In talking about the “Palazzo Vecchio”, we must mention that it has been known by names such as: “Palazzo Popolo, Palazzo Priori, Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo della Signoria”. Continue reading “Palazzo Vecchio of Firenze”
Category: Italy
The Rometta Fountain in the Villa d’Este of Tivoli
The Rometta Fountain also known as the Fountain of Rome in the Villa d’Este in Tivoli (Italy) has many elements and symbolisms of ancient Rome. Although others believe that the Rometta Fountain was built in honor of the small town of Rometta in Sicily. Continue reading “The Rometta Fountain in the Villa d’Este of Tivoli”
The First Duomo of Firenze
A few steps from the “Palazzo de’Medici Riccardi” is the “Basilica San Lorenzo”. It is alleged that it is the oldest church in the Italian city of Firenze, consecrated by Saint Ambrose in 393. Originally, the “Basilica San Lorenzo” was located just outside the city walls. It is said to have been the first Firenze Cathedral, although there are those who claim that honor for the “Basilica of Santa Reparata”, disappeared since 1292. In fact, it was after 300 years, between the seventh and eighth centuries, the title of Duomo or Cathedral went to the Basilica of “Santa Reparata”. It is on the remains of the Basilica of “Santa Reparata” that the Cathedral of “Santa Maria del Fiore” was built. Continue reading “The First Duomo of Firenze”
Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia, Bologna
Upon exiting the “Chiesa di San Giacomo Maggiore” on the “Via Zamboni”, we walk along its side porch until we find a small entrance through the back of the church. There we stopped to admire the “Oratorio di Santa Cecilia” and its beautiful frescoes. In total, there are ten panels of frescoes that cover the walls to the right and left of the entrance to the oratory and show episodes of the life of “Santa Cecilia” and her husband “Valeriano”. Continue reading “Oratorio Di Santa Cecilia, Bologna”
Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Firenze
It is impossible to speak of the Italian city of “Firenze” without mentioning the Medici’s, the Tuscan family that achieved great political and economic power in the times of the Republic of “Firenze” in the early fifteenth century. The Medici, Dukes of Tuscany, enjoyed great privileges and properties such as palaces during their years in power. Continue reading “Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Firenze”
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome
The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore”, belongs to a select group of temples that were named major basilicas by a Pope. In Rome, we have as papal basilicas the “Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano”, “Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano”, “Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura” and “Santa Maria Maggiore”. All belong to the Vatican and the Pope has preferential right of usuage. The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore” gets its distinction in 1390, the year in which a Catholic jubilee was celebrated, an event that happens every twenty-five years. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome”
Assisi and its Piazza del Comune
As in many cities and towns around the world, in the Italian city of Assisi, all life social, political and cultural activity takes place around its main square, the “Piazza del Comune”. In many cultures it is also known as the “Piazza del Popolo” both in reference to the common folk and in reference to the people. Continue reading “Assisi and its Piazza del Comune”
Chiesa di San Segismondo of Bologna
Strolling through the University campus of the City of Bologna (Italy), allows one to discover its buildings and many churches, and so we found the “Chiesa di San Segismondo” or Church of Saint “Segismundo”. Continue reading “Chiesa di San Segismondo of Bologna”
Fontana di Diana di Efeso of the Villa d’Este, Tivoli
The “Fontana di Diana di Efeso”, also known as the Fountain of Mother Nature, is located nowadays at the opposite end of the “Palazzo d’Este” and in the line of sight of the Fountain of the Dragons. It was originally next to the “Fontana dell’Organo”. Continue reading “Fontana di Diana di Efeso of the Villa d’Este, Tivoli”
Fountain of Neptune and El Peschiere
From the terrace of the Organ Fountain, you can see through strong jets of water, “El Peschiere”. These are three large ponds that served to maintain a variety of fish for the consumption of the Villa d’Este. Continue reading “Fountain of Neptune and El Peschiere”