Meet Draco Aethiopicus. Ulisse Aldrovandi chose to include him in his 1640 book Serpentum et Draconium Historiae, a natural history of snakes and dragons. I think Draco looks pretty good, considering the age of the book. It’s one of 130,000 volumes found in the Cathedral Library of Kalocsa. Started in medieval times, most of the books were lost during the 150 year Turkish occupation of Hungary. Efforts to rebuild the library collection were initiated in the 1700s. The content of the books, in addition to religious materials, include medical, judicial, scientific and historical works.
One of the sources for Aldrovandi’s book was Claudius Aelianus (175 – 235 CE), a Roman author who wrote 17 books on the nature of animals. He, in turn, relied upon earlier accounts. Here’s the translation of what he said about Draco: “The land of Aithiopia (Ethiopia)–the place where the gods bathe, celebrated by Homer under the name of Okeanos (Oceanus), is an excellent and desirable neighbour–this land, I say, is the mother of the very largest Drakones (Dragon-Serpents). For, you must know, they attain to a length of one hundred and eighty feet, and they are not called by the name of any species, but people say that they kill elephants, and these Drakones rival the longest-lived animals.” Works for me. Except I like elephants.
Peggy and I wandered around enjoying the collection and the illustrations on display.
An early edition of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematic.A scenic anatomy lesson. My first thought was Biblical where the really old dudes got really young wives. Several of them— not counting concubines. My second thought was hairy. His and hers. It could be that the older man is the father of the young woman.Some of the oldest books in the library. Members of our group check out the illustrations provided in the library.The rather attractive Assumption Cathedral dominates the skyline of Kolocsa and the surrounding country.The Virgin Mary, St. Paul, and St. Peter are perched on top of the church, which led to an irreverent thought (not my first): Peter, Paul and Mary. And what were they singing? Puff the Magic Dragon, naturally, in line with this post.Outside the church, all of the buildings in the Holy Trinity Square were painted yellow. We found it attractive but wondered why one color. Turns out it was Queen Maria Theresa’s favorite. Best to keep the Queen happy.The altar inside the Church of the Assumption displays a large painting of the Virgin Mary being Assumed. (The Catholic Church’s words, not mine.) For my part, I’ll assume she made it, but I know that’s an assumption.The golden, pink and white colors inside the church made for an interesting look.The church’s organ.We found the stuccos on the ceiling of the church to be particularly impressive.Outside I found two rather impressive beasties. This lion…And an eagle. Check out the talons! There may be some kind of record here. That’s a wrap on Kalocsa, or, in the immortal words of Bugs Bunny, “That’s all folks.” In our next post Peggy and I are returning to the Big Island of Hawaii, where we will take you to the beautiful Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, which is almost out of this world.
13 thoughts on “There Be Dragons About: Kalocsa, Hungary… The Great River Series: Danube #11”
Great post Curt and wonderful photos as always…of course this is what made me laugh: The Virgin Mary, St. Paul, and St. Peter are perched on top of the church, which led to an irreverent thought (not my first): Peter, Paul and Mary.
Maria Theresa and I could be friends. Yellow is my favorite color as well, although I can’t say I’d paint my place — inside or out — in that shade.
I generally enjoy the churches, but I must say: this one looks like an over-frosted cake. I prefer the stone lion and eagle. The ceiling of the church reminds me of the Wedgewood Jasperware that my mother collected for a time. I wasn’t much of a fan of that, either. Today, I know several women who are trying to move their collections along, but their family doesn’t want it and the consignment shops won’t take it. So it goes!
Peggy and I have a solution to the reluctance of our kids on taking antiques. Sell them online. That may seem cold, but that’s what the kids will likely do after we cross over the bridge. We do have several we actively use. Different story.
The church was somewhat unique, but the medieval churches were much more interesting. I’m a big fan of gargoyles. I could skip all of the images of saints meeting their demise but the history is fascinating.
As for yellow, I wouldn’t paint a house yellow, either. The place we are staying at now has attractive dark green walls inside with a closet painted yellow, however. The contrast is attractive, at least to me.
Great information about the dragon. I now know that I must make a trip to Ethiopia in my lifetime, where the largest of dragons live. ❤ I am glad that the library is being put back together. I always hate it when ancient libraries are destroyed (or any libraries, but the really old ones have such precious books). Warmongers are usually not the book type, and they seem to like ruining libraries for everyone else.
Libraries are always a danger to extremist no matter what their ilk is, Crystal. People learn that there are options to what they preach.
I knew that you’d like the dragon story!
“…Virgin Mary being Assumed. (The Catholic Church’s words, not mine.) For my part, I’ll assume she made it, but I know that’s an assumption.” Lol. I can help but chuckle at your asides. I wait for them, Curt.
The library was amazing. It’s wonderful to have those old works – especially as proof of dragons. It makes me realize, again, what a cultural loss the fire in Alexandria was. Stunning artwork and history. Thanks for sharing and for making me laugh.
Humor is needed now more than ever D. If I can give someone a chuckle or two, it’s part of why I blog.
I thought you might appreciate the dragon tale. Grin. Agreed on Alexandria. I have a similar feeling each time any book is banned or burned.
I have a story I like to tell. Peggy was principal of a large elementary school outside of Sacramento. One day she was in her office when an angry parent came in and complained that her son was reading about dinosaurs in the school library. “There is no such thing as dinosaurs in the Bible,” he shouted and then demanded that she remove all books on them from the library. Her response: “You are welcome to remove your child from the school if you must, but as long as he is here, he is going to learn about dinosaurs.” Both the books and the kid remained at the school.
Good for Peggy! If we banned everything that wasn’t in the Bible, we wouldn’t have cars and indoor plumbing and penicillin (and a whole bunch of other things that I’m sure that family is happy about having). Such odd compartmentalized thinking will never make sense to me. Thanks for another chuckle and roll of the eyes. Lol. Happy Travels.
Laughing. I suggested to Peggy she should have asked how he got there. And when he said by car, ask him how they existed since they weren’t in the Bible.
Wandering through Time and Place 
Great post Curt and wonderful photos as always…of course this is what made me laugh: The Virgin Mary, St. Paul, and St. Peter are perched on top of the church, which led to an irreverent thought (not my first): Peter, Paul and Mary.
Thanks, Sylvia, and I confess (not in a church sort of way) I had never made the connection before. I couldn’t help but break out singing Puff.
Looks like an excellent place to stop over.
Definitely worth it Andrew from an historical point of view, not to mention the horse show.
Maria Theresa and I could be friends. Yellow is my favorite color as well, although I can’t say I’d paint my place — inside or out — in that shade.
I generally enjoy the churches, but I must say: this one looks like an over-frosted cake. I prefer the stone lion and eagle. The ceiling of the church reminds me of the Wedgewood Jasperware that my mother collected for a time. I wasn’t much of a fan of that, either. Today, I know several women who are trying to move their collections along, but their family doesn’t want it and the consignment shops won’t take it. So it goes!
Peggy and I have a solution to the reluctance of our kids on taking antiques. Sell them online. That may seem cold, but that’s what the kids will likely do after we cross over the bridge. We do have several we actively use. Different story.
The church was somewhat unique, but the medieval churches were much more interesting. I’m a big fan of gargoyles. I could skip all of the images of saints meeting their demise but the history is fascinating.
As for yellow, I wouldn’t paint a house yellow, either. The place we are staying at now has attractive dark green walls inside with a closet painted yellow, however. The contrast is attractive, at least to me.
Great information about the dragon. I now know that I must make a trip to Ethiopia in my lifetime, where the largest of dragons live. ❤ I am glad that the library is being put back together. I always hate it when ancient libraries are destroyed (or any libraries, but the really old ones have such precious books). Warmongers are usually not the book type, and they seem to like ruining libraries for everyone else.
Libraries are always a danger to extremist no matter what their ilk is, Crystal. People learn that there are options to what they preach.
I knew that you’d like the dragon story!
“…Virgin Mary being Assumed. (The Catholic Church’s words, not mine.) For my part, I’ll assume she made it, but I know that’s an assumption.” Lol. I can help but chuckle at your asides. I wait for them, Curt.
The library was amazing. It’s wonderful to have those old works – especially as proof of dragons. It makes me realize, again, what a cultural loss the fire in Alexandria was. Stunning artwork and history. Thanks for sharing and for making me laugh.
Humor is needed now more than ever D. If I can give someone a chuckle or two, it’s part of why I blog.
I thought you might appreciate the dragon tale. Grin. Agreed on Alexandria. I have a similar feeling each time any book is banned or burned.
I have a story I like to tell. Peggy was principal of a large elementary school outside of Sacramento. One day she was in her office when an angry parent came in and complained that her son was reading about dinosaurs in the school library. “There is no such thing as dinosaurs in the Bible,” he shouted and then demanded that she remove all books on them from the library. Her response: “You are welcome to remove your child from the school if you must, but as long as he is here, he is going to learn about dinosaurs.” Both the books and the kid remained at the school.
Good for Peggy! If we banned everything that wasn’t in the Bible, we wouldn’t have cars and indoor plumbing and penicillin (and a whole bunch of other things that I’m sure that family is happy about having). Such odd compartmentalized thinking will never make sense to me. Thanks for another chuckle and roll of the eyes. Lol. Happy Travels.
Laughing. I suggested to Peggy she should have asked how he got there. And when he said by car, ask him how they existed since they weren’t in the Bible.
Exactly. It’s strange selective thinking.