high cross, it lacks the ornaments and the pictorial representation of biblical stories. It is assumed that this high cross was painted, but the painting eroded away over time.
Near the shore of the second lake there are some other remains of buildings from the early days of the monastery as well as the remains of a mine.
Visitor center
Glendalough Cathedral, interior view
St. Kevin's Church
Kevin's Cross
tourism
The Glendalough Visitor Center provides visitors with extensive information on the history of the monastery. In addition to the historical sights, there are several well-marked hiking trails.
See also
Web links
Coordinates: 53 ° 0 ′ 37 ″ N , 6 ° 19 ′ 39 ″ W.