Saint Elmo's Fort by photosynthesis

Photography • Scenic • posted on May 01, 2015

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Description

A view of Fort Saint-Elme at the top of a hill from the shoreline in Collioure. Built on the site of a watchtower erected in the 8th century, the fort was built between 1538 and 1552. It's now a museum, but we were only in Collioure for a day & a night & didn't have time to visit it. Some interesting information about the name of the fort: "Several assumptions exist for the origins of Saint Elme: Firstly the name of Saint-Elme may come from Erasmus of Formia, an Italian martyr of the 4th century. Secondly it would have been given in honour to the Spanish saint Peter Gonzalez (1190-1246). This explains why we find this name around the western Mediterranean coasts: Saint Elme in Naples, Sant Elme in St Feliu de Guixols, Sant Helme and Santem in Provence, etc… Saint Erasmus may have become the patron saint of sailors because he is said to have continued preaching even after a thunderbolt struck the ground beside him. This prompted sailors, who were in danger from sudden storms and lightning, to claim his prayers. The electrical discharges at the mastheads of ships were read as a sign of his protection and came to be called 'Saint Elmo's Fire'."

Comments (10)

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jayfar

11:27AM | Fri, 01 May 2015

Great info and a super shot.

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Glendaw

12:05PM | Fri, 01 May 2015

Fantastic capture of all the buildings, and gorgeous landscape ! Adding the visitors on the beach, the boat and reflections in the beautiful water is a wonderful bonus. Awesome camera work as always !

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