Blog English, Country, Florence, Italy

The First Duomo of Firenze

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”

Blog English, Country, Florence, Italy

Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Firenze

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”

Blog English, Country, Italy, Rome

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome

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", Blog English, Country, Spain

“Plaza Mayor”- Madrid

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”