photo 111 of 112
St. Gereon: Crypt Mosaic: Samson's Haircut

Crypt Mosaic: Samson's Haircut

Romanesque mosaic of Samson losing his strength through a haircut, in the east end of the crypt. These mosaics are in excellent condition (partly due to restorations over the centuries), but difficult to see since they are roped off and in low light. They were originally laid in the choir. Their subjects include Samson tearing down the city gates of Gaza, Samson losing his strength after a haircut, Samson and the lion, David and Goliath, and other hero stories from the Old Testament books of Judges, Samuel and Kings.

Credit: Holly Hayes