Upon entering the Cathedral of Burgos, we never suspected how overwhelming it could be and that is not necessarily a negative thing. On the contrary, there is so much to see! Continue reading “The stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Burgos”
Category: Country
“Casa Botines, León and Gaudí”
Upon hearing the name Gaudí, one must pause and imaginarily travel to Barcelona and reminisce about the “Sagrada Familia” Church, “Casa Batlló”, “Casa Milá”, “Parque Güell”, among many other works of architecture so different and beautiful at the same time. Structures where Gaudí masterfully combined decoration, symbolism and functionality, comfort and use of the interior spaces. All this based on the detailed observation and careful study of nature and its forms. Continue reading ““Casa Botines, León and Gaudí””
Malaga and its Alcazaba
Upon seeing the Alcazaba of Malaga in the distance, we thought it was a monumental fortress structure and when entering we confirmed it was and much more. Continue reading “Malaga and its Alcazaba”
“La Plaza del Cabildo” – Seville, Spain
One of those places in Seville that you cannot miss out on is the “Plaza del Cabildo”. Access is somewhat hidden, but it is located in the Arenal neighborhood, close to the Cathedral. We entered from “Avenida de la Constitución”. When we arrived at this small square, a smile surged on our faces, not only because of how beautiful it can be, but it turns out to be an oasis in the summer time and provides us with a little relief from the high temperatures of Seville. Being somewhat hidden from the hustle and bustle, it is the perfect place to cool off and recharge your batteries to continue enjoying this great city. Continue reading ““La Plaza del Cabildo” – Seville, Spain”
The Jewel of the “Santa Catalina” Palace
“Ignorance is bliss”, a very popular phrase that is used when people do certain actions (whatever they are), ignoring the good or bad consequences that may result from said action. We can say that something of this sort has happened with the staircase, dome and the structure that supports the “State” Staircase of the Santa Catalina Palace found on the grounds of La Fortaleza in Old San Juan, in Puerto Rico. A jewel that in 2015 was returned closely to its splendor of the 19th century.
This structure not only faced natural deterioration over the years as caused by time, humidity or pollutants, but also faced the worst of interventions, a product of ignorance, when it was covered countless times with thick layers of ordinary paint, hiding its original coloring and beauty.
Thanks to the restoration efforts of committed professionals and students, in 2015, the ignorance boldly embodied in the staircase through the years, was returned as close as possible to its origins in the year 1845, when Puerto Rico was a Overseas Province of Spain. Today, the Santa Catalina Palace and its staircase are a heritage site of Puerto Rico and a world heritage site, declared by UNESCO.
Nazionale Centrale di Firenze Library
The “Nazionale Centrale di Firenze” Library was created in 1885 to replace the “Magliabechiana” library of the year 1747. The Library is located very close to the “Piazza di Santa Croce”, at the intersection of “Via Antonio Magliabechi” with the “Corso dei Tintori”. Continue reading “Nazionale Centrale di Firenze Library”
The “San José” Church of Old San Juan; from our point of view
Close to turning 500 years old, the long-awaited re-opening of the San José Church of Old San Juan took place on Friday, March 19, 2021. An ideal date, coinciding with the celebration of the Year of San José (Saint Joseph), as designated by Pope Francis, on the occasion of celebrating 150 years of being declared patron of the universal Church. Continue reading “The “San José” Church of Old San Juan; from our point of view”
La Villa d’Este, much more than fountains
Before starting the work to create the fabulous fountains of the “Villa d’Este”, it was necessary to convert into a great palace what had been, the monastery and cloister where Benedictines and Franciscans lived. The official residence of the governor of Tivoli needed to be a dignified palace, not only to accommodate renowned families such as the D’Estes and Borgias, but also worthy of a Cardinal who aspired to be Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. Continue reading “La Villa d’Este, much more than fountains”
“Complesso di San Firenze”
In the 17th century, the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Phillip Neri in Rome arrived at Firenze when Pope Urban VIII presented them with a plot of land in “Piazza San Firenze” that included a church of the same name. The Oratorians or Philippians Fathers had the mission of building a large complex on the spot. The “Complesso di San Firenze” is located in front of the “Palazzo Gondi” that has it posterior facing the “Piazza della Signoria”. Continue reading ““Complesso di San Firenze””
Chiesa Santa Maria ai Monti, Rome
The “Chiesa Santa Maria dei Monti” or “ai Monte” is located in the Monti district in Rome, one of the oldest and largest sections of the city. The Monti rises from the foot of four of the seven hills of Rome; Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal and Coelian. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Celio sector and the Coelian hill were separated to form a separate district. Continue reading “Chiesa Santa Maria ai Monti, Rome”