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 “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.
Walking along the Paseo el Prado and just in front of the Royal Botanic Garden, there is a very particular garden, the Green Wall of the CaixaForum in Madrid, Spain. It is specifically located at Paseo del Prado # 36. Continue reading “The Green Wall of Madrid”
In the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, is the city of Bologna, which is also the capital of the region. Named by the European Union as the European Capital of Culture for the year 2000, Bologna is undoubtedly a city of the highest order. When strolling through the city you can see why the distinction was given. Continue reading “Bologna – the Notai and Podesta Palaces”
Atop of one of the seven hills of Rome, the “Capitoline Hill” and facing the “Piazza Venezia”, one finds a large monument of white Botticino marble. It is the “Altare della Patria” of Italy, a national monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Manuel II of Italy), who was king of Sardinia. Continue reading ““Altare della Patria” – Rome”
Traveling through unknown places could be a great challenge. Every city, large or small, can quickly become a great maze if we do not identify points of reference that helps locate ourselves on the route. For example, a city like Siena, in the Tuscany region, can create some anxiety. Continue reading “Deciphering Labyrinths in Siena”