Gezicht op de kerk van Cilgerran before 1867

Here we see a church in Cilgerran, captured by Charles Allen through photography. The church, with its tower reaching towards the heavens, is a symbol deeply rooted in our collective consciousness. It represents not just a place of worship, but also a meeting point, a sanctuary, and a beacon of hope. The tower, in particular, has ancient resonance. Think of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of humanity's ambition and connection between heaven and earth. This form, rising above the mundane, appears across cultures—from the minarets of Islam to the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia. Over time, the tower has undergone numerous shifts; sometimes a symbol of spiritual aspiration, other times, of worldly power. Consider also the psychological weight of such structures. They tap into our subconscious desire for stability and permanence, mirroring our internal quest for something lasting amidst the flux of life. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to evoke these deep-seated feelings, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols and their persistent presence in human culture.