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”
On the banks of the Manzanares River in Madrid one finds a beautiful structure and garden; the Hermitage to Virgin of the Port. The Hermitage is in front of the Campo del Moro and at the foot of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Continue reading “From Lisboa to Madrid – The Virgen of the Harbour”
The “Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute”, known simply as the “Salute”, is located at the tip of the “sestiere” of “Dorsoduro de Venezia”. It is visible from several points in San Marcos and is located on the other side of the Grand Canal. Continue reading “Basilica of “Santa Maria della Salute” – Venezia”
Just a block away from the “Piazzas di Nettuno and Maggiore” of Bologna one finds the “Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro” located on the “Via dell’ Independenza “. This baroque style structure was consecrated in 1184. Continue reading ““Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro” – Bologna”
The Consistorial House or Town Hall that we see today in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Toledo”, is a work that began in 1575. However, due to various complications, its architects and construction masters delayed its construction. The baroque architect, Teodoro Ardemans finally concludes the works in 1703. Continue reading “Consistorial House of Toledo”
The “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres” in Rome, Italy, was consecrated by Pope Boniface IV in the seventh century. As its name clearly indicates, it is dedicated to Saint Mary and the martyrs. Therefore, the remains of the martyrs were transferred to the catacombs under the main altar, resulting in the Basilica also becoming a mausoleum. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, Rome”
Opposite the Basilica of San Francesco and at the other end of Assisi, Italy, is the “Basilica di Santa Chiara” or Basilica of Saint Clair. “Chiara Offreduccio” was the eldest daughter of the Count of Sasso-Rosso and as well being a follower of and protected by “San Francesco”. In the 13th century she founded the Order of Saint Clair, originally under the name of the Order of the Poor Ladies of Saint Damian, in a manner much like the Franciscan monks. Continue reading ““Basilica di Santa Chiara” – Assisi”
San Gimignano in the Italian Tuscan Hills, is known as the city of towers. Something that should not surprise us from a city that has been recognized by UNESCO for being a medieval city.
The “Piazza del Mercato Nuovo”, also known as the “Loggia del Mercato Nuovo” or “Porcellino” (pig), is just a short walk from the “Piazza della Signoria” of Firenze. This 16th century building replaces the “Mercato Vecchio” that was near the “Piazza della Repubblica”. Continue reading “Piazza del Mercato Nuovo”