Category Archives: Bernini

April 18, 2013 · 11:42 am

Piazza del Popolo’s Top 5 Vino con Vista Opportunities in Rome

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza del Popolo is one of my favorite pedestrian-only squares in Rome because it offers so many interesting sites and things to do. The Piazza is situated between the ancient Porta Flaminia and the park of the Pincio.

Image via Wikipedia

popolo archway

The Porta Flaminia was one of the gates in the ancient Roman Aurelian Wall. It was the starting point of the Via Flaminia which led north to the Roman town of Ariminum ( Rimini) in Ancient Rome. On the north end of the piazza stands the Porta del Popolo that is also called the Porta Flaminia.

Porta del Popolo or Porta Flaminia in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It leads to the the Piazzale Flaminio and the start of the Via Flaminia. The gateway was reconfigureed by Bernini for Pope Alexander VII in 1655, to welcome Queen Christina of Sweden to Rome following her conversion to Roman Catholicism after her abdication.

Popolo piazza

The Piazza has a suberb location in Rome. The central street, the Via del Corso follows southward to the Piazza Venezia, the Capitol and the forum. The Via di Ripetta leads past the Mausoleum of Augustus to the River Tiber and the Via del Babuino (“Baboon”) leads to Piazza di Spagna.

The Piazza has one of the tallest obelisks in Rome surrounded by outdoor cafes perfectly suited to an extraordinary Vino con Vista. There are three churches in the square: The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo with a simple facade and the twin Baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (1679).

1. From Piazza del Popolo you can climb the stairs behind the Neptune fountain to the top of the Pincio Steps that lead from the Piazza del Popolo to the Villa Borghese’s gardens. The stairs link the piazza with the heights of the ancient Roman Pincian Hill that overlooks the space from the east. The pedestrian steps leading up beside a waterfall to the Pincio park balustraded lookout that provides a passageway to the Villa Borghese gardens.

Pincio Hill in Piazza Popolo

Neptune Fountain

2. The Popolo Obelisk is the Egyptian obelisk of Sety I from Heliopolis. Three sides of the obelisk were carved during the reign of Sety I and the fourth side was carved during the riegn of Rameses II. The obelisk is also called “obelisco Flaminio” and it is the second oldest and one of the tallest obelisks in Rome. The obelisk was brought to Rome in 10 BC by order of Augustus and originally set up in the Circus Maximus. It was re-erected here in the piazza by the architect-engineer Domenico Fontana in 1589 as part of the urban plan of Sixtus V.

Popolo obelisk

At the center of the piazza is the Fontana dell’ Obelisco with a group of our mini lion fountains. Each lion is situated on a stepped plinth added around the base of the obelisk in 1818.

Popolo lion fountain

The layout of the piazza today was designed in neoclassical style between 1811 and 1822 by the architect Giuseppe Valadier when he removed a modest fountain by Giacomo Della Porta that was erected in 1572.

3. The Piazza has a lovely Fontana del Nettuno at the base of the Porta del Popolo on Pincio Hill. The Piazza Popolo Fountain of Neptune stands on the west side of the piazza and depicts Neptune with his trident accompanied by two dolphins.

Piazza Popolo Fountain of Neptune

4. Visit the symmetrical (almost) twin Baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (1679), begun by Carlo Rainaldi and completed by Bernini and Carlo Fontana.

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria Montesanto

These churches define the junctions of the roads called the “trident” (il Tridente): the Via del Corso in the centre; the Via del Babuino to the left (opened in 1525 as the Via Paolina) and the Via di Ripetta (opened by Leo X in 1518 as the Via Leonina) to the right.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Piazza Popolo

Miracoli altar in Piazza Popolo

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The two, almost twin, churches of S. Maria di Montesanto (left) and S. Maria dei Miracoli (right) in Piazza del Popolo were designed by Carlo Rainaldi. Gian Lorenzo Bernini provided him with advice on how to emphasize the similarity between the two churches. S. Maria di Montesanto was erected first (1678) and S. Maria dei Miracoli a few years later (1681). The columns come from the bell tower erected by Bernini for St Peter’s, a project that was eventually abandoned.

The high altar of Santa Maria dei Miracoli has the miraculous image of the Virgin which has given the church its name, “Madonna dei Miracoli” (Our Lady of Miracles). The first chapel on the right-hand side has an altar dedicated to Our Lady of Bétharram, named after a shrine near Lourdes. The church was erected by C.Rainaldi to preserve an image of the Madonna that was found on the wall close to Porta del Popolo. The church has two chapels on each side. The image of the Madonna is on the high altar surmounted by four marble angels by A.Raggi. In the presbytery, there are funeral monument to cardinal Gastaldi, who sponsored construction of the church, and his brother. The facade was later changed by G.L.Bernini and C.Fontana.

5. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo has a simple facade. It is an Augustinian church located on the north side of the Piazza del Popolo. It occupies the site where Pope Paschal II (1099-1118) built an oratory over the tombs of the Roman Domitia family at the foot of the Pincian Hills. The church includes works by several famous artists, architects and sculptors including: Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat and Donato Bramante. The dome of the Chigi Chapel is decorated with Raphael’s drawings of the Creation of the World. These depict God as creator of the heavens, surrounded by symbols of the planets.

Raffaello Sanzio – Dome of the Chigi Chapel – WGA18820 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The original church was built on this site in 1099. A host of famous architects rebuilt this beautiful old church beginning in 1472; namely, A. Bregno, Pinturicchio, and B. Pontelli. Later, Bramante and Bernini made additions to it.

Santa Maria del Popolo contains one of the richest collections of art of all Rome’s churches, with the exception of St. Peter’s. It also contains two Chigi pyramid tombs embedded in the walls of the side chapels, the tomb of Cardinal Foscari, and the tomb of Cardinal Della Revere by Mino da Fiesole and A. Bregno.

Dämonenloch in der Santa Maria del Popolo, Rom English: Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome, Italy: Chigi chapel. Incrustated floor with the coats of arms of the House of Chigi hold by the Death. Italiano: Santa Maria del Popolo a Roma, Cappella Chigi. Pavimento intarsiato con lo stemma Chigi sorretto dalla Morte. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a the kneeling skeleton mosaic on the floor in the Chigi Chapel of the 17th century. It represents the coat of arms of the House of Chigi.

Visit the gorgeous Della Revere Chapel and be sure to admire the stained-glass of 1509 by French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. Also, there is the tomb of Ascanio Sforza, who died in 1505, built by Andrea Sansovino.

Nero lived on in the imagination of the people long after the fall of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, a legend arose that a walnut tree growing here on the spot where his ashes were buried was haunted by the Emperor. Ravens roosting in the tree were thought to be demons tormenting him for his hideous crimes. When the first church was built here, under Pope Paschal II’s reign, the tree was cut down, supposedly putting an end to the supernatural events that had terrified the locals for so long.

Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo

The apse was designed by Bramante. The oldest stained glass window in Rome can be found here, made by French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. Pinturicchio decorated the vault with frescoes, including the Coronation of the Virgin. The tombs of Cardinals Ascanio Sforza and Girolamo Basso della Rovere, both made by Andrea Sansovino, can also be found in the apse.

The Cerasi Chapel is one of five chapels located within the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. The Chapel contains important paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and Annibale Carracci, two of the founders of Baroque art.

Admire the two famous canvases painted by Caravaggio: “The Martyrdom and Crucifixion of St. Peter“ (St. Peter was crucified upside down) on the right side of the Chapel and ”Conversion of Saint Paul on the Way to Damascus“ on the left side of the chapel. These paintings were commissioned by Tiberio Cerasi in 1600.

Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of Saint Peter

Caravaggio’s The Conversion on the Way to Damascus

Situated between the two works of Caravaggio is the altarpiece Assumption of the Virgin by Annibale Carracci.

Santa maria del polpolo, cappella chigi 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria del Popolo, cappella Chigi, in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Chigi Chapel is the most lavishly decorated. The wealthy Sienese banker Agostini Chigi commissioned Raphael to design and decorate the octagonal funerary chapel. On the altar, admire the “Nativity of the Virgin” by Sebastiano del Piombo.

Jonah and the great fish, with the head of the Farnese Antinous. Marble, drawn by Raphael and executed by Lorenzetto (1522–27), Chigi Chapel of the Church Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. Français : Jonas et le gros poisson, avec la tête de l’Antinoüs Farnèse. Marbre, dessiné par Raphaël et exécuté par Lorenzetto (1522-1527), chapelle Chigi de l’église Santa Maria del Popolo à Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the left alcove there is a statue of Johan and Elijah by Lorenzetto. The other two statues of Daniel and Habakkuk are by Bernini. The angel is telling Habakkuk to take the basket of food to the famished Daniel in the lions’ den in Babylon. Bernini also did the portraits on the Pyramidal tombs of Agostino and Sigismondo Chigi. In the inscription on the floor of “Death”, Bernini added the inscription, “Death is the way to Heaven.”

Santa maria del polpolo, cappella chigi 4 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

God the creator of the heavens is surrounded by the symbols of the planets guided by angels. Gian Lorenzo Bernini would later complete the chapel. His additions include the sculptures “Habakkuk and the Angel” (1655-1661) and “Daniel and the Lion” ((1655-1657). Bernini also created the portraits on the tombs of Agostino and Sigismondo Chigi on the sides of the chapel.

Santa Maria del Popolo (Rome) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The main altar has as image of the Virgin. Below the 13th century image of the Virgin it says: “You are the honor of our people.” There are two statues of Augustinian saints on either side of the picture of the Virgin: Nicholas of Tolentino on the left and William of Maleval on the right.

Santa maria del polpolo, pinturicchio 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria del Popolo main altar

The Della Rovere Chapel has a beautiful fresco by Pinturicchio depicting the Nativity and the life of St. Jerome.

Santa maria del polpolo, pinturicchio 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Photo of the Cybo Chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Cybo Chapel has sixteen columns of Sicilian jasper with an altarpiece by Carlo Maratto, “Immaculate Conception with Saints.”

On the sides of the chapel are the twin tombs of the Cybo Cardinals; Lorenzo on the left and Alderano on the right.

At the end of your site-seeing adventure, have a Vino con Vista at the Rosati Cafe. Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com.

Piazza Popolo’s Rosati Cafe

My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art Treasures in Trinita dei Monti in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

About these ads

3 Comments

Filed under Ancient Rome, Bernini, Caravaggio, Churches in Rome, ebooks, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Piazza Popolo in Rome, Roman Amphitheater, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, vino con vista

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Aurelian Wall, Domenico Fontana, Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Girolamo Basso della Rovere, Giuseppe Valadier, Italy, Our Lady of Miracles, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Venezia, Piazzale Flaminio, Pincian Hill, Pope Alexander VII, Rome, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria del Popolo, Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica

January 8, 2013 · 12:05 pm

The Water Features of the Spectacular Fountains of Rome

: Obelisk of the Four Rivers Fountain

Fontana di Piazza Farnese

Rome, Fountain of the Triton, in Piazza Barber...

Image via Wikipedia

English: This marble basin is now one of two on the Piazza Farnese in Rome, but supposedly was the pool of the Frigidarium of the Thermae of Caracalla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you follow my posts, you know that I wax poetic about my love for Italy; especially Rome! Where else can you witness 28 centuries of history?

I adore Rome’s monumental fountains, so I have included some short video clips of the water features in this post. The glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular fountains.

Image via Wikipedia

Some are relatively simple and look like bathtubs as you can see in the picture of Fontana di Piazza Farnese that is located in front of the Palazzo Farnese.

Cardinal Alessandro Farnese Oil on canvas, 96 x 43 cm Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples Italiano: Ritratto del cardinale Alessandro Farnese, olio su tela (cm 97 x 73), Napoli, Museo di Capodimonte (inv. Q 133). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The granite stone basin of that fountain came from the Roman Baths of Caracalla. The emblems on the upper part of the fountain represent the Farnese family and the the man who commissioned the construction of the Palazzo Farnese; Cardinal Alessandro Farnese who eventually became Pope Paul III. Many of the fountains depict the person responsible for the commission.

Image via Wikipedia

Some fountains support obelisks and others anchor famous piazzas. The dramatic iconographic fountains host a cast of interesting characters that generally spew water from their mouths. The basins are shaped in the form of chalices and decorative elements generally include dolphins, tritons, theatrical masks and shells.

English: Giacomo della Porta created the fountain with sculpted tritons in 1574-1576, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini redesigned it 1654, adding the central statue “il Moro”, an Ethiopian fighting a dolphin. The fountain (here seen from the eastr) is situated in the south of Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza Navona has three fountains with Giacomo della Porta‘s Neptune Fountain on the north end, his Fontana del Moro on the south end and Bernini‘s Fountain of Four Rivers in the middle. These fountains were built in a straight line along the central axis of the elliptical piazza that replicates the floor plan of the arena built by Emperor Domitian in the 1st century. It was a place for athletic competitions and races known as “Agones”. These fountains were supplied by water from the Vergine Aqueduct built by Agrippa in 19 B.C.

One of the tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta, now located in the Fontana del Moro, Piazza Navona, viewed from the south. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fountains of Rome were originally operated by gravity. The source of water from the aqueducts had to be higher than the fountain itself to create a dramatic water feature. The difference in elevation and distance between the water-source and the fountain determined how high the fountain could shoot water. Today, they use gravity as well as mechanical pumps. Some fountains have powerful water sprays and others do not. Bernini’s Triton Fountain spray reaches 16 feet above the conch shell of his Triton in Piazza Barberini but the Boat Fountain by the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon’s Fountain have very little water pressure.

English: Fontana del Moro at Piazza Navona. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some of my favorite Roman Fountains with a brief description and a short video clip that captures the water feature in motion:

1. The Fountain of the Naiads “Fontana delle Naiadi” is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmIolEAHn6s

It is located in front of the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels). The fountain is surrounded by four bronze nymphs embracing sea monsters. There are three tritons, a dolphin and an octapus in the center of the fountain. It was created by the sculptor Mario Rutelli to adorn the Piazza della Repubblica in 1901.

Piazza Repubblica in Rome

2. Bernini’s Fountain of the Triton is located in Piazza Barberini. It was created in 1642. The muscular Triton is held up by four dolphins and is blowing into a sea-shell. After you admire the two Bernini Fountains in this square, stroll down Via Venato.

3. In close proximity to the Triton Fountain, you can find Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees with three bees on a shell sculpted in 1644.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6jJB7T0Xe0

<img title=”Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees in Rome Italy” src=”http://vinoconvistablog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/shell-fountain.jpg?w=225″ alt=”" width=”225″ height=”300″ />: Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees

4. The spectacular Trevi Fountain is located on Via della Stamperia and was designed by Nicola Salvi.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bZueL2gABs

It was completed between 1732 and 1762 and is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The central figure is Oceanus and he is the personification of all the worldly bodies of water. He is riding an cockleshell chariot pulled by sea-horses, surrounded by Tritons and Sea Nymphs. Visit the beautiful church of Saints Vincenzo E Anastasio in the Piazza across from the Trevi Fountain. Find Agrippa approving his aquaduct blueprints in his dapper Roman military uniform in one of the niches in the Trevi Fountain. The niches convey significant historical messages in this fountain.

Church across from Trevi Fountain

: “Abundance” in the niche of the fountain near Agrippa, holds her basket of goodies at the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is directly across from the gorgeous Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio that preserves the hearts and lungs of 22 popes who died in the Quirinal Palace. Visit the interesting art gallery while you’re in the vicinity.Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio

5. The Fontana della Barcaccia was the work of Pietro Bernini with the help of his talented son Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXShm8X5sek

It looks like a submerged boat and was commissioned by Pope Urban VII Barberini around 1629 to commemorate a boat that was stranded in the square in the flood of 1598. It is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps below the church of Trinita dei Monti.

6. The Piazza del Popolo has two fountains. I like the interesting Fontana dell’ Obelisco with a group of four mini lion fountains around the base.

http://www.com/watch?v=PoRtIk2TRDU.

Each lion is situated on a stepped plinth that was added around the base of the obelisk in 1818. The other fountain in the square is at the base of the stairs that lead to Villa Borghese.

7. The Fountain of the Moor is also known as La Fontana del Moro. It is located on the southern end of Piazza Navona with a figure of an African (a Moor) wrestling with a dolphin http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=Bk7Sb1eVp5I&next=%2Fmy_videos.

Fountain of Moor

: Fontana del Moro Drawing in Piazza Navona

8. The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona was built in 1572 and shows the God of the Sea using his trident to commandeer an unruly octopus. He is surrounded by cheribs, tritons, sea horses and mermaids. Have a Vino con Vista @ Caffe Nettuno in Piazza Navona.

Caffe Nettuno

: Fountain of Neptune in Rome

9. Bernini’s sumptuous Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZzmcRZ9GyM is also known as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

It was built between 1648 and 1651. Bernini increased the strength of the jets of water for the fountain to increase the water pressure. His statues represent rivers from the four continents; the Nile, Danube, Plate River and Ganges. The structure supports a 54-foot Egyptian “Obelisk of Domitian” that is surmounted by a the emblem of the Pamphili famiy dove that represents Pope Innocent X Pamphili.

10. The Quattro Fontane (the Four Fountains) is a group of four Late Renaissance fountains located at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale in Rome. They were commissioned by Pope Sixtus V and built by Muzio Mattei. They were built between 1588 and 1593. The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength. The fountains of the Arno, Tiber, and Juno are the work of Domenico Fontana. The fountain of Diana was designed by the painter and architect Pietro da Cortona.

The later Baroque church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane by Francesco Borromini is located around the corner from the fountains.

Quattro Fountaine

11. Il Babuino or “The Baboon Fountain” portrays a reclining Silenus. This mythological Roman character is half man and half goat. This is one of the talking statues of Rome, Italy. It is located on Via Babuino next to the Chiesa di S. Atanasio dei Greci.

Baboon Fountain in Rome Italy

12. The vicinity around the Pantheon Fountain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQw95wqHJ34 and Piazza Navona‘s fountains offer the best Vino con Vista opportunities in town. The Pantheon Fountain was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and is located in the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome. It is located directly in front of the Roman Pantheon. It was designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575 and sculpted out of marble by Leonardo Sormani. In 1711, Pope Clement XI had fountain modified. Filippo Barignoni designed a new layout and added the obelisk of Ramses II. Four dolphins decorate the base of the obelisk.

The area around the Pantheon is loaded with excellent restaurants, some of them are Michelin rated http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE95_YgbcgY. In addition, I love the interesting cast of characters that supports the obelisk in front of the Pantheon.

The cafe scene, restaurants and nightlife in Rome can’t be beat! Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com. Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for daily blog updates.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Magnificent Baroque Rome (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
Top 5 Vino con Vista Opportunities in Piazza del Popolo in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)

Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas with Fountains (vinoconvistablog.me)
Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Toss A Coin At The Trevi Fountain! (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)

12 Comments

Filed under Attractions in Rome near the Capitoline Museums, Bernini, Bramante, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Rome History, Rome Italy, Uncategorized, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, Fontana di Piazza Farnese, Fountains in Piazza Popolo, Giacomo della Porta, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Mario Rutelli, Pantheon Rome, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Navona, Rome, Spectacular Fountains in Rome, Triton Fountain

September 2, 2011 · 6:27 am

Rome’s Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona

Image via Wikipedia

It has just come to my attention that someone has vandalized the Fountain of the Moor with a large rock after I wrote this blog post. My heart is broken–why would anyone do this? Someone was doing research on the Fountains in Rome and notified me of this incident. I found this report on Google and wanted to share it with you. Fortunately they caught the vandal on tape. The objects that he damaged were actually copies instead of the original:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8742348/Rome-fountain-vandal-caught-on-CCTV.html

I love the Fountains in Piazza Navona. The Fountain of the Moor or Fontana del Moro is located at the southern end of elliptical shaped Piazza Navona. It has a basin with four Tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta in 1575. In 1673, Bernini designed and added the statue of a Moor (African) with a spouting fish. The vigorously twisting Moor is standing on a conch and wrestling with a dolphin in the center of the fountain.

Pope Gregory XIII (1572-1585) envisioned an ambitious plan to erect fountains in all of the main squares in Rome. Before Rome’s fountains were built, Roman’s drank water from the Tiber River. The river water was collected upstream and stored for a number of days by vendors called Aquarenari.

The fountains that were originally designed at the north and south end of the Piazza were separated by an enormous drinking trough for horses in the center of the square. Bernini‘s Fountain of the Four Rivers replaced this area. The fountain for the horses was subsequently moved to the Giardino del Lago in the Villa Borghese.

The Moro fountain was completed in 1575 and was originally adorned with decorations designed by Giacomo della Porta. These were transferred to a small square in Villa Borghese and the original masks and Triton figures were substituted with copies made by Luigi Amici in 1874.

The central figure in the fountain depicts a Moor wrestling with a dolphin by Antonio Mari. Mari sculpted this in 1654 using Bernini’s design. Bernini was responsible for the pool around the fountain basin using a plan designed by Borromini. Francesco Borromini was a leading figure in the emergence of Roman Baroque architecture.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Fountain in Rome’s Piazza Navona Vandalized (abcnews.go.com)

1 Comment

Filed under Ancient Rome, Bernini, Boromini, ebooks, fountains in rome, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Rome Italy

Tagged as Bernini, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, Fountain, FOuntain of the Moor in Piazza Navona in Rome Italy, Francesco Borromini, Giacomo della Porta, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Italy, Piazza Navona, Rome, Tiber River, Villa Borghese

July 14, 2011 · 8:25 am

Santa Maria Maggiore’s Re-enactment of Rome’s Blizzard

This is a rare photo of the Salus Populi Roman...

Image via Wikipedia

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the four greater basilicas of Rome and it has two facades. One of them is located in Piazza Esquilino. One of the facades has twin domes. The rear facade faces the lovely Marian Column and has a massive bell-tower.

Santa Maria Maggiore bell tower

According to legend, on the night of August 5, 356 the Madonna appeared in a dream to a nobleman and the Pope (cannonized Saint Liberius). She asked them to build a sanctuary dedicated to her on the summit of Esquiline Hill. The dream foretold of a blizzard that miraculously occurred in August of 352. There are beautiful mosaics representing the “Miracle of St. Mary of the Snow” in the portico. A precious (bronze, marble and lapis-lazuli) relief by Stefano Maderno in Cappella Paolina portrays the pope drawing the plan of S. Maria Maggiore on the snow which had fallen on the top of the Esquiline hill. Although snow usually doesn’t occur in Rome in August, hail-storms are not unlikely to occur. The miraculous “Legend of the Snow” is re-enacted every year at the Basilica on August 5th to commemorate the feast day of Our Lady of the Snow as white rose petals fall from the dome of the basilica.

Here’s a virtual tour of the basilica http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/index-it.html

Under the altar is a crypt housing the remains of St. Matthais, who was the Apostle that was chosen to replace the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. In front of the confessio that houses part of Christ’s manger is a kneeling statue of Pope Pius IX. The tombs of Popes Pius V, Sixtus V, Paul V, Cardinal Rodriquez (1299) and Clement VIII are in this basilica. The 1740 Baldacchino was built by Ferdinando Fuga.

The church has had many names over the years: Santa Maria della Neve (English: St. Mary of the Snow), then Santa Maria Liberiana after Pope Liberius. After the basilica obtained a relic of the Holy Crib it was called Santa Maria Del Presepe (St. Mary of the Crib). It was finally named Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) because it is the largest of the 26 churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church has a wide central nave separated by 40 columns; 36 are made from bianco greco marble and four are granite columns. There are mosaics on each side of the nave from 430-431 during the papacy of Sixtus III. Above the mosaics and between the windows, there are a series of frescoes from 1593 representing scenes from the life of the Virgin. The gilded gold coffered ceiling was begun by Giuliano da Sangallo in the middle of the 14oos.

Santa Maria Maggiore ceiling

The Marian column that graces the front of the basilica is crowned with a bronze statue of the Virgin known as the Salus Populi Romani (The Salvation of the Roman People). It is from Constantine’s Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine and was erected in 1614 according to the design by Carlo Maderno. It has a fountain at the base with eagles and dragons. The column was erected as a token of gratitude for the miraculous remission of the plague during the Baroque era.

As a papal basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore is often used by the pope when he presides over the annual Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th each year.

Pope Paul V put Carlo Maderno in charge of relocating a column in front of the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; the surviving 46 foot high column of Basilica di Massenzio. At the time this building was known as Tempio della Pace and in the long inscription the pope explained that the column was dedicated to the Virgin Mary because ” ex cuius visceribus princeps verae pacis genitus est donum dedit” (the Prince who gives true peace came from her womb). For this reason the column is also known as Colonna della Pace. The column and the small fountain in front of it are decorated with the eagles and dragons of the pope.

Marian Column in front of Santa Maria Maggiori

Santa Maria Maggiori in Rome Italy

In papal Rome, the basilica became one of the fulcrums of the urban plan of Sixtus V. The other three papal or major basilicas in Rome are St. John Lateran, St. Peter and St. Paul outside the Walls.

The construction of Santa Maria Maggiore started in 420 under Pope Celestine I but the majority of the basilica was built under Pope Sixtus III (432-440) after the Council of Ephesus. The inscription on the triumphal arch reads: “Sixtus Episcopus plebi Dei” (Sixtus the bishop to the people of God). Pope Sixtus III built the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the summit of Esquiline Hill.

The travertine facade is flanked by twin buildings with five entrance doors into the Basilica. The one on the left is the Holy Door.

Santa Maria Maggiore Porta Santa

The Holy Door (Porta Santa) is opened only when a Holy Year is announced. The doors to the left of the Holy Door lead to the loggia with the mosaic decorations of the old facade.

Here’s a virtual tour of the Loggia http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Loggia/index.html

Arrangements must be made in advance to view the georgeous mosaics by Filippo Rusuti that were created toward the end of the 13th century.

The contemporary bronze doors were a gift from Pope Pius XII and the panels illustrate scenes from the life of the Virgin. They were made by Pogliaghi.

: Santa Maria Maggiore doors

Santa Maria Maggiore contemporary doors (1949)

In the Borghese Chapel, the basilica currently houses the oldest Marian image in Rome called the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People ). For centuries, the people of Rome have prayed to this icon in times of famine, war and national crisis.

It was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist using the wooden table of the Holy Family in Nazareth. It is currently enshrined in the Santa Borghese Chapel of the basilica surrounded by five gilded bronze angels designed by Camillo Mariani. Here’s a virtual tour of the Borghese Chapel with the treasured icon http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Borghese_Chapel/index.html .

The icon was placed in the chapel in 1613. The crowns were added to the icon by Pius XII in 1953. Radiocarbon dating establishes the age of the icon to be approximately 2,000 years old.

After the Crucifixion, Christ’s mother ”Our Lady” moved to the home of St. John. She took a few of her personal belongings with her including a table built by the Redeemer in the workshop of St. Joseph. When the residents of Jerusalem asked St. Luke to paint a portrait of the Mother of God, he did it on top of this table. St. Luke listened carefully as the Mother of Jesus spoke of the life of her son, facts which the Evangelist later recorded in his Gospel. Legend also tells us that the painting remained in and around Jerusalem until it was discovered by St. Helena in the fourth century. Together with other sacred relics, the painting was transported to Constantinople where her son, Emperor Constantine the Great, erected a church for its enthronement.

Santa Maria Maggiore Borghese Chapel

The relief above the altar in the Borghese Chapel depicts Pope Liberius marking off the dimensions of his basilica in the newly-fallen snow. The relief was made by Stefano Maderno in 1612.

The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has the tallest bell tower in Rome at 240 feet. The two twin cupolas are a characteristic element of the Rome’s domed landscape.

The basilica is loaded with coveted mosaics; there are 36 panels in the nave and the mosaics of the triumphal arch date back to the 5th century. The “Coronation of the Virgin” mosaics in the apse were finished in 1295 and are signed by the Franciscan friar Jacopo Torriti. The coveted mosaics depict scenes of the Virgin and Christ, as well as scenes from the Old Testament and Egyptians Drowning in the Red Sea.

The lovely rear facade of the basilica was designed by Carl Rainaldi (1673) and it reflects Baroque architecture. Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure despite several additional construction projects and damage from the earthquake of 1348.

Santa Maria Maggiore stained glass window

Pope Pius IX

When the Avignon papacy formally ended and the Papacy returned to Rome, the Basilica became a temporary Palace of the Popes due to the deterioration of the Lateran Palace. The papal residence was later moved to the Palace of the Vatican in what is now Vatican City.

The basilica houses the tombs of many popes. The Capella Sistina was built for Pope Sixtus V and houses his tomb. The altar in the Chapel’s center has a beautiful ciborium from 1590 composed of four bronze angels holding a tempietto. Pope Paul V is buried in the Borghese Chapel with the “Salus Populi Romani” icon of the Virgin.

In front of the main altar there is a beautiful statue of Pope Pius IX by Ignazio Iacometi. The pope is kneeling in contemplative prayer while gazing at the relic of Christ’s manger from Bethlehem.

Sacra Culla:The relics of Christ's manger from Bethlehem

Pius IX in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome Italy

Clement IX

The relic of Christ’s manger is located in front of the main altar in the confession in a gold and silver reliquary designed by Valadier in 1802. The relic came to Rome when Saint Jerome’s body was brought to the church from Bethlehem. The relic is in front of Pius IX kneeling in Prayer.

The canopied main papal altar resembles Bernini’s Baldachinno in Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was designed by Fuga who used four porphyry columns. The columns are encircled with bronze palm branches moving in an upward direction that were added by Giuseppe Valadier in 1823. The Corinthian capitals with Pope Benedict XIV’s coat of arms on the base of the columns.

Here’s a virtual tour of the altar showing the Baldachinno and the passageway to the relic of the crib http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Nave1/index.html

The monument of Clement IX is by C. Painaldi. The baroque statue of the pontiff was done by Domenico Guidi with “Charity” on the left by Ercole Ferrata and “Faith” on the right by Cosimo Fancelli. The pope is actually buried in front of the confessional.

Charity

Pope Clement's Monument Papal Altar of Santa Maria Maggiore

I love the Baptismal Chapel with the beautiful font. Here’s a virtual tour of the Baptistery http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Baptistery/index.html

Bernini’s Saint Cajetan holding the Holy Child resides in this church. Near the papal altar there is an inscription on the marble step that reads: “Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who brought honor and art to the city, here humbly lies.” Bernini’s father Pietro is also buried here.

Bernini's Grave

The gilded gold of the coffered ceiling of the Basilica was presented by the soverieigns of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella from the gold mines of Latin America. There’s an interesting musuem under the church. It’s loaded with sacred artifacts and objects. I love the presepio.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

4 Comments

Filed under Baroque Art, Bernini, Churches in Rome, ebooks, Holy Week in Rome, IPad, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Papal ceremony in Rome for the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, Pius IX proclaimation of the Blessed Virgin, Pope Alexander VII, Renaissance Art, Renaissance Artists, Roman Architecture, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, Saint Peter, Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome Italy, Tiber River, Torchlight ski processions in Italy, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Architecture, Basilica, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Carlo Maderno, Churches of Rome, Dedication of Saint Mary Major, Esquiline Hill, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, History, IPod, Italy, Lazio, Mary (mother of Jesus), Pope, Pope Sixtus III, Rome, Sacra Culla is the relic of Christ's manger from Bethlehem, Saint Peter, Salus Populi Romani, St. Peter's Basilica, Stefano Maderno, Trevi Fountain, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, World Heritage Site

June 24, 2011 · 7:43 am

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s Magnificent Baroque Rome

Bernini was a versatile genius who lavished the city of Rome with his gifts. He transformed sacred and secular buildings and interiors into magical places. He created fountains, papal monuments, the angels on the Ponte Sant’Angelo, the Damned Soul and Blessed Soul at the Palazzo di Spagna and a plethora of phenomenal sculptures which led to his meteoric rise. Here’s my Vino con Vista Video of Bernini’s Rome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGX_gZMMa00

I Love Bernini’s Rome: A Baroque Paradise Video.

: Fountain in Piazza Navona

The Rape of Proserpina sculpture by Bernini in the Galleria Borghese. Photo taken by myself on 01/20/07. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was born in Naples on December 7, 1598. Touring Rome is like going on a Bernini Treasure hunt. He designed Baroque churches like Sant’Andrea al Quirinale. He designed statues like the brawny Moor wrestling with a dolphin in La Fontana del Moro in Piazza Navona as well as the travertine Triton in Piazza Barberini.

The Rape of Proserpina (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Who doesn’t love his magnificent “Rape of Proserpina” and the incredble river statues in Piazza Navona? His “Rape of Proserpina” depicts Persephone being swept away by Pluto at the Borghese Gallery.

A detail of the Rape of Proserpina sculpture by Bernini in the Galleria Borghese. Photo taken by myself on 01/20/07. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He carved this for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. The Galleria Borghese has a number of his magnificent works on display: Daphne turning into a tree; Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius; and David with his slingshot.

His work is everywhere in Rome! I love the Bust of Giovanni Battista Santoni that he crafted in the Santa Prassede Church in Rome.

He was the force behind the colonnade in front of St. Peter’s Basilica as well as the Chair of Saint Peter in the apse of the church. His “Ecstacy of St. Theresa” in the Cornaro Chapel in the church of Santa Maria della Vittoriais legendary and will bring tears to your eyes!

Bernini’s St. Teresa of Avila

Bernini’s self portrait as a young man

Gian Lorenzo Bernini mastered the art of breathing life into stone in his Baroque creations throughout Rome. He was able to snag some of the most important papal commissions in Rome because of his masterful attention to detail.

Angel with Crown of Thorns by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, marble, 1667–1669 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He was also involved in many architectural projects including the piazza and colonnades in front of St. Peter‘s. Bernini’s flamboyant baroque genius is also apparent in his opulent bronze Baldacchino above the papal altar (over the site of St. Peter’s grave) and his monument to Pope Alexander VII. The bronze for Bernini’s canopy was recycled from the Pantheon. Bernini’s majestic bronze Baldacchino (canopy) has spiral columns that ascend about nine stories above the tomb of St. Peter and the papal altar. Bernini’s altar weighs more than 121 tons. The basilica is about the same height as a 15 story building he also created the monumental ”Chair of St. Peter” in front of the gold window Baldachinno in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Bernini’s monument to Maria Raggi

He crafted this gorgeous gilt bronze and black marble memorial to the nun Maria Raggi in 1643 in the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Two flying putti carry a gilt-bronze portrait medallion surmounted by a cross. I also love The Angel with the Crown of Thorns and Angel with the Superstition at the church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte.

Elephant of Minerva in Piazza di Santa Sopra Minerva

Bernini’s smiling elephant supports the obelisk in Piazza della Minerva in front of the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and was comissioned by Pope Alexander VII in 1665. The inscription on the base of the structure aligns the Egyptian goddess Isis and the Roman goddess Minerva with the Virgin Mary.

If you look at the rear end of the elephant, it is pointed at the office of Father Domenico Paglia. He was a Domenican Friar who was one of the main antagonists of Bernini’s Baroque colleagues in Rome’s art community.

Bernini’s magical fountains are prevalent in Rome. His Triton blowing into a conch shell in Piazza Barberini is held up by four dolphins.

Giacomo della Porta created the fountain with sculpted tritons in 1574-1576, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini redesigned it 1654, adding the central statue “il Moro”, an Ethiopian fighting a dolphin. The fountain is situated in the south of Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome, Fountain of the Triton, in piazza Barberini square, by Gianlorenzo Bernini. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fontana della Barcacia in Piazza di Spagna

Bernin’s Fountain by Piazza Barberini

In Piazza Navona, Bernini’s sumptuous baroque “Fountain of the Four Rivers” graces the Piazza that became a Pamphilj showcase; topped with the “Obelisk of Domitian” from the Circus of Maxentius on the Appian Way. The travertine fountain was executed by a large group of sculptors under Bernini’s supervision. The fountain symbolizes the four continents using symbolic figures of four rivers. The Ganges River with the oar symbolizes Asia and was created by Claude Poussin. The Danube with the arms up in the air, represents Europe and was done by Antonio Raggi. The Rio Della Plata with the coins symbolizes the riches of the Americas and was sculpted by Francessco Baratta and the Nile with the head covered was made by Antonio Fancelli and represents Africa. Pope Innocent X Pamphilj commissioned Bernini to design the fountain in 1651. Bernini intentionally placed a veil over the face of the “Nile” River statue. The ancient obelisk was moved to the center of the fountain as a symbol of the triumphant dominance of the Christ’s Catholic Church over the world.

Bernini’s magnificent sculptures in the Carmelite Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in the Cornaro chapel with the Cornaro Cardinals are legendary. Teresa’s vision of divine revelation is one of my favorite Bernini masterpieces.

Inside the Basilica di San Pietro you can admire this Tomb of Pope Alexander VII with ornate marble and gilded bronze surrounded by elegant virtues that depict the life of the Pope. The skeleton of Death with an hour glass reminds us that our days are numbered.

Bernini’s Tomb: Santa Maria Maggiore

Bernini died in Rome in 1680 and was buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore near the papal altar where you can view his grave site. The inscription says: “Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who brought honor to art and the city, here humbly lies.”

The marker in the floor says: “The noble Bernini family here awaits the resurrection.” Here’s a video:

I Love Bernini’s Rome: A Baroque Paradise Video.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

The Most Spectacular Fountains in Rome (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
Rome’s Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
The Magnificent Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is a UNESCO Site (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
The Incredible Iconography of the Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.wordpress.com)
Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas with Fountains (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Fountains of Rome (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Silent Night Holy Night: A Vatican Christmas (vinoconvistablog.me)
Toss A Coin At The Trevi Fountain! (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
Bernini’s Church of Sant’ Andrea al Quirinale in Rome was his Favorite (vinoconvistablog.me)
Watch the Water Flow in the Spectacular Fountains of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
The life and work of Bernini Documentary (dphilosophy.com)

4 Comments

Filed under Bernini, Bernini Baldacchino, Churches in Rome, David and Goliath, ebooks, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Pope Alexander VII, Quirinale, Roman Architecture, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, Saint Peter, Scavi Tour of Saint Peter's Basilica, Spanish Steps in ROme, Travel and Tourism, Vatican Grottos, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Baroque, Bernini, Christian, Fontana del Moro, Galleria Borghese, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Italy, Lazio, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Navona, Rape of Proserpina, Rome, Saint Peter, Sant'Andrea al Quirinale, Santa Maria della Vittoria, St. Peter's Basilica, The Rape of Proserpina

November 20, 2010 · 12:05 pm

Amazing Art Exhibitions in Italy’s Finest Vino con Vista Cities

: Image by alarcowa via Flickr

If you follow my posts, you read about the Fall Food and Wine Festivals in Italy. Allow me to share some outstanding regional Winter Art Exhibits that you may want to attend in Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Cities.

Rome:

The Borghese Gallery‘s “Lucas Cranach” exhibit features the German Renaissance painter until February 13th. There were actually two famous “Cranach” painters, Lucas Cranach the Elder and his son Lucas Cranach the Younger. Admire 45 works from major international museums including Cardinal Borghese‘s prized “Venus and Cupid“ which is the only Borghese Gallery possession.

Scuderie del Quirinale‘s “Painter’s of the Risorgimento’s War Scenes.”

Florence:

Palazzo Strozzi‘s “Bronzino: Painter, and Poet of the Medici Court” with 90 works until January 23rd.

Palazzo Pitti‘s “Vinum Nostrum: Art, Science and Wine in Civilization” until April 30th.

The Bargello‘s “Giovanfrescesco Rustici and Leonardo” exhibit links the 15th century sculptor with da Vinci, Verrocchio and others until January 10th.

Milan:

Palazzo Reale’s “Salvatore Dali” with 50 works until January 30th.

Museo Poldi Pezzoli‘s “Sandro Bottecelli Works from Lombardy” until February 28th.

Perusia:

Palazzo Zabarella’s from “Canova to Modigliani: The Face of the 19th Century” with 100 portraits and sculptures until February 27th.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

1 Comment

Filed under Baroque Art, Bernini, Caravaggio, ebooks, Florence, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Leonardo da VInci, Lombardy, Quirinale, Renaissance Art, Renaissance Artists, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany, UNESCO

Tagged as Art Exhibits in Italy, Bargello, Bronzino, Florence, Galleria Borghese, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Milan, Modigliani Exhibit in Perusia, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Palazzo Pitti, Palazzo Strozzi, Perusia, Rome, Venus and Amor, Vinum Nostrum Wine Exhibition

November 15, 2010 · 12:47 pm

Travel Tips for Modena: A UNESCO Site in Emilia Romagna Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Modena’s Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. It was designed by architect Lanfranco and sculptor Wilgelmo and construction began in 1099. It is heralded as the highest expression of Romanesque art in Europe. In Modena, the Torre Civica and Piazza Grande are also World Heritage sites.

In medieval times, Modena was the seat of Queen Matilda of Tuscany. The Romanesque 12^th century cathedral was the work of two great artists, Lanfranco and Wiligelmus. It was founded in 1099. The façade of the Duome has a magnificent 13^th century rose window by Anselmo da Campione and a beautiful pulpit from the 15^th century. The interior has a nave and two aisles and houses a masterpiece sculpted by Anselmo da Campions. The Cathedral Museum contains noteworthy collections

The Piazza del Duomo has a soaring 285 foot Campanile tower that is leaning more than the Tower of Pisa. “These structures portray the faith of their builders and the power of the family that commissioned the contruction, the Cannosa dynasty.” UNESCO

More interesting places to visit include :

1. The church of Sant’Agostino that was built in 1338 and houses the “Descent from the Cross” by Antonio Begarelli. The church of San Bartolomeo was built in 1607 and contains furnishings and paintings from the 17th century.

2. The Galleria Estense (Este Gallery) contains important paintings and sculptures from the 14th-18th centuries. Noteworthy highlights include: Tintoretto’s “Madonna in Glory” and Bernini’s 1651 sculpture of the “Bust of Duke Francesco I d’Este” who married Lucrezia Borgia. There are also works by Correggio, Veronese, Tintoretto and Reni.

3. Palazzo Ducale was built during the reign of Francesco I and was designed by Avanzini over the remains of the Obizzo Castle. Visit the d’Este Library and the Ghirlandina Tower alongside the Cathedral.

4. Have an outstanding Vino con Vista at Modena’s annual “Balsamica” Festival in May and June. Designed to highlight their traditional Balsamic Vinegar, this Food and Wine Event offers cooking seminars and allows visitors to sign up for tours of vinegar making facilities. Foodies will love Modena’s aromatic stuffed pork trotters.

5. Modena is an intriguing blend of old and new. It is a former medieval ducal capital that is known for its production of balsamic vinegar and exotic cars. Exotic cars like the Ferrari and Maserati are built here. Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena in 1898 and his sexy designs continue to make his wheels the most sought after rides in the world! Think about the new or vintage red Ferrari you could order from the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello on Via Dino Ferrari 43. Visit the Maserati factory@ 322 Viale Ciro Menotti. If you have a few million dollars burning a hole in your pocket, you may be able to score a coveted 1960 Ferrari; you will look great driving your 250GT California Spider in Italy. If I win the lottery, that’s what I’m buying!! After you place your order for your new Ferrari, dine at Montana on Via Settembre, near the dealership. Modena is known for cold cuts like zamponi di Modena and Prosciutto di Modena. This is also a great place to enjoy some Tortellini or Tagliatell alla Bolognese with some Lambrusco or Sangiovese to celebrate your new wheels.

6. Legendary tenor, Luciano Pavarotti was born near Modena in 1935. As you sip the local Lambrusco and listen to Luciano Pavarotti music in a café at Parco Amendola think about how Lamborghini expanded his tractor factory into a world class auto plant in the nearby town of Sant’Agata.

7. You may want to visit the Collezione Umberto Panini on the SP 486 Highway to admire 40 Maseratis. These cars are owned by the retired business mogul. Tour the factories in Modena’s Crocetta district.

8. The top restaurants in town are: Osteria Francescana on via Stella 22, Fini on rua Frati Minori 54 and Hosteria Giusti on Vicolo Squallore 46. Stay at the Canalgrande in Modena in a 16th century villa.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

1 Comment

Filed under Bernini, Ducati, ebooks, Emilia Romagna, Este Family, Ferrari, IPad, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italian Cheese, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy ravel, Italy Travel Guides, Modena, Renaissance Art, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, UNESCO WOrld Heritage Sites in SIcily, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Antonio Begarelli, Ciro Menotti, Emilia–Romagna, Galleria Ferrari, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Luciano Pavarotti, Modena, Osteria Francescana, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

June 8, 2010 · 10:40 am

Bernini’s Masterpiece: The Ecstasy of St. Teresa of Avila in Rome

The Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome houses Bernini’s magnificent Baroque “Ecstasy of St.Teresa.” Bernini’s barefoot, levitating St. Teresa of Avila was created in 1646 and it occupies the space in the Cornaro Chapel of the church.

Santa Maria della Vittoria (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is one of Bernini’s finest works and redeemed his reputation after he built the faulty bell-tower at St. Peter’s Basilica that had to be demolished. Here’s a video about Bernini’s masterpiece: http://youtu.be/BJcCPLByrSY

The Ecstasy of St. Theresa by Gianlorenzo Bernini (1652). Left transept of Santa Maria della Vittoria (17th century) in Rome. Français : L’extase de sainte Thérèse du Bernin (1652). Croisillon gauche de l’église Santa Maria della Vittoria (XVIIe siècle) à Rome. Español: El éxtasis de Santa Teresa Gianlorenzo Bernini (1652). Transepto occidental de Santa Maria della Vittoria (siglo XVII) Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

A levitating Saint Teresa appears to be in a state of spiritual enrapturement. She belonged to the Barefoot Carmelite Order of Nuns and died in Spain in 1582 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oeb8N4Nsic&feature=related.

She is visited by an angel who is about to thrust a spear into St. Teresa as members of the Cornaro cardinals and family members watch the event from their box seats. St. Teresa is in a state of divine joy.

Saint Teresa vividly describes this scene in her spiritual autobiography. Her autobiography was a best seller in Rome.

Ecstasy of St Theresa (detail), 1652, by Gianlorenzo Bernini. Cornaro chapel, Santa Maria Della Vittoria church in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron’s point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart, and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it.”