The Palazzo della Mercanzia, by name, may give the impression of having been the old Market Square of the Italian city of Bologna. However, between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries, this palace, which is also known as the Loggia dei Mercanti, was the Mercantile Forum under the auspices of the University. The Palazzo della Mercanzia is from the 14th century and its architecture is in the Gothic style. Continue reading ““Palazzo della Mercanzia””
Category: Country
A special “gelateria”
Italian desserts are in a class of its own. One of those desserts is the delicious “gelato”, a frozen dessert that is similar to the Ice Cream. In Italy, artisan “gelato” dominates the market, so when you want to satisfy that desire for a good “gelato”, there are many options to choose from. However, selecting the best craftsman to make it is a challenge. Continue reading “A special “gelateria””
Fontana dell’Ovato
Visiting the Villa d’Este, in Tivoli, Italy, especially its gardens and various fountains creates a sense of tranquility and peace. The “Fontana dell’Ovato” is one of those sources that when perching in front of her, you instantly feel a great feeling of relaxation. Continue reading “Fontana dell’Ovato”
Oceanus, Titan of the Sea in the Trevi Fountain – Rome
Oceanus, the Titan of the Seas, is the figure that occupies the predominant position in the central niche of the “Trevi Fountain” in Rome. According to Greek mythology, Uranus and Gaia were the titan gods of heaven and earth. They had twelve children, being Oceanus the eldest, the Titan who would become the Father of the Waters and Master of the Seas. Oceanus and its waters covered the entire earth to the horizon. Continue reading “Oceanus, Titan of the Sea in the Trevi Fountain – Rome”
National Museum of Bargello, Firenze
The “Palazzo del Bargello”, dating to 1255, was the first “Pallazzo” or “Capitano del Popolo de Firenze”. In 1261 it became the “Palazzo del Podestà” serving as a government center, until what we know today as the “Palazzo Vecchio”, the new government center of Firenze, was built. Continue reading “National Museum of Bargello, Firenze”
From Lisboa to Madrid – The Virgen of the Harbour
On the banks of the Manzanares River in Madrid one finds a beautiful structure and garden; the Hermitage to Virgin of the Port. The Hermitage is in front of the Campo del Moro and at the foot of the Royal Palace and the Almudena Cathedral. Continue reading “From Lisboa to Madrid – The Virgen of the Harbour”
Basilica of “Santa Maria della Salute” – Venezia
The “Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute”, known simply as the “Salute”, is located at the tip of the “sestiere” of “Dorsoduro de Venezia”. It is visible from several points in San Marcos and is located on the other side of the Grand Canal. Continue reading “Basilica of “Santa Maria della Salute” – Venezia”
“Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro” – Bologna
Just a block away from the “Piazzas di Nettuno and Maggiore” of Bologna one finds the “Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro” located on the “Via dell’ Independenza “. This baroque style structure was consecrated in 1184. Continue reading ““Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro” – Bologna”
Consistorial House of Toledo
The Consistorial House or Town Hall that we see today in the “Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Toledo”, is a work that began in 1575. However, due to various complications, its architects and construction masters delayed its construction. The baroque architect, Teodoro Ardemans finally concludes the works in 1703. Continue reading “Consistorial House of Toledo”
Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, Rome
The “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres” in Rome, Italy, was consecrated by Pope Boniface IV in the seventh century. As its name clearly indicates, it is dedicated to Saint Mary and the martyrs. Therefore, the remains of the martyrs were transferred to the catacombs under the main altar, resulting in the Basilica also becoming a mausoleum. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, Rome”