【切斯特】St. John the Baptist－il Giardino Romantico

來到切斯特之前其實除了城牆跟另外一座大教堂，其餘的我們一點都沒有計畫。隨處走走的感覺真是不錯。話說，十四年沒見的朋友，還能這麼有默契。看見這座教堂，異口同聲的說想進去看看。其實外表看起來好像跟許多教堂大同小異。但每座教堂都要仔細觀察，才能發現其中的大不同。

We had very little plans for our time in Chester. Basically, all we had planned to see was the Cathedral and the City Walls. It was nice to stroll around a new city without a plan sometimes. It was even nicer to have a long lost friend by your side. It was amazing how much we still have in common, even after all these years. We walked by the church, and decided to take a look inside almost simultaneously! If you look at the church from the outside, each one looks pretty similar to one another. Well, at least, some them may not look special from the outside, but it is usually the interior that is the most breathtaking!

教堂的歷史其實早在十五世紀就有記錄。但隨著時間的考驗，經歷了戰爭以及其他不同的因素而被摧毀。一直到十九世紀才開始重建工作。於1886年完成所有修復工作。主要建材為砂岩。教堂存有許多被半摧毀肖像。另外，維多利亞女王加冕時所彈奏的管風琴，也保存於此。

The history of the church dates back to the 15th century. However, most of it was destroyed, and restoration began only in the 19th century. The year of its completion is 1886, and its main material is sandstone. The church contains many effigies, though partly destroyed. It also houses the organ that was used during Queen Victoria's Coronation in 1838.

教堂外觀。入口上方。
The exterior of the church. Roof of the entrance to the church.

教堂內部。彩繪玻璃。
Interior of the church, and stained glass windows.

每片玻璃都述說著一個故事。
Every panel tells a different story.

因為內部陰暗，才顯得出彩繪玻璃的美。
Only the lack of light indoors can bring out the true beauty of stained glass windows.

據說維多利亞女王加冕時出現過的管風琴。
Apparently, the organ that was used during the coronation of Queen Victoria.

聖壇與『最後的晚餐』油畫。
The altar, and painting of the Last Supper.

牧師的肖像。
Effigy of a priest.

教堂內部。
Interior of the church.

教堂後方。
Back of the church.