The building of Christian Church over pagan temples was customary in ancient Rome. Thus we have the Basilica Santa María over the Temple of Minerva. In fact, recently discovered were the remains of another temple, to Isis and Serapis in the place where this basilica is located. The architectural style of the “Basilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva” is Gothic. Continue reading “Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Roma”
Category: Briefs
Ponte dei Suspiri, Venice
The “Ponte dei Suspiri” or Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, is over one of the most important canals in the city, the Di Palazzo River. It has become a tourist attraction,as it joins the Doge’s Palace and the old prison of the Inquisition. Continue reading “Ponte dei Suspiri, Venice”
Piazza Garibaldi – Tivoli
In the heart of the historic center of Tivoli one finds the “Piazza Garibaldi” or the Garibaldi Square. It is dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the “Hero of the Two Worlds” due to his military interventions in South America and Europe. He is also considered one of the “fathers of the country” of Italy along with King Victor Emmanuel. The “Arch of the Founding Fathers”, a monumental sculpture created in 2009 by Arnaldo Pomodoro, attests to it in a prominent place on center of the stage. Continue reading “Piazza Garibaldi – Tivoli”
Sintra – Portugal
The Sintra Villa , is located among the Sintra Hills Sierra , it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s history dates to the II century B.C. and was considered part of the Roman city of Olisspo, today known as Lisbon. It is granted the title of Municipality in 1154, a few years after its reconquest for Christianity by Alfonso I of Portugal.
“Igreja do Carmo” – Braga, Portugal
Leaving behind the historic center of Braga, Portugal, we find at the end of a small hill the “Igreja do Carmo”, part of what was once the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites. The Convent was founded in 1635 by Brother José do Espírito Santo. Currently only the Church whose construction began in 1654 remains.
“Infante Don Henrique el Navegante” Park – Porto, Portugal
Walking towards the Douro River through the streets of Porto, suddenly we find the Plaza / Garden in honor of “Don Henrique de Avis y Lancaster”, son of Porto and better known as the Navigator. “Don Henrique” was the promoter of Portuguese policy for maritime explorations along the African coasts and the Atlantic Ocean; the era of Portuguese discoveries. In the center of this garden, a statue of the “Infante”, a work by Tomás Costa from 1894.
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Church (and Convent) of “Pópulo” – Braga, Portugal
The Archbishop of Braga, Don Fray Agostinho de Jesus wanted to have a decent place to be buried. As a result, he ordered the construction of the Church of “Pópulo” in 1596 together with its Convent, destined for the religious order, the “Eremitas do San Agustín”. The name of the Church is derived from the Church of “Sanctae Mariae de Populo” in Rome, of great importance for the Order of Saint Augustine.
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Plaza of the Republic – Thomar, Portugal
“Praça da República” or the Plaza of the Republic in Thomar, Portugal, is the main square of the city of the Knights Templar. The floor of the square is decorated with a mosaic in the shape of black and white diamonds.
“Are you from Braga?” – Braga, Portugal
“Are you from Braga?” This is a common expression of Braga, referring to the practice of leaving the door open. Although there are several theories about its origin, a very common one is born with the “Arco da Porta Nova”. In 1373 the construction of the walls was completed, practically enclosing the town of Braga.
Igreja da Madalena – Lisbon, Portugal
Walking from the Commerce Square on route to the Cathedral of Lisbon, we find amazing structures and many monuments, witnesses of time that reveal the history of this wonderful city. Going up the “Rua de la Concepcion”, we encounter the Church of Mary Magdalene, National Monument of Portugal since 1910. Continue reading “Igreja da Madalena – Lisbon, Portugal”