#JohannesGutenberg is commonly perceived as the inventor of #printing, yet, #Asia pioneered printing centuries earlier. From the #DiamondSutra of 868 CE from #China to #Korea's metal movable type predating #Gutenberg's Bible by 80 years, Asia's innovations laid the groundwork for global information exchange. Inspired by a visit to the #GutenbergMuseum in #Mainz, I explored the fascinating history of printing in this article:

https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/weekend_stories/told/2024/2024-12-22-chinese_and_korean_bookprinting/

The rediscovered #Christian baptistery in #Cologne (6th c.) offers a rare glimpse into the architectural and liturgical practices of #EarlyChristianity northern Europe. The baptismal basin at its heart is one of the oldest Christian #relics north of the Alps. I was lucky to visit the site during the #DayOfTheOpenMonument in 2024. Here are some impressions and a brief overview of the history of the baptistery:

https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/weekend_stories/told/2024-11-10-cologne_baptistery/

St. Kolumba, one of #Cologne's historic churches, symbolizes both the city's rich #medieval heritage and its resilience after destruction. Severely damaged in WW2, much of the original structure no longer stands. Yet, the 'Madonna in den Trümmern', a statue that survived the bombings, now forms the central element of the chapel built within the ruins, telling a story of resilience and hope:

https://www.fabriziomusacchio.com/weekend_stories/told/2024-11-09-st_kolumba/