When visiting Rome, you have to cross the borders to enter the “Stato della Città del Vaticano”, the Vatican City State. It was founded as a result of the Peace Treaty and Lateran Pacts in 1929. Until then, Rome and the Papal States were the sovereign nation of what we know today as Italy. Continue reading “Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina”
The Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle is a minor basilica in Rome, however, it is the headquarters of the Congregation of Regular Clerics of Divine Providence, also known as “Theatines”, a male religious order of the Catholic Church. Continue reading “Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle, Rome”
Recognized worldwide as a sculptor and painter, Michelangelo Buonarroti, known as Michelangelo (in Spanish), is considered one of the greatest exponents of the Renaissance along with Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael and Donatello. Continue reading “Is David home?”
Located in front of the “Plaza de España” on the “Gran Vía” avenue in Madrid, Spain, is the refurbished building now known as RIU Plaza Hotel. The hotel is located in the emblematic “Spain Building” and houses the Sky Bar and the 360º terrace, an outdoor rooftop bar where you can see the most exquisite views of the city of Madrid. Continue reading “Madrid from above”
On the “Piazza della Signoria de Firenze”, in front of the entrance to the “Palazzo Vecchio” is one of the many replicas that exist in the world of Michelangelo’s David. The interesting thing about this replica is that it is located in the place where the original David was exhibited for more than 350 years. Continue reading “David and the “Palazzo Vecchio””
Venice in Italy would seem somewhat complicated in terms of its structure as a city. Its metropolitan area is comprised of six municipalities. The best known of these is the municipality “Venezia-Murano-Burano”. The historic center of “Venezia” in turn is sub-divided into districts called “Sestieris”. The “Sestieri de San Marcos” is the most tourist district of Venice, although each “Sestieri” has its own tourist attractions. Continue reading “Basilica of Saint John and Paul – Venice”
The city of Toledo is known as the “City of Three Cultures” as a result of the influences of Christians, Spanish Jews and Muslims. In fact, the Jewish quarter of Toledo still has manifestations of the Jews in Spain and one of those expressions can be found in the Sephardic Museum.
Continue reading “The “Transit” Synagogue or Sephardic Museum – Toledo”
On the Via de Fusari one finds the “Chiesa di Santa Maria Labarum Coeli” also known as “Santa Maria della Baroncella”. The original chapel is from the 13th century which was rebuilt in 1780 to the design of Angelo Venturoli and under the architect Giuseppe Antonio Verardi. Continue reading ““Santa Maria Labarunm Coeli” Church – Bologna”
During our recent visit to Rome, we enjoyed our stay in a small and pleasant hotel, right on the “Via Nazionale”, a few blocks from the “Via dei Fori Imperiali”. When one observes the Avenue of the Imperial Forum, one were able to affirm its depth, as it creates the road to the Roman Colosseum. This important road was built under the government of Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini and crosses what was the ancient city. Continue reading “The Palatine and the Roman forum”
It is always a pleasure to return to the medieval city of Toledo in Spain, which in itself is a jewel full of charm. Up there, on the hill above, is this wonderful city that from the plains we can observe. Its narrow streets, its history, monuments, temples, all evoke a past and glorious time. Continue reading “Finding Cervantes”