Bologna is known as the Italian city of “la Dotta, la Rossa e la Grassa”. The “Dotta” refers to its University, the “Rossa” to the color of the ceilings and the “Grassa” to its typical food. In addition, Bologna has a large number of churches. And surrounded within these characteristics of the city, we find the “Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore”. Continue reading “Basilica di San Giacomo Maggiore – Bologna”
When visiting Rome, you have to cross the borders to enter the “Stato della Città del Vaticano”, the Vatican City State. It was founded as a result of the Peace Treaty and Lateran Pacts in 1929. Until then, Rome and the Papal States were the sovereign nation of what we know today as Italy. Continue reading “Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina”
Recognized worldwide as a sculptor and painter, Michelangelo Buonarroti, known as Michelangelo (in Spanish), is considered one of the greatest exponents of the Renaissance along with Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael and Donatello. Continue reading “Is David home?”
Located in front of the “Plaza de España” on the “Gran Vía” avenue in Madrid, Spain, is the refurbished building now known as RIU Plaza Hotel. The hotel is located in the emblematic “Spain Building” and houses the Sky Bar and the 360º terrace, an outdoor rooftop bar where you can see the most exquisite views of the city of Madrid. Continue reading “Madrid from above”
Venice in Italy would seem somewhat complicated in terms of its structure as a city. Its metropolitan area is comprised of six municipalities. The best known of these is the municipality “Venezia-Murano-Burano”. The historic center of “Venezia” in turn is sub-divided into districts called “Sestieris”. The “Sestieri de San Marcos” is the most tourist district of Venice, although each “Sestieri” has its own tourist attractions. Continue reading “Basilica of Saint John and Paul – Venice”
The city of Toledo is known as the “City of Three Cultures” as a result of the influences of Christians, Spanish Jews and Muslims. In fact, the Jewish quarter of Toledo still has manifestations of the Jews in Spain and one of those expressions can be found in the Sephardic Museum.
Continue reading “The “Transit” Synagogue or Sephardic Museum – Toledo”
During our recent visit to Rome, we enjoyed our stay in a small and pleasant hotel, right on the “Via Nazionale”, a few blocks from the “Via dei Fori Imperiali”. When one observes the Avenue of the Imperial Forum, one were able to affirm its depth, as it creates the road to the Roman Colosseum. This important road was built under the government of Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini and crosses what was the ancient city. Continue reading “The Palatine and the Roman forum”
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.