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: Country
Church of “Santo Tomé”, Toledo
The Church of San Tomé in Toledo, Spain, was built in the twelfth century over an eleventh century mosque. During the reconquest of Toledo by Alfonso VI, it was customary to build churches on the remains of mosques and synagogues, not only to mark the triumph of Christianity, but also to take advantage of the foundations and materials used in them. Continue reading “Church of “Santo Tomé”, Toledo”
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”
Gardens of San Francisco, the Old “Dalieda” of Madrid
Strolling along the “Gran Via de San Francisco in Madrid”, Spain, we found a garden that invited to be discovered. Today it is known as the San Francisco Gardens or “Antigua Dalieda”. Continue reading “Gardens of San Francisco, the Old “Dalieda” of Madrid”
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”
Madrid and its Cathedral of Santa María la Real de La Almudena
According to the legend, the image of “Santa María de la Almudena” dates back to the times of James the Elder and his arrival in Spain to preach the “good news”. However, the Madrid cathedral that honors this image is much more recent. Continue reading “Madrid and its Cathedral of Santa María la Real de La Almudena”
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”
“Plaza Mayor”- Madrid
Madrid! Madrid! Madrid! It is always a pleasure to be back in Madrid. There is no complete visit to Madrid without strolling through its “Plaza Mayor”. Over time it has been known with various names: “Plaza del Arrabal”, “Plaza de la Constitución”, “Plaza Real” and “Plaza de la República”. However, it has never ceased to be “La Plaza Mayor” in Madrid. Continue reading ““Plaza Mayor”- Madrid”