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”
In the “Parque del Oeste” in Madrid, Spain, there is a spot known as the “Rosaleda” or the Rose Garden. Located on a plain or terrace on the hillside, this garden occupies a space of approximately 32,000 square meters. Continue reading “The Rose Garden – Madrid”
From the terrace of the Organ Fountain, you can see through strong jets of water, “El Peschiere”. These are three large ponds that served to maintain a variety of fish for the consumption of the Villa d’Este. Continue reading “Fountain of Neptune and El Peschiere”
The Society of Jesus was founded in 1534 by the Spaniard Ignacio de Loyola in the city of Rome. It is worth noting that Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Continue reading “The Headquarters of the Society of Jesus”
After visiting the “Basilica di Santa Chiara” in Assisi, Italy, and heading towards the “Piazza Comune”, we encountered the “Chiesa Nuova”, a modest temple built in 1615. It is given the name of “Chiesa Nuova ”or“ New Church ”, being the temple most recently constructed at that time. Continue reading “The New Church – Assisi”