Category Archives: Uncategorized

April 19, 2013 · 9:57 am

Drool over Bernini’s Angels in Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in Rome

Facade of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sant’Andrea delle Fratte is located on via Sant’Andrea delle Fratte. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew. The name St. Andrew of the Thickets is derived from the fact that this church was built in the northernmost part of Rome in the 12th century in an area of wild “thickets” or countryside.

S andrea delle fratte 3 – dal chiostro (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was originally the national church of the Scottish people in Rome. In 1585, Pope Sixtus V donated it to the Friars Minor of Saint Francis of Paola. I love the Chapel of the Madonna.

Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, Angelo del Bernini (Roma) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Borromini partially rebuilt the church in the 17th century. Francesco Borromini is responsible for the apse, the tambour of the cupola and the square campanile with four orders. After his death, the project was completed by Mattia De Rossi.

Italiano: Roma – Campanile della Chiesa di S. Andrea delle Fratte (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Borromini’s bell-tower are beautiful. The dome has his characteristic style with an intricate pattern of convex and concave surfaces.

When you enter the church, admire the Chapel of the Miraculous Madonna. Then you can drool over the Bernini Angels. These angels were originally carved for the Ponte Sant’Angelo but were “declared too breathtaking to be left outside.” My favorite is the “Angel with the Crown of Thorns.”

BerniniAngel01 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Angel of Bernini (Photo credit: kudumomo)

Angel – Bernini – Sant’Andrea delle Fratte (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The angels were moved to the church in 1729. There are angel caryatids (supporting columns) in the bell-tower. They have with flaming torches that resemble ice cream cones.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Tagged as Bernini's Angels in Sant'Andrea delle Fratte in Rome, Churches of Rome, Ennio Antonelli, Francesco Borromini, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ludovico Gimignani, Mattia De Rossi, Rome, St. Peter's Basilica

April 15, 2013 · 11:27 am

San Marco is the Church of the Venetian Community in Rome

Basilica of S. Marco, the place of the election of Anacletus II. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Roma, basilica di san Marco, controfacciata e organo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Church of San Marco in Rome was founded by Pope St. Mark in 336. This may be the site where St. Mark the Evangelist stayed when he was in Rome. St. Mark was the patron saint of Venice. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire by Hadrian (772-795). It has undergone many transformations over the years. The façade (1466) was built by to Leone Battista Alberti with marble taken from the Colosseum and the Theatre of Marcellus.

Madama Lucrezia, Piazza San Marco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Paul II (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1471, Pope Paul II Barbo made San Marco the church of the Venetian community of Rome. His crest can be seen in the gilded blue coffered ceiling. Many Venetian cardinals were buried in San Marco.

The church is located across the street from the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. You can walk over to the Colonna Trajana and SS. Nome di Maria after you visit the church.

Interior, San Marco, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Presbytery “San Marco papa”, San Marco, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the 1740s, Filippo Barigioni created 20 columns with a veneer of Sicilian jasper. The colonnades on the sides of the church hide the original pillars of the nave. In the presbytery, the “Pope Saint Mark in Glory” fresco was done by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli. Beneath the altar, there is an ancient porphyry urn with the body of Pope St. Mark. In the crypt below, there is the tomb of 3rd century ROman martyrs Abdon and Sennen.

MOsaic in the absys of San Marco, Rome, showing Christ with saints: at the left of the absys, Mark evangelist; at right, Mark the pope. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Byzantine apse mosaic with an oversized Christ clad in royal purple. He is standing on a footstool that bears the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. He is holding a book with the words: “I am the Light, I am the Life, I am the Resurrection”.. Ln his right, yo can see St. Mark the Evangelist and St. Felicissimus.

Italiano: Roma, basilica di san Marco, angelo della tomba del cardinale Aloisio Priuli (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The altar has Pier Francesco Mola‘s “Immaculate Conception. You can also admire his “St. Michael Overcomes Lucifer” in this church.. I love the painting by Baccio Ciarpi, “St. Dominic Restores a Child to Life.” There are some beautiful Baroque monuments: Cardinal Marcantonio Bragadin and the monument to Cardinal Cristoforo Vidman. Visit the the tomb of Leonardo Pesaro (1796) by Antonio Canova.

Take time to admire the interesing artifacts in the Portico. I love the lions!

Trevi – san Marco vera di pozzo nel portico 00053 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trevi – s Marco portico 1000120 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ambo; Church San Marco in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Vista frontale della statua (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Madama Lucrezia is one of the “talking statues” of Rome and is located next to the entrance of the basilica. It was once the bust of a statue of the goddess Isis.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Tagged as Baccio Ciarpi, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Caravaggio, Filippo Barigioni, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Italy, Mark the Evangelist, Pier Francesco Mola, Pope, Pope Mark, Pope Symmachus, Rome, San Marco, San Marco is the Venetian Church in Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, Venice

April 11, 2013 · 11:18 am

Saint Paul Outside the Walls: a UNESCO Basilica in Rome

San Paolo Fuori le Mura was erected in the 4^th century. It is one of the four patriarchal basilicas of Rome built at the request of Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of Paul the Apostle.

Front of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls – Roma – Italy. Italiano: Facciata della Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Paul Outside the Walls is sometimes called the “Basilica Ostiense” because it is located on the Ostian Way. Paul the Apostle was brought to Rome as a prisioner. He was martyred between the years 64 and 67, during the persecution of Emperor Nero. His body was claimed by a Roman woman who buried it in her family tomb near a vineyard on the road to Ostia. Emperor Constantine placed the Apostle’s body in a bronze sarcophagus with a marble slab over it. At the request of Emperor Constantine in 324, a basilica was built over St. Paul’s tomb.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – interior Polski: Wnętrze bazyliki św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – interno (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This first edifice was expanded under Valentinian I in about 370. Since many pilgrims came to visit the site, Emperor Valentine II made plans for a larger building. Emperor Theodosius began the new building and Emperor Honorius completed it.

English: Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – the tabernacle of the confession Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – ciborio di Arnolfo di Cambio Polski: Bazylika św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie – grób św. Pawła, przykryty gotyckim baldachimem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rom, Sankt Paul vor den Mauern, San Paolo fuori le mura Italiano: Statua di San Paolo di fronte alla facciata della Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Leo III, further embellished the building and it became the largest and most beautiful church in Rome under his papacy. Of all the churches of Rome, this one preserved its primitive character for 1435 years. In 1823 it was almost completely destroyed by a fire.

St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

In 1823, it was rebuilt and enlarged by the architect Poletti and modified by Guglielmo Calderini. It was completed in 1854.

Roma – Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura – resti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Portrait of Pope Honorius I in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome Italiano: Ritratto di Papa Onorio I nella Basilica di San Paolo fuori la Mura, Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Necropolis of Saint Paul outside the Walls in Rome

The interior of the current basilica has 80 monolithic columns of Montorfano granite divided into five naves. On the upper part of the walls, frescoes illustrate scenes from the life of St Paul. Against the internal wall of the facade there are six large alabaster columns presented by the Viceroy of Egypt to Gregory XVI.

St. Paul Outside the Walls Frescoes in Rome

Saint Paul Outside the Walls is located at the site where Paul was executed and buried.

Tomb of Saint Paul in Rome

It is located outside the Aurelian Walls. The the basilica was damaged during the Saracen invasions in the 9th century. Pope John VIII (872–882) fortified the basilica and the monastery forming the town of Joannispolis (Giovannipoli) which existed until 1348, when an earthquake totally destroyed the town.

Fortified Walls in Rome

Map of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Interior of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

The Basilica was founded where his followers erected a memorial, called a cella memoriae. In the chapel of the relics, lie the chains that bound Paul the Apostle when he was improsioned in Rome. In the 5th century, this church was larger than the Old St. Peter’s Basilica.

The front of the basilica has ten monolithic columns of red Baveno granite. A huge statue of St. Paul dominates the entrance to the new building. The inscription on the base of the statue says “To the preacher of truth, the teacher of nations”.

Facade of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The facade mosaic is the work of Filippo Agricola and Nicola Consoni. In the typanum, Christ is seated in the center giving his blessing. On his right side is Saint Peter and on his left side is St. Paul. Below the Lamb of God, the four rivers of Paradise flow. Twelve sheep represent the Apostles who approach the Lamb from the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Here’s a Virtual Tour of the entrance and central courtyard: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Courtyard/index.html

Facade Mosaic

It was rebuilt by the architect Poletti and reconsecrated 1855 with the presence of Pope Pius IX and fifty cardinals. Many countries made contributions to the reconstruction efforts: the Viceroy of Egypt sent pillars of alabaster, the Emperor of Russia sent precious malachite and lapis lazuli for the tabernacle.

Saint Paul

In the right corner there is a statue of St. Luke the Evangelist. Saint Paul is in the front of the basilica.

Saint Luke

Under the portico, the wall niches have statues of St. Peter and St. Paul by Gregorio Zappala.

Popes Leo XII, Pius VIII and Gregory XVI, personally oversaw the reconstruction of the church. In 1854 Pope Pius IX was able to celebrate the completion of the reconstruction.

Under Pope Gregory the Great (590–604), the basilica was extensively modified. He had the pavement was raised to place the altar directly over Paul’s tomb. The tomb is covered by a Gothic baldachino by Adolfo di Cambio completed in 1285.

Tomb of St. Paul

Here’s a virtual tour of St. Paul’s Tomb http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Tomb/index.html. To make a portion of the tomb visible to religious pilgrims, the floor was lowered forming a confessio where people can pray. Directly below the altar, a grill-covered window reveals the stone sarcophagus. Carbon dating of the contents of the tomb indicated that the remains in the sarcophagus are from someone who lived in the first or second century indicating that they are the remains of the apostle.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – the tabernacle of the confession Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – ciborio di Arnolfo di Cambio Polski: Bazylika św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie – grób św. Pawła, przykryty gotyckim baldachimem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over Saint Paul’s tomb, Arnolfo di Cambio‘s Gothic tabernacle is resting on four porphyry columns. The four cornices above the niches of the baldachin have statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Timothy and Saint Bartholomew. Excavations located a first century tomb with a marble slab covering it with the Latin inscription “Paulo Apostolo Mart”. You can see a plaster copy of the slab in the Church Museum located off of the cloister.

St. Paul’s Tabernacle

Arnolfo di cambio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter statue by Arnolfo di Cambio inside the Vatican Basilica, dressed with a vestment on St. Peter and Paul feast. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Arnolfo di Cambio also created the bronze Saint Peter statue in St. Peter’s Basillica and the ptesepe in the lower level of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Italiano: Presepe di Arnolfo di Cambio. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma, Italia . English: Manger by Arnolfo di Cambio, Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, Italy . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Paolo Fuori le Mura’s interior has 80 monolithic columns of Montorfano granite from the isolated mountain on Lake Maggiore. It is divided into five naves. Above the arches over the granite columns, all the way around the interior of the Basilica, there are circular mosaic portraits of all the Popes, from the first to the present. Only the current pope’s portrait is illuminated. According to legend, when this Basilica runs out of space for these portraits of the popes, the world will end.

Statue of St. Paul Apostle in the Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura (Rome) Polski: Figura św. Pawła Apostoła w bazylice Świętego Pawła za Murami w Rzymie Italiano: Statua di San Paolo Apostolo nella Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On the upper part of the walls, between the large windows, there are 36 frescoes with the scenes from the life of St Paul. Against the internal wall of the facade there are six large alabaster columns presented by the Viceroy of Egypt to Gregory XVI.

Roma – Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura – 9 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of the central nave of the basilica http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Nave/index.html

In the Apse, there is a mosaic from 1220 showing a majestic Christ wearing imperial colors with St. Paul and St. Luke on his right and St. Peter and St. Andrew on his left. Chirst is holding a book that says “Come blessed of my Father and receive the kingdom prepared for you.”

Apse Mosaic

The palm trees represent paradise. The papal chair has a relief of Christ instucting Peter to feed the sheep.

Jesus

Saint Peter and Saint Andrew

St. Paul and St. Luke in Rome

Here’s a virtual tour of the Apse http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Apse/index.html

Portrait of Honorius III – Detail of the apse mosaic of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (1220) – Roma – Italy Pope Honorius III ordered the mosaic and, following the Roman Catholic tradition, is represented near Christ’s feet. Pope Honorius III (1148 – 1227), born Cencio Savelli, was Pope from 1216 to 1227. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Honorius_III (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can see Hononius III at the foot of Jesus is the apse mosaic.

The graceful cloister of the monastery was erected between 1220 and 1241. The spiral columns of the cloister were built by the Vassalletto family in 1214 and survived the fire.

Cloister of the monastery of San Paolo fuori le mura (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of the lovely rose garden in the Cloister: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Cloister/index.html

The death of St. Paul – relief on the doors of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) Italiano: La morte do san Paolo – rilievo sulla porta della Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura a Roma Polski: Śmierć św. Pawła – płaskorzeźba znajdująca się na drzwiach Bazyliki św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From 1215 until 1964 this was the seat of the Latin Patriarch of Alexandria. The Holy Door was last opened in 2000 and there is a large plaque above the door commemorating the event.

The Holy Door (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The door pictured below on the right, is the work of Antonia Maraini and was cast in Florence in 1931. The cross on the bronze door is highlighted in silver and the horizontal bar bears the names of the evangelists. The verticle potion of the cross, has portraits of the Apolstles. The panels on the door depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter on the left and Saint Paul on the right. The figure of Christ shows him giving the keys to Saint Peter.

Holy Door

Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Silver

Visit the Pinocoteca with “Flagellation” by Bramante and other interesting works of art and tour the interesting Museum http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Museum/index.html.

See some of the fragments of the original basilica. Then stop at the where you can enjoy a Vino con Vista.

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

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Tagged as Ancient, Aurelian Wall, Aurelian Walls, Basilica, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Christian, Churches in Rome, Churches of Rome, Cistercians, Constantine the Great, Emperor Constantine, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, History, Italy, Nero, Paul the Apostle, People, Pope Simplicius, Roman Emperor, Rome, Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Saint Peter, San Paolo fuori le Mura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Vatican CIty

April 9, 2013 · 10:25 am

Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Baths of Diocletian

The church of Santa Maria degli Angeli is housed in the former Baths of Diocletian that was built between 298 and 305. The Baths of Diocletian were the largest and most impressive of all the bath complexes in Rome. They occupy 27 acres of land and could accommodate 3000 bathers. The remains of the cold room “frigidarium” contain the entire church.

The basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, built in the tepidarium of the baths (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Photo credit: Søren Hugger Møller)

The exterior of St. Mary of the Angels and Martyrs is the original brick wall of a niche of the calidarium with two doorways. In 2006, Polish-born sculptor Igor Mitoraj created new bronze doors as well as a statue of John the Baptist for the basilica.

English: Interier of Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Rome, Italy Česky: Interiér Baziliky Santa Maria degli Angeli (Roma), Řím, Itálie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria degli Angeli et dei Martiri Rome. Door (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Pius V commissioned Michelangelo to convert the central hall called the tepidarium and the adjoining ruins into the church in 1561 when the artist was 86 years old. He died the following year and the work was completed by his student Giacomo del Duca.

In April 2010, a five metre high bronze statue of Galileo Galilei Divine Man (designed by 1957 Nobel laureate Tsung-Dao Lee) was unveiled in a courtyard within the complex.

Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome, Italy: the sundial incrusted in the ground, created by Francesco Bianchini nel 1702. Picture by Giovanni Dall’Orto, June 17 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Pope Clement XI commissioned the astronomer, mathematician, archaeologist, historian and philosopher Francesco Bianchini to build a meridian line, a sort of sundial, within the basilica. This Linea Clementina was completed in 1702. It had three objectives: the pope wanted to check the accuracy of the Gregorian reformation of the calendar; to produce a tool to predict Easter exactly and to give Rome a meridian line as important as the one Giovanni Domenico Cassini had recently built in Bologna‘s cathedral, San Petronio. Since the church was set in the former baths of Diocletian, it would symbolically represent a victory of the Christian calendar over the earlier pagan calendar.

The main altar dates from 1762 with a painting on the apse wall of “St. Mary of the Angels” by a Venetian artist. It was commimissioned by Antonio Del Duca, a Sicilian priest.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Angeli e Martiri – Angels and Martyrs (Photo credit: zu78)

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival 2013 in Florence Italy

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Tagged as Angeli, Baths of Diocletian, Francesco Bianchini, Igor Mitoraj, Pope Clement XI, Pope Pius V, Rome, Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Baths of Diocletian, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Tsung-Dao Lee, William Henry Keeler

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)

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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

December 6, 2012 · 11:57 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Friuli Venezia-Giulia is a northeastern region of Italy that borders Austria, Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. Slavic, German and Mediterranean influences and traditions converge in this region.

Provinces of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This area has the pristine alpine regions of the Carnia and Julian Alps. The regional capital is Trieste. The Civic Museum of the Sea in Trieste displays the history of navigation.

Location of region xy (see filename) in Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ancient Romans left remarkable traces in Aquileia. The Romanesque-Gothic Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia and the Archaeological Area became a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site in 1998. Destroyed by Attila in the mid 5^th century, Aquileia was a Roman river port and one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire. Surrounded by ruins, visit the Roman villas, baths and temples. Most of the site is intact and has not been excavated.

Foro romano di Aquileia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Patriarchal Basilican Complex is a fascinating archeological site with splendid mosaics that represent the secret language of Christianity. This town played an important role in the spread of Christianity into Central Europe in the early Middle Ages.

The nearby seaside resort town of Grado is a great “Vino con Vista” destination. Order a glass of Sauvignon, Riesling or Tocai to enjoy with your San Daniele prosciutto and Montasio cheese in the center of the old town. Then consider some Romandolo sweet white dessert wine with your strudel. Visit the 4th century Duomo of Santa Maria delle Grazie with beautiful 6^th century mosaics and the Basilica di Sant’ Eufemia.

The praises of the Aquileia vineyards have been sung since the Roman Empire. They are currently dominated by red Merlot and white Tocai grapes. The Ramandolo appellation has been granted the prized DOCG designation for the honey colored dessert wine; the pinnacle of the quality guidelines for wine production.

This region of Italy has eight Wine Trails. The scenic Collio Goriziano Trail in Giulia starts in Gorizia and covers the vineyards of Cormons and Dolegna del Collio.

Image via Wikipedia

Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia

There are some distinctive traditional holiday events in this chilly region where “Baby it’s Cold Out There” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYFMVfAbbgU&feature=related.

”Il Pignarul” is held in Tracento, near Udine on January 6th. After a pageant with participants dressed in thirteenth-century costume, they re-create the Three Wise Men‘s encounter with the Baby Jesus. At the end of the ceremony that ends at Castello Goia, an enormous bonfire called “Pignarul” ensues. The direction that the smoke travels signifies whether the harvest for the next season will be abundant. Many “Pignarul” festivities are held in Friuli.

“Krampus Festivities” are held in many towns in the Carnia Valley with elaborate masks that portray the 12 faces of evil. Krampus is St. Nick’stwo-horned furry alter-ego.

Many towns on the Austrian and Slovenian border celebrate the arrival of “San Nicolo” with charming festivities.

In Aquileia d’Inverno visit the “Mercatino Natalizio” on December 8th.

In Udine attend “Festa di Santa Lucia” in Borgo S. Lazzaro on via L. Moro on December 13th.

In Grado a “Concerto della Banda” will be held in the Auditorium Biagio on December 23rd and “Messa di Mezzanote” at the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia on December 24th. Attend Festa dell “Sfrisete” on Via Tasso on December 27th.

Epiphany Festivals:

In Cividale there is a Historical Epiphany Pagent and Parade on January 6th

In Gremona “Messa del Tallero” is a Medieval Event held on January 6th with a historical parade of knights and damsels who accompany the Mayor to the Duomo. Attend the traditional “Dollar Mass” at the church when the Mayor gives a dollar minted in 1780 under the reign of Maria Teresa of Austria as part of the ceremony.

In Paularo “La Femenate Bonfire” is held on January 6th.

In Chiusaforte (UD) attend “Arriviano i Re Magi” on January 6th at Lungo le vie del Paese.

In San Giovgio di Nogaro (UD) attend “Le Befana vien dal Fiume” at Presso il Centro Canoa di Villanova on January 5th.

In Tarcento attend the Bonfire Festival on January 6th.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Buon Natale and Happy Hollidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

Aquileia is a UNESCO site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

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Tagged as Aquileia, Buon Natale Italy, Christmas in Italy, Collio Goriziano, Dean Martin singing Baby its Cold Out There, Dolegna del Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Holiday Bonfires in Italy, Italy, Julian Alps, Krampus Festivities in Italy, Middle Ages, Montasio, Roman, Roman Empire, Rome, San Nicolo celebrations in Italy, Trieste, World Heritage Site

July 3, 2012 · 11:17 am

I Love the Legendary Taste of Chicago

English: Taste of Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since I live in Chicago, I always go to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. I have been doing this for too many years to mention. When my sons were babies, I brought them to the Taste of Chicago in their double stroller. Now that my older son is married, he can walk to the Taste of Chicago with his new wife.

The Legendary Taste of Chicago has been moved up so it no longer falls over the 4th of July Holiday. The 32nd Annual Taste of Chicago 2012 will be held from July 11-15, 2012 in Grant Park from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. each day.

English: Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Taste of Chicago because it’s the world’s largest food fest and it offers great entertainment. It is held annually in Chicago and there’s plenty of live music on multiple stages, including the Petrillo Music Shell. Jennifer Hudson, Chaka Khan, Death Cab for Cutie and Dierks Bentley are among the headliners for this year’s Taste of Chicago.

For more information visit www.tasteofchicago.us or you can follow them on Twitter: @TasteofChi2012.

Grant Park was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the United States President and Civil War General. When you go to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park, take some time to visit the notable attractions like Millennium Park and Buckingham Fountain. If you come in for the weekend, visit the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus.

Buckingham Fountain at night. Kelvin Kay, user:kkmd (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grant Park hosts some of Chicago’s biggest festivals including: The Taste of Chicago; The Grant Park Music Festival; Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago Blues Festival. Since 2005, Lollapalooza with a series of rock concerts has taken place in the park.

Here’a the 2011 map of the Taste of Chicago and a list of Food Vendors. Each vendor servee six items, two of which are special “Taste Of” portions priced at $2 or less. The “Taste Of” portion gives attendees the opportunity to sample a wide variety of items.

2011 TASTE OF CHICAGO RESTAURANT VENDORS:
New vendors have an asterisk in the following list of restaurants and featured items.

Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St.
Roasted Corn on the Cob; Fish and Chips (Fries); Irish Egg Rolls

“Taste Of”: Fries with Curry; Irish Egg Rolls

Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells
Guacamole and Chips; Pork Tacos; Chicken Tamale; Churros
“Taste Of”: Cheese Empanada; Churro

*Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph St.
Falafel Sandwich with Jerusalem Salad; Chicken Kabob Basket; Beef Shwarma Sandwich; Hummus
“Taste Of”: Falafel with Hummus; Baklava

Arya Bhavan, 2508 W. Devon
Samosa; Chana Masala; Geera (Cumin) Rice; Bhel
“Taste Of”: Samosa; Bhel

Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park, 2204 N. Lincoln Ave.
Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Stuffed Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice
“Taste Of”: Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice

*Banana Leaf Restaurant, 1948 E. 79th St.
Four Jerk Wings with Rice; Blackened Tilapia with Rice; Jerk Lamb Chop with Rice; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry
“Taste Of”: Two Jerk Wings; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry

*Beggars Pizza, 310 S. Clinton
Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice
“Taste Of”: Thin Crust Sausage or Pepperoni Pizza; Mostaciolli with Marinara Sauce

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 1535 W. Madison Ave.
Rib Eye Steak Sandwich; Double Cheeseburger; Single Cheeseburger
“Taste Of”: Baked Potato Chips; 1/2 Cheeseburger

BJ’s Market & Bakery, 8734 S. Stony Island Ave.
Mustard-Fried Catfish; BBQ Turkey Tips; Fish Taco; Sweet Potato Chips
“Taste Of”: Mustard-Fried Catfish; Peach Cobbler

Bobak Sausage Company, 5275 S. Archer Ave
Maxwell Polish Sausage; Beer Bratwurst Sausage; All Natural Chipotle Chicken Sausage; Ultimate Sausage Sampler Platter
“Taste Of”: Mini Maxwell Street Polish Sausage; Mini Chipotle Chicken Sausage

Carbón, 300 W. 26th St.
Fire-Grilled Steak Taco; Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Taco; Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast Taco; Sampler Platter (all four tacos)
“Taste Of”: Fire Grilled Steak Taco; Fire Roasted Veggie Taco

C’est Si Bon!, 643 E. 47th St.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake; Collard Green Egg Roll; Cajun Meatballs; Spicy Chicken Wingettes & Sweet Potato Biscuit
“Taste Of”: Cajun Meatballs; Fresh Fruit Cup

*Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery, 5569 N. Northwest Hwy.
Atomic Cake; Eclairs; Sweets on a Stick; Parfait cup, Oreo
“Taste Of”: Parfait cup, Oreo; Eclairs

Chicago Joe’s, 2256 W. Irving Park Rd.
Popcorn Shrimp with Fries; Calamari with Fries; Jumbo Fried Shrimp with Fries; Cheesy Seasoned Fries
“Taste Of”: Cheesy Seasoned Fries; Firehouse Chili

Churro Factory, 2214 S. Wolcott Ave.
Churros; Funnel Cake; Ice Cream; Frozen Bananas
“Taste Of”: Churritos; Bunelos

Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave.
Deep Dish Cheese Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice; 10” Gluten Free Pizza Slice; Frozen Banana
“Taste Of”: Mini Meatball Sandwich; Slice of Gluten Free Pizza

Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St.
Garlic Fries; BBQ Beef Sandwich; Mac and Cheese Bites; Maine Lobster Roll
“Taste Of”: Mac and Cheese Bites; White Chicken Chili

Dominick’s, Chicagoland Locations
Red/Green Seedless Grapes; Cherries; Watermelon Slice; Roasted Ultra Sweet Corn on the Cob
“Taste Of”: 1/2 Watermelon Slice; Pineapple Bites

Eli’s Cheesecake Company, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
Eli’s Frozen Chocolate Chip Crunch Dipper; Eli’s Cookie Crazy Oreo Smoosh with Vanilla Ice Cream; Eli’s Turtle Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake w/ Strawberries
“Taste Of”: Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s “Skinny Chocolate” Cheesecake

Franco’s Ristorante, 300 W. 31st St.
Italian Ice Combo (Lemon, watermelon, blue raspberry); Italian Lemon or Watermelon Ice; Homemade Strawberry Gelato; Homemade Staciatella Gelato
“Taste Of”: Italian Lemon Ice; Italian Watermelon Ice

*The Fudge Pot, 1532 N. Wells
Chocolate Dipped Strawberry; Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana; Combination: Strawberry, Fudge, Banana
“Taste Of”: Baby Chocolate Frozen Banana; Chocolate Fudge

Garrett Popcorn Shops, Chicagoland Locations
Popcornsicle; The Chicago Mix; ½ lb. Mixed Nuts; Ice Cream
“Taste Of”: Popcorn Ball; Mixed Nuts Sampler

Guey Lon Restaurant, 3968 N. Elston Ave.
Orange Chicken w/ Fried Rice; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura; Egg Roll; Crab Rangoon
“Taste Of”: Vegetable Tempura; Pot Stickers

Harold’s Chicken # 71, 2109 S. Wabash Ave.
Chicken Wings; Chicken Nuggets; Fried Okra; Fries
“Taste Of”: Fried String Beans; 1 Wing and Fried Okra

Harry Caray’s Restaurant, 33 W. Kinzie St.
Holy Cow Potato Chips; Fried Dough; Toasted Cheese Ravioli
“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Hashbrowns, 731 W. Maxwell St.
Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns; Maxwell Street Burger; BBQ Meatballs
“Taste Of”: Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

Home Run Inn Pizza, 4254 W. 31st St.
Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Six Wings; Cookie with Ice Cream
“Taste Of”: Two Wings; Harvest Salad

Iyanze, 4623 N. Broadway St.
Rice & Beans with Jerk and Plantain; Jollof & Oxtail; Coconut Rice w/ Sauteed Beef; Bissop Sorbet
“Taste Of”: Bissop Sorbet; Jerk Chicken

JR Dessert Bakery, 2841 W. Howard St.
Plain Cheesecake (with Fresh Strawberry or Caramel Pecan Sauce); Frozen Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Bar; Key Lime Pie; Chocolate Molten Lava Cake (with or without Ice Cream)
“Taste Of”: Plain Cheesecake; Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Kasia’s Deli, 2101 W. Chicago Ave.
Pierogi (Potato, Sauerkraut, Beef, Cheddar Jalapeno); Polish Sausage Sandwich with Onion or Kraut; Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce or Sour Cream; Chicken/Sausage kabob with Vegetable Rice
“Taste Of”: Pierogi Potato; Cheese/Strawberry Blintz w/ Chocolate Topping

La Justicia, 3901 W. 26th St.
Enchiladas; Steak Taco with Pico de Gallo; Nachos (Steak or Chicken)
“Taste Of”: Enchilada (1); Chicken Breast Taco

Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt, 1525 W. 79th St.
Catfish Po’Boy; Crawfish Boil; Chicken & Waffles; Beignets
“Taste Of”: Pralines and Cream; Beignets

*Lao Sze Chuan, 2172 S. Archer Ave.
Dry Chili Chicken; Salt & Pepper Pork Rib; Crispy Shrimp in Lemon Sauce; Vegetable Fried Rice
“Taste Of”: Dry Chili Chicken; Spring Roll (vegetarian)

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, 805 S. State St.
Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta
“Taste Of”: Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta

*Loving Hut, 5812 N. Broadway
Home Run Ball (Fried Vegetable Textured Protein with Sweet/Spicy Sauce); Drumsticks; Kung Pao with Rice
“Taste Of”: Drumsticks; Tiramisu

Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen, 1141 S. Jefferson St.
Barbequed Turkey Leg; Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich; Potato Pancakes; Apple Pie Square
“Taste Of”: Apple Pie Square; Macaroni and Cheese

The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine, 2336 S. Wentworth
Bahn Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) with Beef or Chicken; Breaded Chicken with Butter Rice; Crab Rangoon; Red Bean, Boba Shaved Ice with Milk & Jelly
“Taste Of”: Sesame Beef on a Stick; Crab Rangoon

Oak Street Beach Café, 5700 S. Cicero Ave.
Grilled Slippertail Lobster with Potato; Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Potato; Grilled Bourbon Chicken Wrap with Potato; Nachos with Cheese/Jalapenos
“Taste Of”: Bourbon Chicken; Garlic Potatoes

O’Brien’s, 1528 N. Wells St.
Celtic Corn on the Cob; Gourmet Beef Hot Dog (Chicago Style); Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp; French Fries
“Taste Of”: Cherry Dumpling; French Fries

Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S. Western Ave.
Original Rainbow Cone (Cake Cone); Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream; Waffle Cone Sundae; Original Rainbow Cone (Waffle Cone)
“Taste Of”: Taster Cup of Rainbow; Dream Cup (Vanilla Yogurt and Orange Sherbert)

*Parrot Cage Restaurant, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.
Turkey Meatloaf “Cupcakes”; Seafood Gumbo; Seafood Salad; Red Velvet Cupcake
“Taste Of”: Red Velvet Cupcake; Seafood Gumbo

Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted
Gyros; Greek Chicken on Pita; Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Soutzoukia (Greek Meatball)
“Taste Of”: Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Baklava

Polka Sausage & Deli, 8753 S. Commercial
Polish Sausage Sandwich with Kraut; Bratwurst Sandwich with Kraut; Grilled Chicken Breast with Onions; Pierogis with Sour Cream
“Taste Of”: Bratwurst Sandwich; Pierogi

Polo Café and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan
BBQ Grilled Boneless Pork Chop Slider with Grilled Onions; Baked Salmon Mini Burger; Crab Cake Nuggets (baked); Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread
“Taste Of”: Cheesy Homemade Cajun Chips; Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread

Reggio’s Pizza, 1339 S. Halsted
Turkey Sausage Pizza on Wheat Crust; Sausage Pizza; Cheese Pizza; Red, White & Blue Italian Ice
“Taste Of”: Cherry Italian Ice; Cheese Pizza

Ricobene’s, 252 W. 26th St.
Italian Breaded Steak; Beef & Sausage Combo; Fresh Cut Fries with Cheese; Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings
“Taste Of”: Italian Breaded Steak; Breaded Eggplant Sandwich

Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs, 225 S. Canal
BBQ Ribs; Rib Tip; Boneless Rib Sandwich; Chicken Tenders w/ Sweet Potato Fries
“Taste Of”: Chicken Tenders; Sweet Potato Fries

*Ryba’s Fudge Shops, 600 E. Grand
Half Slice of Fudge; Full Slice of Fudge; Caramel Apples; Chocolate Covered Strawberry
“Taste Of”: Two Pieces Fudge Sample; Pecan Turtle

Sabor Latino, 3808 W. North
Steak & Onions with Rice and Pigeon Peas; Puerto Rican Steak Sandwich; Steak Jibarito Sandwich; Banana Dumpling Pork Filled
“Taste Of”: Jibarito; Coconut Ice

*The Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division
Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken; BBQ Chips
“Taste Of”: Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken

Star of Siam, 11 E. Illinois
Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable); Pad Thai Noodles; Grilled Chicken Satay; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura
“Taste Of”: Pad Thai Noodles; Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable)

*Starfruit Café, 2142 N. Halsted
Original Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Pomengranate Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Birthday Cake Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Strawberry Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings
“Taste Of”: Pomengranate Frozen Kefir; Original Flavor Frozen Kefir

*Texas de Brazil, 51 E. Ohio
Combo Platter (combo of the following items); Signature Garlic-Marinated Picanha; Brazilian Sausage; Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon
“Taste Of”: Quinoa Salad; Brazilian Sausage or Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.
Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Chicken Fingers & Tots; Footlong Corn Dog; Cheezy Tater Tots
“Taste Of”: Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Fresh Carrots, Celery & Ranch

Tuscany, 1014 W. Taylor St.
Italian Beef Sandwich; Italian Sausage Sandwich; Italian Turkey Meatballs; Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich
“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Italian Sausage Sandwich

Tutto Italiano, 501 S. Wells St.
Fried Ravioli – Marinara; Steak Burger with Blue Cheese; Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich; Lemon-Lime Ice
“Taste Of”: Italian Ice; Seasoned Fries

Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant, 6232 N. Broadway
Fried Plantain with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Fried Plantain
“Taste Of”: Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat

Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard
Chimichurri Popcorn Shrimp; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onions; “The Maharaja Sandwich” Pulled Beef, Crisped Onion, Mint Mayo; Ginger Dusted Crisp Apple Fritter, Mango Cardamom Sauce
“Taste Of”: Mango Dusted Fries, Tamarind Chutney; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onion

Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs, Chicagoland Locations
Hot Dog (Chicago Style or Plain); Maxwell Street Polish Sausage or Plain; Fire Dogs (Mustard or Plain); French Fries
“Taste Of”: Pickle on a Stick; Mini corn dogs

Dr. Eveann Lovero writes Travel Guides available @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Taste of Chicago 2012: Entertainment Schedule (vinoconvistablog.me)
Gold Coast Art Fair 2012 in Chicago’s Grant Park (vinoconvistablog.me)
City Offers Preview Of Abbreviated Taste Of Chicago (chicago.cbslocal.com)
Taste Of Chicago Vendors Announced (chicagoist.com)
Riesling Wine Tastings in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)

Alghero’s Enchanting Church of Saint Francis in Sardinia

Image via Wikipedia

St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231) adoring the Christ Child (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alghero‘s atmospheric Old Town has some enchanting churches including the restored 14th century Chiesa di San Francesco. This church complex includes a convent and cloister that was originally built in the 1300s.

The church of Saint Francis blends Romanesque, Catalan-Gothic, late Renaissance and Baroque styles.

The tranquil two-tiered cloister is the oldest part of the complex and it is located in the heart of the main shopping district on Via Carlo Alberto. The lovely arched cloister is a venue for summer concerts.

Cloister of St. Francis

The cloister leads to the small chapel at the base of the tower. There are some interesting murals inside the portico of the cloister.

The left aisle leads to the sacristy that is decorated with antique furniture and wooden statues. The sacristy leads to the cloister that has two tiers of round arches. The higher order of arches in the cloister were added in the 18th century. The lower level arches supported by an alternating columns and octagonal pillars were original.

The church was re-built in 1598 after a collapse in 1593. It has a beautiful vault in the presbytery with some magnificent Baroque altars that resemble those found in St. Anthony of Padua.

The altar is dominated by statues of the Virgin Mary among the saints Francis of Assisi and Anthony of Padua in 18th century polychrome marble by the sculptor Giovanni Battista Franco.

The Altar of the Church of Saint Francis

On one of the pillars on the left has a 17th century wooden sculpture of “Christ at the Column”. It is carried in procession during Holy Week .

Christ at the Column

The sandstone facade has a portal with an architrave that is decorated with the Franciscan coat of arms surrounded by angels bearing the Franciscans of the Passion. There is a small rose window surmounted by an oculus above the ornate door.

Facade of the Church of St. Francis

There are some magnificent chapels like the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament built in the eighteenth century Baroque style.

English: Giorgione: Madonna and Child with St Anthony of Padua and St Roch (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Trvel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Visit “Little Barcelona” in Alghero Sardinia (vinoconvistablog.me)
Barcelona’s Beautiful Gothic “La Seu” Cathedral is dedicated to Saint Eulalia (vinoconvistablog.me)
Twin Churches in Rome in Piazza del Popolo (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Amazing Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is a UNESCO Site in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
My favorite meditation… the Prayer of Saint Francis (workingsandbox.com)
Saint Francis of Assisi Quote (ginagenis.wordpress.com)
Assisi is a UNESCO Site in Umbria Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Ancient Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

Picture yourself in Florence Italy: Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune

: Image via Wikipedia

Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune (1575) is located in the Piazza della Signoria. It is my favorite fountain in Florence and it depicts the Roman god of the sea surrounded by water nymphs and was built to commemorate Tuscan naval victories. The face of the large figure of Neptune bears a resemblance to Cosimo I. Ammanati worked for Duke Cosimo I and served as an architect on the Pitti Palace.

Neptune

Beneath the statue there is a coach drawn by seahorses.

The edge of the fountain is surrounded by bronze figures of Naiads, Tritons and Satyrs.

The lion at the base of the statue represents the Florentine Republic.

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

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The Amazing Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is a UNESCO Site in Rome Italy

The Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) is Rome’s cathedral. It serves as the the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome. Pope Benedict celebrates the Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi here and then leads a Corpus Christi procession along Rome’s Via Merulana, which links the basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore).

On the roofline, note the statues of the Doctors of the Church: Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Pope Gregory I who were the original Doctors of the Church in 1298. Doctors of the church are individuals who are recognized as having special importance, usually regarding their contributions to theology or church doctrine.

Doctors of the Church. Attic of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Docteurs de l’Église. Attique de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). Italiano: Dottori della Chiesa. Attico della Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Roma). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Basilica of St. John Lateran, cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, Italy. Español: Basílica de San Juan de Letrán, catedral del Obispo de Roma, Italia. Italiano: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Roma Polski: Bazylika św. Jana na Lateranie (znana jako Bazylika Laterańska), katedra biskupa Rzymu, Włochy. Português: Basílica de São João de Latrão, catedral do Bispo de Roma, Itália. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Matthew by Camillo Rusconi. Nave of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Saint Matthieu, par Camillo Rusconi. Nef de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope’s chair, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Roma, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of St. John Lateran http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html

Lateran papal altar

The archbasilica contains the papal throne (Cathedra Romana) that is located in the Aspe behind the papal altar http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Nave1/index.html. The altar contains the skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Lateran ceiling

There are interesting sites in the complex. I love the ornate ceiling and the beautiful statues.

St. Andrew by Camillo Rusconi. Nave of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Saint André, par Camillo Rusconi. Nef de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The decorated ceiling of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Take time to visit the charming cloister

San Giovanni in Laterano (cloister) (Photo credit: MarcelGermain)

Here’s a virtual tour ot the cloister http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Cloister/index.html.

Basilica of St. John Lateran – statue of St. John Italiano: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – la statua di san Giovanni Polski: Bazylika św. Jana na Lateranie – figura św. Jana Apostoła (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ancient baptistery was also built by Constantine and was converted from a Roman temple. The Lateran Baptistery is one of the oldest in Christendom. The present name is a result of the importance of the baptistry of the church, and of the presence of a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. Here’s a Virtual tour of the Baptistery: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Baptistery/index.html

Lateran baptistery building

San Giovanni in Laterano was the first cathedral of Rome. This was the first Constantinian Basilica and is the oldest basilica in the world, founded in 311 and consecrated in 324. Emperor Constantine gave Pope Melchiades a parcel of imperial property for a church and a papal residence. It was known as “Lateran” because the property previously belonged to the family of Plautius Lateranus of the former Roman Empire. The Laterani lost their properties to Emperor Constantine who in turn gave it to the Christian Church in 311. The basilica suffered extensive damage during the earthquake of 896 and was restored by Sergius III who dedicated it to St. John the Baptist. Later, Saint John the Evangelist was added as a patron of this church by another pope.

The popes lived in the Lateran Palace adjacent to the church until Clement V (1305-14) transferred the papal seat to Avignon in France. The popes lived at Palazzo Laterano from the time of Constantine until 1304 when the Papacy moved to Avignon. When the popes returned to Rome in 1377, the papacy moved to the Vatican. Excavations beneath the basilica have uncovered pagan buildings and foundations of the 4th century Constantinian basilica.

Lateran Palace on the left of the obelisk

The central bronze doors came from the Curia of the Roman Senate in the Forum. The Holy Door is on the far right. The main travertine facade is on Piazza di Porta Giovanni with five entrances that lead to the portico with five more doorways.

Lateran door

On the top front entrance of the basilica, Jesus Christ is carrying a cross. He is surrounded by St. John the Evangelist, St. John the Baptist and the Doctors of the Church.

Lateran roofline with Jesus and saints

In 1646, the basilica was in danger of collapsing so Pope Innocent X gave the task of restoring it to Francesco Borromini. Pope Innocent X had the interior completely remodeled by Borromini in preparation for the Jubilee (Holy Year) of 1650. It was during Borromini’s restoration that the church was given its Baroque appearance. The eastern façade was created in 1736 by Alessandro Galilei with statues of saints welcoming visitors.

In front of the north facade ( adjacent to the Lateran Palace) you can find the Lateranense obelisk. It is the tallest obelisk in Rome that dates back to 1500 B.C. and weighs over 230 tons. The red granite obelisk in the square in front of the Lateran Palace was originally commissioned by Pharaoh Thuthmose III and completed by his grandson Thutmose IV and stood in the temple of Amun in Karnak. It was placed in the Circus Maximus until Pope Sixtus V had Fontana re-erect it in this square in 1588 in place of the equstrian statue of Marcus Aurelius that was moved to the Capitoline Hill.

Lateran obelisk inscription

Lateran obelisk

Lateran rear entrance

The Renaissance coffered ceiling is attributed to Pirro Ligorio and was started in 1562 during the pontificate of Pius IV.

The apsidal mosaic was restored by friars who were commissioned by Nicholas IV (1288-1292). The apse mosaic depicts the miraculous appearance of Christ in the basilica’s apse at the time of its consecration by Pope Sylvester.

There are beautiful statues in the nave in grey marble aedicules. The statues are flanked by verde antico columns.

Lateran coffered ceiling and apse mosaic

Lateran Saint Peter

The monumental tomb of Leo XIII by Giulio Tadolini is over a door leading to the Sacristy.

The archbasilica has a lavishly decorated interior. The Lancelloti Chapel was designed by Francesco da Volterra and rebuilt by Giovanni Antonio de Rossi. The “Saint Francis of Assisi recieves the stigmata” painting was done by Giovanni Battista Puccetti in the altarpiece.

Lateran fresco

Lateran fresco Mary Immaculate by Placido Costanzi

There are additional parts of the Lateran complex worth visiting in close proximity to the church. Walk over to the Scala Sancta to see the Sancta Sanctorum and the Triclinium of Pope Leo III These Holy Stairs are particularly attractive for Christian pilgrims who wish to honor the Passion of Jesus. These are the marble stairs that were brought to Rome from Jerusalem in 326 AD by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. These are the stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to his trial with Pontius Pilate; the staircase leading once to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate at Jerusalem .

The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) consists of twenty-eight wooden steps that encase white marble steps and are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his Passion. The marble stairs are visible through openings in the wooden risers. The stairs are located in a building which incorporates part of the old Lateran Palace, located opposite the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. They are located next to a church which was built on ground brought from Mount Calvary. The stairs lead to the Sancta Sanctorum ( Holy of Holies) which is the personal chapel of the early Popes in the Lateran palace, known as the chapel of St. Lawrence.

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

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Tagged as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Bishop of Rome, Catholic Church, Church of Rome, Corpus Christi, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, IPod, Italy, Lateran, Lateran Baptistery, Pontius Pilate, Pope, Pope Benedict XVI, Rome, Scala Sancta, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, The Passion, Vatican CIty

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