Certainly Leonardo Da Vinci was a clever fellow who enjoyed the odd puzzle and practical joke, but did he go so far as to use his paintings as a medium to express his dissent with the religious powers of his day?

There is indeed a Temple Church in London (pictured) that was built by the Knights Templar, and it does have many of the curious features mentioned in the novel, but was it really built as part of a centuries-old conspiracy of silence? Some people would say absolutely yes, while others are just as certain these things just never happened.

This is the sort of “fact” which is rife in The Da Vinci Code; events and conspiracies that may or may not have happened, and which took place so very long ago that it is unlikely anyone will even know for sure.

The Da Vinci Code has aroused controversy and heated discussion since the book was released. There are fervent supporters and fervent detractors of the book, and for each of them the novel holds special meaning.

The author, Dan Brown, has been clear from the beginning that the book is a work of fiction based on his research, historical facts, and popular theories. He says he intended the book as entertainment, and it is indeed a richly woven and exciting tale, but it also seems clear that the author is also interested in bringing to light some of the more obscure and controversial issues in religious history.

Facts to remember about The Da Vinci Code are that it is a very detailed and thought-provoking book, but most importantly it is a work of fiction.

Temple Church

Address: Fleet Street, Holborn, London EC4Y 7BL

Telephone: 020 7427 5641

Photo courtesy: Mataparda

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