Strolling along the “Gran Via de San Francisco in Madrid”, Spain, we found a garden that invited to be discovered. Today it is known as the San Francisco Gardens or “Antigua Dalieda”. Continue reading “Gardens of San Francisco, the Old “Dalieda” of Madrid”
A few steps from the “Palazzo de’Medici Riccardi” is the “Basilica San Lorenzo”. It is alleged that it is the oldest church in the Italian city of Firenze, consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 393. Originally, the “Basilica San Lorenzo” was located just outside the city walls. It is said to have been the first Firenze Cathedral, although there are those who claim that honor for the “Basilica of Santa Reparata”, disappeared since 1292. In fact, it was after 300 years, between the seventh and eighth centuries, the title of Duomo or Cathedral went to the Basilica of “Santa Reparata”. It is on the remains of the Basilica of “Santa Reparata” that the Cathedral of “Santa Maria del Fiore” was built. Continue reading “The First Duomo of Firenze”
Upon exiting the “Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore” on the “Via Zamboni”, we walk along its side porch until we find a small entrance through the back of the church. There we stopped to admire the “Oratorio di Santa Cecilia” and its beautiful frescoes. In total, there are ten panels of frescoes that cover the walls to the right and left of the entrance to the oratory and show episodes of the life of “Santa Cecilia” and her husband “Valeriano”. Continue reading “Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia, Bologna”
According to the legend, the image of “Santa María de la Almudena” dates back to the times of James the Elder and his arrival in Spain to preach the “good news”. However, the Madrid cathedral that honors this image is much more recent. Continue reading “Madrid and its Cathedral of Santa María la Real de La Almudena”
It is impossible to speak of the Italian city of “Firenze” without mentioning the Medici’s, the Tuscan family that achieved great political and economic power in the times of the Republic of “Firenze” in the early fifteenth century. The Medici, Dukes of Tuscany, enjoyed great privileges and properties such as palaces during their years in power. Continue reading “Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Firenze”
The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore”, belongs to a select group of temples that were named major basilicas by a Pope. In Rome, we have as papal basilicas the “Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano”, “Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano”, “Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura” and “Santa Maria Maggiore”. All belong to the Vatican and the Pope has preferential right of usuage. The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore” gets its distinction in 1390, the year in which a Catholic jubilee was celebrated, an event that happens every twenty-five years. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome”
Madrid! Madrid! Madrid! It is always a pleasure to be back in Madrid. There is no complete visit to Madrid without strolling through its “Plaza Mayor”. Over time it has been known with various names: “Plaza del Arrabal”, “Plaza de la Constitución”, “Plaza Real” and “Plaza de la República”. However, it has never ceased to be “La Plaza Mayor” in Madrid. Continue reading ““Plaza Mayor”- Madrid”
As in many cities and towns around the world, in the Italian city of Assisi, all life social, political and cultural activity takes place around its main square, the “Piazza del Comune”. In many cultures it is also known as the “Piazza del Popolo” both in reference to the common folk and in reference to the people. Continue reading “Assisi and its Piazza del Comune”
Strolling through the University campus of the City of Bologna (Italy), allows one to discover its buildings and many churches, and so we found the “Chiesa di San Segismondo” or Church of Saint “Segismundo”. Continue reading “Chiesa di San Segismondo of Bologna”
On the site of the land where the Palace of the Marquis de Villena stood and in the heart of the Jewish Quarter is the “Mirador del Paseo del Transit” Park in Toledo, Spain. This park was opened in 1865. Continue reading ““Mirador del Paseo del Transit” – Toledo”