At Maria's suggestion, the two of them came to visit Milan Cathedral.
This church took several centuries to build, consuming unimaginable manpower and material resources. It was the largest Gothic building and the most magnificent marble building in the world at that time, covering an area of more than 10,000 square meters.
The highest point of the church's spire is more than 100 meters high, and it can almost be called a hill made of marble.
Moreover, unlike the ordinary hills, its outer walls, windows and pillars are filled with exquisite reliefs, thousands in total, and on the roof, there are 135 minarets, each with a
It has exquisite character carvings.
Just standing far outside the church is enough to feel the shock it brings.
The ancients probably used this intuitive way to show the power of faith and religion...
"It's amazing!" Maria was a little stunned when she saw it. "Although I have long heard how majestic it is, you can only have an intuitive impression by seeing it in person."
"Yeah, it's really shocking." Aigron nodded. "It was here that the Roman Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, declaring that everyone in the Roman Empire had the freedom to believe in Christianity, and
The confiscated church property was returned and the legal status of the Christian church was recognized. From that time on, the Milanese believed that they occupied an important position in the history of Christianity, and they would rather spend centuries building such a magnificent church.
It’s also to show off this status—”
"Ah, those poor Christians." Maria smiled and shrugged, "If they hadn't spread the doctrine without fear of sacrifice, we might not be able to inherit the Christian faith today."
"If there had been no Christianity, something similar to Christianity would have been invented and accepted by the public at that time." Aigron replied, "At that time, the order of the empire was collapsing, and even the Roman emperors were in danger and died one after another.
The property and safety of citizens cannot be effectively protected. Poor people like them need a clear and simple belief as their spiritual sustenance... It is the pain in the world that brings the desire for religion, but its name is not
So important.”
Agron's rather materialistic words were unconventional. If Maria had been a strict and devout Catholic, she would have been furious and scolded the young man.
However, Maria's attitude towards God was similar to that of her sister, so she would not be angry.
"That's true." She nodded slightly, "Our family must be a devout Catholic because of our stance, but what's the point? Back then, Catholics and those Protestants
In our German land, we were fighting each other, with empty houses everywhere, and what did we get in the end? There was no redemption and no mercy. God did not show His mercy. In the end, the Protestants won and preserved their
Territory and faith... So actually I don’t really believe in God’s will. He either doesn’t exist, is not omniscient and omnipotent, or doesn’t care about mortals at all. Either way, it means that He is different from the God we pray to.
And for me, as long as God bless me, it doesn’t matter to me whether I believe in God or Apollo or even Venus. First of all, I am more important.”
After a pause, she smiled slyly again, and then deliberately lowered her voice, "When we were receiving theological education from tutors when we were children, I already had similar doubts in my heart, but no matter it was
No one could answer my doubts accurately, and eventually they got annoyed and told me to shut up and stop asking any questions... Then I knew, God, in the final analysis, it was just that, everyone understood it but everyone understood it.
We must regard him as existing. Rather than saying that he is a god, we should say that he is history and habits, the symbol and link of civilization inheritance, and the symbolic evidence that we Germans survive in this world. Of course, these words are just my words.
Just talk in private, if others find out that the princess of the Wittelsbach family is ideologically close to panbelievers or even atheists, God knows what will happen!"
Looking at her smile, Aigron couldn't help but smile knowingly.
At that time, when the religious reform was sweeping across Germany, a large number of German princes chose to join the camp of the religious reformers, such as Saxony, Brandenburg, etc., but after some weighing, Bavaria still stood in the Catholic camp.
This side.
Is the belief of the Wittelsbach family more firm and pious than that of other princes and nobles? No, because the Elector of Pfalz, who also came from the Wittelsbach family, joined the Protestant camp and started the war.
The first shot against the Habsburg Emperor.
Rather than saying this is a religious choice, it is better to say it is a political stance chosen after careful consideration.
But no matter what the reason was, since then, Bavaria has always stood firmly on the side of the Catholic group. In the terrible Thirty Years' War, it has also always sided with the Habsburg Emperor. The Bavarian branch and the Purfa
The Bavarian branch fought against each other until finally the Bavarian branch almost annexed most of the territory of the Pfalz branch through its victory in the civil war, and became the winner of the family competition.
The Thirty Years' War ended with the empire severely weakened and its population reduced drastically. However, it was an opportunity for Bavaria to strengthen itself. During this series of wars, it became a powerful state that cannot be ignored in Germany.
, has a place, and it has also secured the second position in the camp of Catholic princes in Germany, second only to the Habsburg Emperor.
Because of this political stance, the descendants of the Wittelsbach family must also be devout Catholics, but that's not the case - who cares about what views they have on God in their hearts.
Eggron understands this very well - after all, in theory, Emperor Napoleon was a devout Catholic, and so was he...
Two generations of popes have personally testified that it is absolutely unmistakable.
It has to be said that although Maria is always sarcastic in her words, she is also quick-witted and never cares about sensitive topics. She just wants to make herself happy and occasionally make some jokes that make outsiders look at her.
Compared to her sister, Maria is more outspoken and nonchalant.
Aigron didn't hate this kind of person, on the contrary, he found it quite interesting to talk to her, at least it wouldn't be boring social polite words going back and forth.
They walked into the church and chatted with each other while admiring the furnishings and sculptures in the church. From time to time they joked about their ancestors and important figures in history.
.
Aigron suddenly felt in his heart that even if he had no other ulterior motives, he could still make friends with His Highness.
What's more, he really needs to please her and get her to agree to his plan.
Maria and Aiglon strolled inside the wide church, looking at the densely packed columns and sculptures in the church, as well as the stained glass, looking at the altar, the exquisitely decorated window panes, and the icons, feeling
There is a religious atmosphere inside.
"Completely lost..." Maria suddenly sighed, and then lowered her head slightly dejectedly. "We Bavarians can't surpass them anyway. We can't build such a church. We can only sigh in front of the Italians."
That’s it!”
Eggron was surprised by Maria's unusual competitiveness. He had never expected that she would have such thoughts while traveling.
But this also proves that she was really shocked by this cathedral.
"Perhaps you don't have to be sad about this. Milan is a wealthy city, and its citizens have spent hundreds of years on this church! With such a terrible expenditure of manpower and material resources, they can certainly get a breathtaking miracle.
It’s normal that your country can’t compare with architecture.” So, he comforted Maria half-truthfully, “Besides, you have to believe in the determination and ability of future generations. Although you don’t have it in the current generation, you may not be able to do it one day.
, a certain Bavarian king would also build some breathtakingly beautiful palaces and castles that would complement some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.”
"Then this poor descendant will be very unlucky." Maria giggled, "The Bavarians will be shocked and outraged by his extravagance, and then drive him off the throne!"
Aigron's eyes widened, and for a moment he was deeply shocked by Maria's joke.
Because she actually got it right.
"I understand why your brother is so helpless towards you." Aigron smiled and whispered, "If he always hears you talking like this in person, he will probably lament in his heart why there are such deviant people in his family."
"It's just right that you mentioned my brother." Maria narrowed her eyes slightly, "I'm a deviant, but how many things have I really done that are outrageous to both humans and gods? I only committed crimes with words, but you guys
It is practiced every day without hesitation! Since you all can feel no shame, then why do I need to feel guilty?
Please tell me, apart from being a Catholic on the surface as the king and patriarch of the Wittelsbach family, what else does he look like a devout Christian? He indulges in drinking and sex, spends extravagantly, and has all kinds of evil habits and Turkey.
How different is the Sultan? Rather, he and the Sultan are just brothers wearing different skins."
After complaining about her brother without any respect, Maria squinted her eyes and looked at the young man's face, and then asked jokingly, "So, our beloved Duke Lechstadt, what are all your evil ways?
What good is there about betrayal, deceit, dissipation, arrogance and murder?"
Now it was Aiglon's turn to be speechless.
Okay, it's fun to hear her complain about other people, but once you experience her direct attacks, no one can stay calm.
The most hateful thing is that she is actually right.
He couldn't make excuses in front of Maria, because although they had only met for a short time, there were few people in the world who were more aware of Aigron's misdeeds than she was.
Therefore, he could only look away awkwardly and then tried to change the topic.
"We have already walked around the church. Do you want to go to the roof? There are many spiers and sculptures on it, and you can have a panoramic view of the entire city."
Maria nodded slightly. She could see that the young man wanted to interrupt the topic, but she also knew that enough was enough. Since she had already ridiculed the other person, that was enough. If he continued talking, everyone would be unhappy.
Since she is good at stabbing others, she is also good at stopping at just the right moment and confining everything to the banter between friends.
There are a total of 6 steps to the top of the church. Visitors can hike to the top through hundreds of steps. Aiglon and Maria found the steps and walked up together.
But soon, Aigron noticed that Maria's pace was getting slower and slower, and her face was slightly red, obviously showing signs of being unable to bear it.
This is not surprising. As a princess who has never worked hard, Maria is already fragile. In addition, she has walked such a long way today, and it is really uncomfortable for her to climb the stairs at this time.
This is just right.
He didn't say much, but stretched out his hand to Maria diligently.
Maria was stunned for a moment.
"As your playmate, I can't let you be exhausted; as a man, I can't just watch the lady around me endure the suffering." Aigron looked at her with a smile, "Miss, please allow me to be your crutch.
Bar."
Maria's eyes flickered a little, as if she was thinking about something.
"What? What are you worried about? Don't you always put your own 'needs' above everything else? Now, I think what you need is help." Aigron continued, "Unless you choose to give up.
, let’s just go back and forget it.”
Then, Aigron's eyes also showed a bit of teasing and provocation - Could it be that you were so unorthodox just now and seemed not to be afraid of anything, but now you are afraid?
Perhaps it was this provocation that made Maria put aside her hesitation. She directly reached out and grabbed Aigron's hand, then leaned to the right and leaned part of her weight on the young man's body.
To the young man, this level of weight-bearing was nothing, so he restarted his steps with Maria's support, leading her to climb up the disintegration path.
Soon after, they finally climbed to the roof of the church.
At this time, it was dusk, and the setting sun, like a golden hydrangea, was gradually sinking above the western horizon. In the afterglow of the sunset, the entire city was also displayed in front of them.
This magnificent sight immediately made both of them feel that their trip was worthwhile.
In addition, there are very complex stone bridges on the roof. There are 33 of these stone bridges in total, connecting various parts of the roof of the hall. The stone bridges themselves are also beautifully carved. And around the stone bridges, there are densely populated spiers.
It's like a jungle made of marble.
These exquisite buildings can be called wonderful works of art, which amazed both Aigron and Maria. Of course, they would not notice that a shadow gradually lengthened by the setting sun finally came along the stone stairs they came up.