The Palazzo della Mercanzia, by name, may give the impression of having been the old Market Square of the Italian city of Bologna. However, between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, this palace, which is also known as the Loggia dei Mercanti, was the Mercantile Forum under the auspices of the University. The Palazzo della Mercanzia is from the 14th century and its architecture is in the Gothic style. Continue reading ““Palazzo della Mercanzia””
Category: Briefs
National Museum of Bargello, Firenze
The “Palazzo del Bargello”, dating to 1255, was the first “Pallazzo” or “Capitano del Popolo de Firenze”. In 1261 it became the “Palazzo del Podestà” serving as a government center, until what we know today as the “Palazzo Vecchio”, the new government center of Firenze, was built. Continue reading “National Museum of Bargello, Firenze”
Consistorial House of Toledo
The Consistorial House or Town Hall that we see today in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Toledo”, is a work that began in 1575. However, due to various complications, its architects and construction masters delayed its construction. The baroque architect, Teodoro Ardemans finally concludes the works in 1703. Continue reading “Consistorial House of Toledo”
Piazza del Mercato Nuovo
The “Piazza del Mercato Nuovo”, also known as the “Loggia del Mercato Nuovo” or “Porcellino” (pig), is just a short walk from the “Piazza della Signoria” of Firenze. This 16th century building replaces the “Mercato Vecchio” that was near the “Piazza della Repubblica”. Continue reading “Piazza del Mercato Nuovo”
“Chiesa Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano”
Thousands of visitors to Bologna arrive at the spot where the “Strada Maggiore” meets “Via Zamboni”, here one finds “Le due Torri: Garisenda e degli Asinelli”. Under the shadow of these towers, we also find the “Chiesa dei Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano”. Continue reading ““Chiesa Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano””
The goddess Cibeles of Madrid
Mother of the gods of Mount Olympus and symbol of the earth and fertility, Cibeles welcomes all who pass through this place, while she rides her charriot pulled by the Atalanta and Hypomenes lions. The sculpture is located at the head of “Paseo del Prado” and “Calle de Alcalá”. Continue reading “The goddess Cibeles of Madrid”
Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle, Rome
The Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle is a minor basilica in Rome, however, it is the headquarters of the Congregation of Regular Clerics of Divine Providence, also known as “Theatines”, a male religious order of the Catholic Church. Continue reading “Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle, Rome”
David and the “Palazzo Vecchio”
On the “Piazza della Signoria de Firenze”, in front of the entrance to the “Palazzo Vecchio” is one of the many replicas that exist in the world of Michelangelo’s David. The interesting thing about this replica is that it is located in the place where the original David was exhibited for more than 350 years. Continue reading “David and the “Palazzo Vecchio””
“Santa Maria Labarunm Coeli” Church – Bologna
On the Via de Fusari one finds the “Chiesa di Santa Maria Labarum Coeli” also known as “Santa Maria della Baroncella”. The original chapel is from the 13th century which was rebuilt in 1780 to the design of Angelo Venturoli and under the architect Giuseppe Antonio Verardi. Continue reading ““Santa Maria Labarunm Coeli” Church – Bologna”
Piazza Venezia – Rome
Piazza Venezia, seems to have become the center of Rome, located very closely to the Piazza di San Marco. In fact, both appear as a result of the construction of the Palazzo Venezia, which is erected in the fifteenth century and next to the Chiesa di San Marcos. Each having its corresponding plaza. Continue reading “Piazza Venezia – Rome”