Griffins
The griffin, griffon, or gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle with its talons on the front legs. (Wikipedia) This connection groups WHS that show depictions of griffins.
Connected Sites
| Site | Rationale | Link |
| Assisi | The three portals of the Cathedral of Assisi are flanked by lions and griffins. (Nomination file, p. 19) | |
| Champagne | The façade of the Hôtel Gallice is marked by a canopy and a balcony of gorged iron supported by two griffins surrounding the initials of the owner. | |
| Longobards in Italy | "The small arches' decorations [of the tegurium in the Basilica of Santa Maria] are framed by bands of intricate motifs and vegetal volutes, and include peacocks, lions, lambs, fishes, griffons, and deer, sculpted with a fresh, realistic style. (Nomination file, p. 109) | |
| Persepolis | Double-headed griffin | |
| Piazza del Duomo (Pisa) | The Pisa Griffin | |
| Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France | Roman Basilica of Notre Dame Du Port in Clermont-Ferrand (sculpture); and: Griffins on the lower arch of the southern portal of the Church Saint-Pierre in Aulnay - Sculptural art on a capital in the presbytery of the Grande-Sauve Abbey shows two griffins drinking from the "Vase of Life". | |
| Sanchi | At stupa No. 2 | |
| St. Petersburg | Two on the Bank Bridge | |
| Venice and its Lagoon | Several at St. Mark's Basilica (facade sculpture and mosaic on the floor) | |
| Villa Romana del Casale | In the mosaic of the Corridor of the Great Hunt, a depiction of a griffin "on top of a box with a human bait inside" can be found |
Suggestions?
Do you know of another WHS we could connect to Griffins?
A connection should:
- Not be "self evident"
- Link at least 3 different sites
- Not duplicate or merely subdivide the "Category" assignment already identified on this site.
- Add some knowledge or insight (whether significant or trivial!) about WHS for the users of this site
- Be explained, with reference to a source