Among the ten largest palaces in the world is the Palazzo Quirinale in Rome. Located precisely in Quirinale or Quirinalis, name given to the highest of the seven hills of Rome. This in honor of Quirinus, god of war in Roman mythology and one of the main gods of the Romans. Continue reading “Palazzo Quirinale of Rome”
Upon entering the Spanish city of Toledo through the Bisagara Gate, you will reach the Arrabal neighborhood and immediately with what some have called “the most imposing Mudejar complex in Toledo,” the Church of Santiago el Mayor. Brick and masonry of the thirteenth century, it was converted and edifice over an old mosque. Continue reading ““Santiago el Mayor del Arrabal” Church, Toledo”
Walking through the alleys of the Italian city of Venice, we found a hidden gem between buildings. This is the “Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo” and its famous “Scala Contarini del Bovolo”. Continue reading “Scala Contarini del Bovolo, Venice”
The Catholic Monarchs in gratitude for the victory at the battle of Toro in 1476, battle which resolved the succession to the throne in favor of Princess Isabel, ordered the construction of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, Spain. In 1477 the architect Juan Guas began the works and ten years later, the main chapel, the main nave of the church and the vaults were completed. Its style is Gothic, the so-called “Hispanic-Flemish” or the reign of the Catholic Monarchs.
On the facade of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes”, the symbolism of royal power is reinforced through the statues of heralds.
In total there are twelve, six are observed here. The heralds were in charge of preceding the monarchs in their appearances in public and presenting their messages in the courts of other kingdoms. Originally it was intended that this Monastery were to house the remains of the monarchs upon their deaths. Eventually the honor was bestowed to Granada with the construction of the Royal Chapel.
The chains and shackles of the liberated Christian prisoners are found hanging from the exterior walls. The queen ordered they be so exhibited here in 1494.
The Cloister
In the Cloister of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, Spain, we can find a garden with pomegranates, myrtles, cypress, orange, and other species. With a square layout, the courtyard of the cloister usually has a place in the center where four paths cross. In this case, in the center is the water well.
The windows that open to the cloister allow the flow of a very unique lighting to the enclosure. One can also observe the beautifully carved stone, as if it were filigree and can find the works of the sculptor Cecilio Béjar of Toledo, who also worked until 1967 on the restoration of the images of the saints that are found in the lower cloister. Among the sculptures made by Béjar are dragons, apes and exotic birds. The gargoyles found have the function of relieving the water collected from the roof, serving as a drain.
On the central windows that face the courtyard, we find eagles holding royal shields between yokes and beams of arrows. Cresting is used, that is, fretwork found in the upper part of a building or a roof.
The fretwork borders the roof tiles and hides it with the use of pinnacles or needles which provide for greater height of the structure from the cloister.
The Monastery Church
The church of the Monastery of “San Juan de los Reyes” in Toledo, has a single nave covered with ribbed vaults, starry dome over the presbytery, high choir and side chapels between the buttresses. The abundant decoration that adorns the cruise and the main chapel stands out. As for the altarpiece of the presbytery, the original one disappeared during the Napoleonic war.
The current one from the last century comes from the “Santa Cruz” Hospital of Toledo, founded by Don Pedro González de Mendoza, Cardinal of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. That is why the weapons of Cardinal Mendoza, founder of the Hospital, are showcased in the altarpiece. Its author is Francisco de Comontes, carver and painter. In the altarpiece one observe the scenes of: Jesus on the way to Calvary, The Descent and Santa Elena with the miracles of the Cross.
At the feet of the “Alcazar” of Toledo and under the watchful eyes of the Monument to the “Gesta del Alcazar”, facing the Tagus River, is Lookout Terrace of the Alcazar. The “Mirador del Alcázar” is located on the gounds of a private underground parking. Continue reading “Lookout of the Alcazar of Toledo”
Delimited by the Royal Palace, the Royal Theater and the Monastery of the Incarnation we find the “Plaza de Oriente” in Madrid, Spain. It is worth noting that the “Plaza de Oriente” is much more than merely a place to cross to visit some other nearby monument. Continue reading “The “Plaza de Oriente” in Madrid”
In order to understand how the “Piazza della Signoria” of the Italian city of Firenze arises, we must begin by mentioning historical facts that marked the emergence of this great square. Continue reading “Piazza della Signoria, Firenze”
The Assisi Cathedral is known for having been the place of the baptism of Saint Francis in 1182 and Saint Clare in 1193. In addition, it was in this cathedral where Saint Francis performed much of his preachings. However, to this day, the Assisi Cathedral is still the Cathedral of “San Rufino”. Continue reading “Assisi Cathedral, Italy”
Located on the “Plaza de Oriente” and facing towards the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain, one finds the Royal Theater. This structure, which was eventually converted into the Opera House, was built in the 19th century in the style of neoclassicism and eclecticism. Structural problems forced its closure between the years 1925 to 1966. Continue reading “The Royal Theater of Madrid”
Since our arrival in Rome, all roads led us to the Trajan Forum. This forum was the last of the Imperial Forums, built by Emperor Marco Ulpio Trajan in his own honor. Currently, it defines the imperial city border to the modern city. Continue reading “The Trajan Forum, Rome”