It is always a pleasure to return to the medieval city of Toledo in Spain, which in itself is a jewel full of charm. Up there, on the hill above, is this wonderful city that from the plains we can observe. Its narrow streets, its history, monuments, temples, all evoke a past and glorious time. Continue reading “Finding Cervantes”
Having visited the leaning towers of “Asinelli” and “Garisenda” in Bologna, we soon stepped on another city with leaning towers, Pisa. Known worldwide for having the greatest inclination, the bell tower of the “Duomo di Pisa” is also the most recognized monument in the city. Continue reading “Another city with a leaning tower; Pisa”
Very little is known about “San Petronio”, his life and work. He was bishop of Bologna during the 5th century and as such, he was responsible for the construction of the church of “Santo Stefano” of Bologna. It was in this church where the relics of “San Petronio” rested until later they were transferred to the basilica that bears his name.
Since ancient times the center of the Italian city of Firenze, was its Roman Forum. In addition, it was the place where the main roads of the city, the cardus roads (North to South) and decumanus maximi (East to West) were crossed. It was customary to seat the Roman Forum or square around that point. Continue reading “The Piazza della Repubblica, Firenze”
On the corner of Alcalá street and the Prado Promenade in Madrid, Spain, stands the Cybele Palace, framed by the famous Cibeles Fountain, from which its name derives. This symbol of the city of Madrid, with a certain touch of cathedral, is within walking distance of other famous structures such as the Metropolis Building, the Prado Museum and the Arch or Gateway to Alcalá.
The Roman people enjoyed shows such as gladiatorial games (of the Etruscans), simulations of naval battles, hunting or fighting of wild animals (venations), car races and other events. The Roman amphitheater evolved from the two-sided Greek stadiums and semicircular theaters. It also represented an improvement over the Roman “Circus Maximus,” elliptically with a fixed central divider. The spine would impair the display of certain events. Continue reading “The Amphitheater of the Flavian Emperors”
One of the most flourishing and developing cities in ancient times was Florence. It was the center of medieval European commerce and finance. Birthplace of the Renaissance and the standard Italian language, home of Michelangelo’s “David”, the city of the Medicis, the “Ponte Vecchio” and the capital of Tuscany. The centerpiece of this historically valuable city is another treasure; the whole of the “Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore”.
Continue reading ““Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore” – Firenze”
The San Juan Bautista Hospital was built on the outskirts of Toledo, Spain, between 1541 and 1603 by order of Cardinal Juan Pardo de Tavera and, therefore, the popular reference to the building as the Tavera Hospital. The building is also known as the Exterior Hospital as it was literally outside the city walls of Toledo.
Siena is one of the beautiful cities that we can find in Tuscany, a region of central Italy surrounded by the main mountain ranges, with fertile hills and plains. The city of Siena is known for its medieval center and for the “Palio”, a very famous horse race that they celebrate twice a year. Continue reading “The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Assumption of Santa Maria, Siena”
“Piazza Navona” in Rome, is located in an important center of urban life as it relates to social, cultural and tourism events. Strolling through this square one can find sculptures, fountains and buildings of great artistic value. Continue reading “Piazza Navona, Rome”