The city of Venice, Italy, was founded on an archipelago in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea in the V Century. Its foundation stems from the need to escape from the constant invasions and raids of the Germanic barbarians. The Venice Lagoon would become the moat that would protect them from such attacks. Thus each island that makes up the archipelago would become a kind of fort or fortress. Continue reading “Venice, its channels and gondolas”
Via Zamboni is the road to the University and the former Jewish quarter of Bologna. On the left side after having passed the “Two Towers”, is the “Chiesa di San Donato”. Its painted facade with an architecture full of ornamentation, designed by Francesco Orlandi in 1751 draws one’s attention. Continue reading “Chiesa di San Donato, Bologna”
Upon entering Villa d’Este, one is lead to an inner courtyard that borders “Chiesa Santa Maria Maggiore”. In this courtyard is the first of many beautiful fountains that one will find in the “Villa d’Este”. Continue reading “Fontana di Venere, Villa d’Este in Tivoli”
Upon exiting the “Santo Tomé” Church, we walk up the “Travesía del Conde” reaching the “Santo Tomé” street and further along we came across the Plaza and Church of “El Salvador”. This spot has been a holy place for various cultures were multiple temples have been built. The Romans, the Visigoths, the Muslims and the Christians. During the reign of “Alfonso VII” (12th century) it becomes a church dedicated to “San Salvador”. Continue reading ““El Salvador” Church – Toledo”
In our trips, we have had the opportunity to spend many night in hotels, hostels, B&Bs, etc. Some well known and others unknown. Although it is not our custom to write-up the places where we have stayed, this time we will make an exception. Continue reading “Assisi – Hotel Ideale”
The Palazzo della Mercanzia, by name, may give the impression of having been the old Market Square of the Italian city of Bologna. However, between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, this palace, which is also known as the Loggia dei Mercanti, was the Mercantile Forum under the auspices of the University. The Palazzo della Mercanzia is from the 14th century and its architecture is in the Gothic style. Continue reading ““Palazzo della Mercanzia””
Italian desserts are in a class of its own. One of those desserts is the delicious “gelato”, a frozen dessert that is similar to the Ice Cream. In Italy, artisan “gelato” dominates the market, so when you want to satisfy that desire for a good “gelato”, there are many options to choose from. However, selecting the best craftsman to make it is a challenge. Continue reading “A special “gelateria””
Visiting the Villa d’Este, in Tivoli, Italy, especially its gardens and various fountains creates a sense of tranquility and peace. The “Fontana dell’Ovato” is one of those sources that when perching in front of her, you instantly feel a great feeling of relaxation. Continue reading “Fontana dell’Ovato”
Oceanus, the Titan of the Seas, is the figure that occupies the predominant position in the central niche of the “Trevi Fountain” in Rome. According to Greek mythology, Uranus and Gaia were the titan gods of heaven and earth. They had twelve children, being Oceanus the eldest, the Titan who would become the Father of the Waters and Master of the Seas. Oceanus and its waters covered the entire earth to the horizon. Continue reading “Oceanus, Titan of the Sea in the Trevi Fountain – Rome”
The “Palazzo del Bargello”, dating to 1255, was the first “Pallazzo” or “Capitano del Popolo de Firenze”. In 1261 it became the “Palazzo del Podestà” serving as a government center, until what we know today as the “Palazzo Vecchio”, the new government center of Firenze, was built. Continue reading “National Museum of Bargello, Firenze”