Sarah of Travel with Me leads us this week in Monochrome Madness Challenge with the theme of Ruins.
In black and white, ruins are no longer just remnants of the past. They are symbols of endurance — quiet, solemn, and endlessly captivating.
The ruins of the Colosseum in Rome stand as a powerful reminder of the grandeur of the Roman Empire and resilience that have endured for nearly 2,000 years.
The Roman Forum’s broken columns, arches, and temples still stand as echoes of the city’s grandeur, reminding us that this was once the very heart of Roman civilization.
Verona is more than the city of Romeo and Juliet — it is a living museum where centuries of history stand side by side.
Holyrood Abbey is a ruined abbey in Edinburgh, Scotland. The abbey was founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland.
Inside the Palace of the Popes in Avignon there are traces of its medieval grandeur remain in the form of ruins of chapels, fresco fragments, and decorative floor tiles.
The Ruins of St. Paul’s are the most famous landmark of Macau and a powerful symbol of its history.
And here are three ruins from the Philippines:
Built in 1591 as a watchtower, later a church belfry, the Bantay Bell Tower has endured wars and earthquakes — its ruins now stand as a testament to Ilocos’ resilience.
Built in the 1600s on soft ground, the Sinking Bell Tower in Laoag City sinks about an inch each year — its entrance now so low that visitors must stoop to pass through.
The 1738 Fort San Pedro in Cebu stands as the oldest triangular bastion fort in the Philippines.
A wonderful gallery Teresa
Thanks Brian… had to search a lot for these.
Fascinating how black and white photography enhances the silence, strength, and stories carried by these ruins through the centuries.
True art — time captured in stone. 🏛️📷✨
Very well said, Thank you.
Even more forbidding in monochrome
Thanks so much.
You have a great selection here Teresa 🙂 I especially enjoyed seeing the Roman ruins and also that night shot of St. Paul’s in Macau is excellent. Good to see the Philippines bell towers too (I think you have included two here though you only name one?) I wish I’d thought of those for my own post!
Thanks Sarah. Glad you liked them and now I have put a name to the second bell tower. Sorry, I just did my post on my phone so it just was too hard haha
Amazing that you can put together such a comprehensive post on your phone!
I am lazy to put out all my gadgets. At least with a phone it’s only one thing.
These are really wonderful Teresa.
Thanks Leanne.
Wonderful collection from all over the world. They do symbolize both past glory and resilience. Glad you included a few from the Philippines.
Thanks Nes. I have much more from the Philippines, I just could not find the photos.