The town of Assisi in Umbria is a fascinating place to view  Franciscan sites in the Perugia region of Umbria. Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy.

St. Francis of Assisi (circa 1182-1220) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Assisi is the birth and burial place of St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order.  The Franciscans take the vow of poverty. St. Francis and St. Catherine are the patron saints of Italy. Assisi is located at the foot of Mount Subasio.  This medieval city is built on a hill. It is closely associated with disseminating the work of the Franciscan Order throughout the world; the universal message of peace and tolerance.

“Its medieval ensemble of artistic masterpieces, such as the Basilica of San Francesco and paintings by Cimabue, Pietro Lorenzetti, Simone Martini and Giotto have significantly contributed to the development of Italian and European art and architecture.” UNESCO

St. Francis (1182-1226) was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228.  The basilica was founded in 1228 after his canonization. Completed in 1253, it has an upper church and a lower church and is frequently visited by religious pilgrims from around the world. The frescoed basilica is a monument to St. Francis. The Franciscans offer free guided tours in English.

Giotto di Bondone – Saint Francis and Saint Clare – WGA09163 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Simone Martini, fresco detail depicting Saint Clare of Assisi, (1322–26), Lower basilica of San Francesco, Assisi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pietro Lorenzetti fresco detail, Assisi Basilica, 1310-1329. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Basilica contains some of the most celebrated frescos in Italy created by pre-Renaissance masters like Giotto and Cimabue. Frescos in the upper church of the Basilica include “The Ecstasy of St. Francis” by Giotto.  There are 28 panels that celebrate the legacy of the revered St. Francis of Assisi.

• Why Giotto Is a Man of His Time… and Ours (bigthink.com)
• The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the “National Pantheon” (vinoconvistablog.me)
• Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
• Bernini’s Church of Santa Bibiana in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

Crucifixion (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Franciscan Allegories: Allegory of Obedience (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The crypt for St. Francis is also in the lower church. The treasury houses precious church relics. The Perkin’s collection was donated by an American and is open seasonally.  It houses paintings by Luca Signorelli and Fra Angelico.

• Why Giotto Is a Man of His Time… and Ours (bigthink.com)
• The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the “National Pantheon” (vinoconvistablog.me)
• Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
• Bernini’s Church of Santa Bibiana in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

St. Francis of Assisi renounces his worldly goods in a painting attributed to Giotto di Bondone. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dansk: Giotto: Udfrielsen af hæretikeren Pietro,San Francesco basilikaen, Assisi English: Giotto: Liberation of the heretic Peter,Basilica of Saint Francis,Assisi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the Legend of St. Francis frescoes at Assisi, the authorship of which is disputed. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Prayer of Saint Francis

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”

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

Image via Wikipedia

I had a Glorious Vino con Vista Weekend in San Sebastian Spain (called Donostia in Basque). The panoramic vistas in the Basque Culinary Capital of Spain are amazing! I also have a passion for Pintxos. The greatest culinary adventure in San Sebastian is a pintxos crawl!!

The small seaside city in northern Spain’s Basque region is the “world’s ultimate foodie destination”; it has more Michelin stars per capita (currently 16) than anywhere else on Earth. Both Arzak and Mugaritz grace the top 10 of S. Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

English: Panorama of San Sebastian with the “De La Concha” bay. Picture taken of Monte Igueldo using a HDR technique Deutsch: Panorama von San Sebastian mit der “De La Concha” Bucht. Fotografiert von Monte Igueldo aus mit HDR Technik Français : Panorame de San Sebastian avec la plage “De La Concha”. Foto pris de Monte Igueldo avec une technique HDR (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Sebastian (Photo credit: Ivo83)

San Sebastian is located on the enchanting Bahia de la Concha. It is in the province of Gipuzkoa on the Basque coast of northwest Spain about 20 km away from the French border. (I also visited Loudes while I was in the general vicinity but that’s another post.)

English: Donostia-San Sebastián and the ocean (Bay of Biscay) in the background, Hernani in the foreground (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Purchase a San Sebastian Card when you arrive. The card includes public transportation and discounts to museums and attractions.

Teatro Victoria Eugenia (San Sebastian, SPAIN) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Sebastian, Spain (Photo credit: Emmanuel Dyan)

This aristocratic destination has plenty of coastal promenades. In San Sebastian there are beautiful parks and beaches. Aiete Park is located in the hills that surround the city where you can admire the beautiful gardens designed by Pierre Ducasse that surround the palace. Queen Isabel II, Queen Victoria of England, Queen María Cristina and King Alfonso XIII were among the aristocrats who frequented San Sebastian. Admire the Palacio Miramar on the beach, built in 1889 by Basque architect Jose Goicoa. The meticulously maintained Miramar Gardens are open to the public.

San Sebastián Grand Prix 1929 (Photo credit: Mikelo)

The breathtaking beauty of its bay, known as the Pearl of Bay of Biscay (Cantabrian Sea), coupled with world-class cuisine and an efficient transportation network makes San Sebastian a very desirable destination.

You can board the train at The Estación del Norte (North Station) in San Sebastian in the center of town. It connects to several Spanish cities including Madrid and Barcelona, as well as international destinations like Paris and Lisbon. There is also a train network that connects to Bilbao and other cities along the Basque coastline, as well as routes leading to France. Visit the Cristina Enea Park that is located next to the Tabakalera building, very close to the North Train Station. It is inhabited by swans and peacocks.

This spectacular Vino con Vista mecca is surrounded by beaches and the mountainous countryside of the Urgull Mountain and the Ulia Mountains. La Cocha beach is located in the center of the city and is considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in all of Europe. I loved the charming Belle-Époque architecture, markets and pixtos!!

funicular monte igueldo (Photo credit: Patricil)

This is the quintessential tourist destination of Northern Spain. Take the ferry from El Muelle to the Isla de Santa Clare or take the cable car to the El Torreón de Igueldo (The Tower of Igueldo) on the Igueldo Mountain to see the glorious panorama of the sea and the cliffs of Igueldo. The lighthouse is on the west side of the mountain. It was built in 1885 by the architect Manuel Peironcely. The History Museum of San Sebastian ( The House of history) is located at the top of Mount Urgull.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

San Sebastian is endowed with many natural resources and attractions that make this pristine stretch of paradise a perfect travel destination. The cuisine is incredible. San Sebastian has amassed more Michelín stars per square mile than any other place in the world. The beaches are sublime! There are many interesting festivals including the International Festival of Cinema, The Jazz Festival and popular celebrations like La Semana Grande de San Sebastian.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

San Sebastian is the home of the Belle Époque Hotel Maria Cristina San Sebastian. This majestic landmark is one of the oldest grand hotels in Spain. It is located in the center of the city by the Urumea river and Victoria Eugenia Theatre. Hotel Maria Cristina was built in 1912 by French architect Charles Mewes who also designed the Ritz Hotels in Madrid and Paris.  The hotel will re-open in July 2012 after an extensive update.  Visit www.mariacristina.es to book a room.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Historically, San Sebastian was a small fishing village. After the invasion of Napoleon’s troops and near destruction of the city in 1813 from Anglo-Portuguese invaders, the city was re-born as Queen Isabel II  preferred holiday destination. After the death of King Alfonso XII in 1885, the Queen Regent Maria Cristina continued the tradition of spending the summer in San Sebastian and carried the glamor of the Court to the beaches of Cantabria.

Let’s examine the top sites and panoramic vistas in spectacular San Sebastian Spain:

1. Explore Spectacular Panoramic Vistas from El Torreón de Igueldo (The Tower of Igueldo).  Take the  oldest cable-car (funicular) in the Basque country to get the best views over city. You can visit the amusement park, Parque de Atracciones for a glorious Vino con Vista of the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian mountains. Urgull Mountain  was a military fort in the 12th Century; its walls have suffered countless attacks and sieges over the years. You can admire the lighthouse on the west side of the mountain. It was built in 1885 by the architect Manuel Peironcely. From this location, you can witness the beauty of the sea and the cliffs of Igueldo.

Cannon in San Sebastian’s Urgull mountain (Donostia, Spain). (Photo credit: encontrado.es)

Visit the summit of Monte Urgill to see the statue of Christ. The “El Sagrado Corazón” sculpture majestically emerges over the city of San Sebastian. The work was done by  Federico Coullaut in 1950. It measures more than 12 metres in height and can be seen from a distance of 4 miles out at sea. You can also see the former Castillo de Santa Cruz’s old cannons on Monte Urgill.

Image via Wikipedia

Travel to the Ulia Mountain; a nature park and hiking path in the center of the city. The Peña del Ballenero and the Peña del Rey are large rocks used as look-out points. There are picnic areas and the  Albergue de Ulía (Ulia House) with beautiful views of the city.

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2. The epicenter of Basque Cuisine and Gastronomic Prowess: Donostia is renowned for its  Basque cuisine and it is also the birthplace of Basque gastronomical societies. These cooking clubs for men called “txoko” have been around since 1870.

Deutsch: Typische Altstadtbar in San Sebastian / Donostia Datum: 06.10.2000 Urheber: Michael Pfeiffer Quelle: privates Fotoalbum des Urhebers (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Sebastian has amassed more Michelin stars per square mile than any other place in the world. San Sebastián and its surrounding area has a high concentration of restaurants boasting Michelin stars, namely Arzak (San Sebastián) www.arzak.com (the most expensive restaurant in Spain), Berasategi (Lasarte), Akelarre www.akelarre.net (district Igeldo) or Mugaritz (Errenteria) http://www.mugaritz.com/. You can dine at Casa Nicilasa, a culinary shrine since 1912, Urepel or Rekondo www.rekondo.com.

In San Sebastian,  try some scallops, gooseneck barnacles, succulent marmita de bonita (tuna stew) and tasty snacks similar to tapas called pintxos.  I actually overdosed on Pintxos in San Sebastian. They were all so alluring that I couln’t control myself. Check out my Pinterest Board to see what I mean: http://pinterest.com/vinoconvista/san-sebastian-spain/

The kalimotxo is a local drink made of 50% wine and 50% coca cola, a favorite of the college students. I actually prefer their Sangria. The Parte Vieja (Old Town) has the greatest concentration of bars in the world with more bars per square foot than anywhere else. This area is the traditional core area of the city and was surrounded by fortification walls until 1863. A stretch of the walls still limits the Old Sectiont through the Portaletas gate.

3. This town has plethora of festivals. Every January, San Sebastian  is transformed for 24 hours by the constant drum roll to the sound of the music of Sarriegui. At midnight on January 19th, the whole town turns out in force to celebrate La Tamborrada or the Festival of the Drums and the party doesn’t stop until midnight the next day. On San Sebastian Day (January 20th), the Children’s Drum Parade composed of more than 5000 boys and girls continues drumming. According to the local legend,  in the 19th century, San Sebastian was under threat of invasion by the French. Led by the military drummers, the San Sebastian regiment bravely marched to meet the French. In support, the cooks and chefs of the city left their kitchens and marched along with the drummers, banging their wine casks, pots and pans in time with the military beat. Hearing this, the French were convinced that the San Sebastian army was larger than they expected and they retreated. The Tamborrada festival takes place every year to honor the heroes who saved the city.

There is a San Sebastian International Jazz Festival in July, a classic music festival and Semana Grande (the city’s principle fiesta) in August and a San Sebastian International Film Festival in September.

Semana Grande is held  the week of August 15th, the Day of the Virgin. During the week there’s an International Firework Competition on Concha Bay. There are horse races in the Hippodrome of San Sebastian and the running of the bulls in the San Sebastian Arena 2016.

Image via Wikipedia

4. San Sebastián has a variety of interesting Museums and Sculptures: history, science, technology, oceanography, art and other interesting expositions are available. Near the old Dominican monestary of San Telmo, visit the Museum of San Telmo with three works by El Greco and 11 murals by Jose Maria Sert. The Dominican monastery built in 16th century has a remarkable collection of Basque artifacts from prehistoric times. The Museum of San Telmo-Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship is located in the heart of the Old Town and recently re-opened. This museum has many exhibits:  archaeological, ethnographic and, art collections. Have some Pintxos on the fabulous terrace of La Cuchara de San Telmo.

Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz is an Oceanographic museum with underwater walkways and tunnels that feature  sharks, rays and other marine creatures.  The aquarium has a 360 degree underwater tunnel where visitors can see over 5000 marine species and four species of sharks. This Aquarium is one of the most modern in Europe. The Museo Naval  promotes the history and heritage of the Basque navy, through long-term exhibitions focusing on specific topics. The current exhibition is “Whale Hunters” until April 29, 2012. The maritime museum has historical displays of naval artifacts, fishing gear and marine fossils.

San Sebastian has plenty of outdoor sculptures: “El Peine del Viento” was created by the sculptor Eduard Chillida and the architect Luis Peña Ganchegui. Eduard Chillida’s acclaimed “Peine de los Vientos; the  Comb of the Wind. “  sculpture is a series of terraces built into the rocks that guard the entrance to the bay. About 8 km from town, visit the 16th century Chillida Leku open-air museum with about 140 sculptures by Chillida.

“Construcción Vacía” is located on the Paseo Nuevo. This contemporary sculpture is by Jorge Oteiza and got an  award at the Beinal de Sao Paolo.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

5. San Sebastian has Beautiful Belle Epoque, Gothic and Baroque Architecture and Churches. In the Centro Romantico, visit San Sebastian’s Cathedral (Catedral del Buen Pastor)with Neo-Gothic Spires. This is the largest church in San Sebastian and opened in 1897. It is also the tallest building in San Sebastian. On the main facade, admire the majestic “La Cruz de la Paz”  (The Cross of Peace). It was sculpted by Eduardo Chillida.

San Sebastian (Photo credit: P_Canales)

The 16th century Gothic Church of San Vicente  (on Calle Narrica, 26)  is the oldest building in the city. It is located in the Historic Zone of San Sebastian. Built during the second half of the 14th century, it has a beautiful altar by Ambrosio de Bengoechea and Juan de Iriarte.

The Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria was built between 1743 and 1774. It is located on Calle Mayor. The Baroque facade embodies Churrigueresque elements. This was an artistic movement related to the work of José Benito de Churriguera.  The baptismal font has an Eduardo Chillida cross. The main door of the Basilica is a few steps away from the Catedral de El Buen Pastor.

San Sebastian, Spain (Photo credit: Emmanuel Dyan)

Plaza de la Constitución (Constitution Square) is in the heart of the historic zone. Admire El Ayuntamiento (The Town Hall) which was the Grand Casino of San Sebastian that opened in 1897 and closed in 1924 due to the prohibition of gambling. In 1947,  it was converted into the Casa Consistorial (Town hall) of the city.

The Belle Époque Victoria Eugenia Theatre  was created by the architect Francisco de Urcola in the year 1912. On the façade of the building, above the Doric pillars, admire the sculptures of Opera, Tragedy, Comedy and Drama. It has views of the Kursaal and the banks of the Urumea river.

Image via Wikipedia

Miramar Palace was created for the summer stays of Queen María Cristina and the Royal Family. They started spending their “Royal Summers” in San Sebastian in 1887. It has fabulous views of the beaches and the Isla de Santa Clara. The Mirimar Palace was built in ‘Queen Ana English cottage’ style under the direction of the English architect Seldon Wornum, who also designed other palaces in Biarritz and San Juan de Luz. The gardens were designed by Pierre Ducasse who also created the gardens of the Aiete Palace and the Plaza de Gipuskoa.

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The contemporary El Kuursal houses many celebrations from festivals and was designed by Rafael Moneo.

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The Royal Boating Club of San Sebastian building was constructed in 1928 by architects José Manuel Aizpurua and Joaquín Labayen. It was recently awarded historical status.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

5. San Sebastian has incredible seafood and magnificent beaches! Playa de la Concha  is located in the center of the city and is the most popular beach. It was recently awarded ”one of the 20 best and most beautiful beaches in Europe”. Ondarreta Beach is located between the Igeldo Mountain and the gardens of the Mirimar Palace. You can enjoy traditional food like olives and calamari at the Ondarreta rooftop café. Zurriola Beach is on the east side of town and it is popular with surfers.

Igueldo and Santa Clara (Photo credit: . SantiMB .)

On La Isla Santa Clara across the bay, there is a small beach and your can walk to the lighthouse. The path has  kiosks, cafes and terraces. During the summer a boat service leaves every half hour from the port to the island.

Image via Wikipedia

Here’s a video of San Sebastian:  http://onlytravelarticles.com/travel-videos/san-sebastian-donostia-spain-travel-video-guide/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

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

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New Orleans – French Quarter – balcon (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best Seafood Restaurants in New Orleans will be at the New Orleans Oyster Festival 2013 with plenty of live music! Participate in the Acme Oyster World Oyster Eating Contest.

At the Acme Oyster Bar, New Orleans. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHEN: June 1 & 2, 2013

For more information fisit: http://www.neworleansoysterfestival.org/

French Quarter, New Orleans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, French Quarter Festival, New Orleans (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This was the 2012 Entertainment line-up: Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Bonerama, Honey Island Swamp Band, Irma Thomas, Brass Band, Rockin’ Doopsie Jr. and Marc Broussard

Irma Thomas At New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Marc Broussard (Photo credit: price_photography)

Here are the participating restaurants from 2012:

New Orleans, French Quarter, 2001 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For more information visit www.neworleansoysterfestival.org

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

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• Coastal Uncorked Food, Wine and Spirits Festival in Myrtle Beach South Carolina (wine-festivals.vinoconvistablog.com)

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English: Cross. Detail from the 6th century Byzantine mosaic in the apse of the basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy) Italiano: Croce gemmata. Particolare del mosaico bizantino nel catino absidale di Sant’Apollinare in Classe a Ravenna (secolo VI). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Built in 548 A.D. The sights of Ravenna are mostly from the period when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna houses early Christian Monuments in the Romagna Region www.turismoravenna.it . Ravenna was initially the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5^th century, the Visigoth Empire and finally the Byzantine Italian Empire under Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora until the 8^th century.  Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire for 150 years.

Dante; Dante Museum, Ravenna, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Dante Alighieri’s portrait by Sandro Botticelli. Tempera 54,7 x 47,5 cm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna’s proximity to the sea and unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments make it a desirable destination. The Torre del Pubblico leans more than the Tower of Pisa.  Dante’s tomb is located on Via Dante Alighieri. Beautiful beaches are found in the Punta Marina di Ravenna.

Domenico di Michelino, La Divina Commedia di Dante (Dante and the Divine Comedy). 1465 fresco, in the dome of the church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Florence’s cathedral). Dante Alighieri is shown holding a copy of his epic poem The Divine Comedy. He is pointing to a procession of sin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna flourished under the Byzantine Empire. All eight artistically noteworthy buildings:  the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe were constructed in the 5^th and 6^th centuries.  The octagonal baptistery contains a beautiful mosaic of John the Baptist and Christ.

Ravenna 1996_0016 (Photo credit: thomas alan)

Ravenna’s mosaics are considered to be the finest in the world outside Istanbul.  “The artistry of the mosaics and monuments presents an enlightened blend of Greco-Roman, Christian iconography, oriental and Western genres.  Ravenna provides a glimpse into artistic and religious relationships during an important period of European cultural history.” UNESCO

Dante gazes at Mount Purgatory in an allegorical portrait by Agnolo Bronzino, painted c. 1530 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna offers an array of annual events including the prestigious summer “Ravenna Festival” with opera performances, classical music and ballet. In September, the Basilica of San Francesco conducts Progetto Dante: “La Divina Commedia nel Mondo” with readings from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The Basilica was built in the 5th century and completely re-built between the 10th and 11th centuries. Dante Alighieri’s funeral was held here in 1321.

Gustave Doré’s illustration to Dante’s Inferno. Plate IX: Canto III: Arrival of Charon. “And lo! towards us coming in a boat / An old man, hoary with the hair of eld, / Crying: ‘Woe unto you, ye souls depraved!’” (Longfellow’s translation) “And, lo! toward us in a bark / Comes an old man, hoary white with eld, / Crying “Woe to you, wicked spirits!” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dante’s death tomb in Ravenna. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the peaceful Piazza dell Popola, or beside the Marina di Ravenna, you can enjoy a pleasant “Vino con Vista.”  Have a glass of Rosso Ravenna, Bianco Ravenna or Sangiovese de Romagna Superiore Riserva with your Parmigiano Reggiano.  Ravenna is famous for its olive oil from Brisighella, and the vineyards from prestigious Albana.

Think about that Ducati or Ferrari you’ve had your eye on as you watch the Italians enjoy their testosterone infused rides. If you prefer, you can plan your next mosaic tile project as you sip your delicious Lambrusco at one of the charming cafes.

If you dine at Gigiole on Piazza Couvour or Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909 on via Maggione, try some Tagliatelle Bolognese.  In this region, they love cheese and butter; so don’t forget to take your cholesterol medication.

Dine at the Buon Ricordo destination at the Ristorante Hotel Tino in Massa Lombarda @ Via Resistenza, 22 (www.tinomassalombarda.it).  The “Ossobuco del Cavaliere” comes with a charming collector plate depicting a knight on horseback.  The veal is served with saffron risotto. Dine in the charming courtyard of this hotel.

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.

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Venaria Reale, Torino. Piazza dell’Annunziata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Torino, Mole Antonelliana, (Italy). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Coat of arms of Turin Italiano: Stemma di Torino che si trova presso Palazzo Carignano, lato piazza Carlo Alberto (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Palazzo Carignano, Turin: back from Piazza Carignano. Italiano: Palazzo Carignano a Torino: retro da Piazza Carignano. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: turin italy piazza castello (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Collage di varie foto di Torino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Venaria Reale (Torino) – Reggia sabauda (Photo credit: giovanni_novara)

Turin‘s main attractions include important Baroque palaces and churches and world-class museums.

Turin is the European capital of Baroque including: Palazzo Carignano, Piazza San Carlo – the city’s meeting point and the San Lorenzo and San Filippo churches. Baroque also characterizes the Royal Residences, the Reggia di Venaria, the Castello di Rivoli.

The city also has elements of Art Nouveau style that embellishes the city’s elegant architectural districts.

Turin was the capital of Italy and has plenty of contemporary art and design.

English: Palazzo Carignano in Turin: main façade, from Piazza Carlo Alberto. Italiano: Palazzo Carignano a Torino: facciata principale, da Piazza Carlo Alberto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are 15 Savoy Residences that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/823.

Fronte di Palazzo Carignano di Torino al tramonto. Leggero retouch per esaltare un croma e bordi da stampa anastatica. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They represent an important cultural route for travelers. Five of the sites are in the city: Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Carignano, Castello del Valentino and Villa della Regina. The others are outside the city boundaries: the Stupinigi Hunting Lodge, the castles of Rivoli – hosting the important Museum of Contemporary Art, Moncalieri, Aglià and the Reggia di Venaria. The residences were completed around the middle 18th Century and are also known as the “delightful crown” because they surround Turin like a ring.

• Palazzo Madama in Piazza Castello was recently re-opened after a long refurbishment. It was home of the Queen, and is a mix of medieval and baroque rooms. There’s plenty of art religious art and scenes of life in Torino.
• Tickets € 7,5

• Palazzo Carignano, Via Accademia delle Scienze 5 (close to Piazza Castello).
• Castello di Rivoli is located in the small town of Rivoli, east of Turin. It houses one of Europe’s most important Contemporary Art Museums. The Castle of Rivoli is a unfinished XVIII castle that stands on top of Rivoli hills. Corso Francia (France Road) is one of the world’s longest streets and was built because of the desire of the House of Savoy to connect Royal Palace in the center of Turin with Rivoli Castle. You can reach it by bus or taxi.
• La Venaria Reale outside the town of Venaria, 10 kilometres north east of Turin. Restored to the baroque magnificence that inspired it when it was built in the mid 17th century for duke Carlo Emanuele II di Savoia, the Reggia of Venaria Reale was inaugurated in October 2007, after two centuries of abandon and decay, and eight years of intense restoration. In the first year since it opened to the public, Venaria Reale has welcomed approximately 1.000.000 visitors becoming one of the most popular spot in Italy. The enormous palace, which has a surface area of over 80,000 square metres, contains some of the most outstanding examples of European baroque architecture: the enchanting Salone di Diana, designed by Amedeo di Castellamonte, the solemnity of the Galleria Grande and the chapel of Sant’Uberto, and the immense complex of the Scuderie, designed by the 17th century genius, Filippo Juvarra. The Gardens now represent a close combination of ancient and modern. Venaria Reale, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is at the centre of the circuit of Royal Residences in Piedmont. To get there: Venaria Express” shuttle bus operated by GTT (freephone number: 800 019152 http://www.comune.torino.it/gtt Bus: routes 72, 11 (freephone number: 800 019152 – http://www.comune.torino.it/gtt) Train: Turin-Ceres line (freephone number: 800 019152 – http://www.comune.torino.it/gtt) Car: Torino Nord orbital road, Venaria or Savonera/Venaria exit. GTT bus ticket with return € 5.Entrance to the Venaria 15 €. (July 2012)

Front of palace Carignano, Turin (Italy) Français : Façade de palais Carignano, Turin (Italie) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Torino, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Museo Nazionale del Cinema is a vertical structure located on 5 floors in in the magical  Mole Antonelliana building.

 The Mole Antonelliana was completed in 1888 as a synagogue.  The 167.5-meter tower is the highest work of masonry in Europe and it now contains one of the finest cinema museum of Europe. An elevator to the top is available with a ticket.

• The National Cinema Museum opened in July 2000.  The 5-story exhibition includes themes: Archaeology of Cinema, the Video Camera, a collection of cinema posters, video installations (including a number of small rooms screening clips on themes such as Turin in the movies, love stories and experimental film) and The Great Temple (where you recline in comfortable red chairs and watch classic Italian films projected on giant screens overhead).
• In a spectacular setting the museum offers artifacts from the collection of the Maria Adrianna Prolo Foundation including magic lanterns, optical illusions, photographs, drawings, models and other curious items. Amongst a fascinating array of other movie memorabilia, be sure to check out the original cape worn by Christopher Reeve in Superman. If you’re a certain age, that’s incredibly exciting!
• The Egyptian Museum is the second most important museum in the world after the one in Cairo and houses an important collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts. It is located on Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6, ☎ 011 561 7776. outside Cairo. Founded in 1824 by King Carlo Felice after acquiring archeologist Drovetti’s collection, the museum contains 30,000 exhibits. It documents the history and civilization of Egypt from the paleolithic to the Coptic era through unique exhibits and collections of objects d’art, articles of daily use and funeral furnishings (including the Altar of Isis, the canvas painted by Gebelein, the intact tombs of Kha and Merit, and the exceptional cliff temple to Ellesjia). The museum is open every day except Mondays and Christmas (December 25th). Ticket are € 7,5.

Di ritorno dalla Galleria Sabauda (Photo credit: kiki follettosa)

• Museo dell’Automobile  st Corso Unità d’Italia 40. The collection houses over 170 vehicles, from 18th-century carriages to Formula 1 cars. cars.
• The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Duomo di San Giovanni.  The Cathedral’s Chapel of the Shroud houses the controversial Shroud of Turin, which is stored in a vault below the Duomo.
•  Quadrilatero Romano is filled with restaurants in the old Roman town, northwest of Piazza Castello.
• Via Garibaldi is a pedestrian shopping zone between Piazza Castello and Piazza Statuto.
• Galleria Subalpina is a pedestrian passage from Piazza Castello and Piazza Carlo Alberto. It is one of the most elegant places in the city.
• Valentino Park, the biggest park in Turin central area. This park is situated along the Po river where you can find the Valentino Castle and the Medieval Village (Borgo Medievale).
• Cathedral of Superga. On top of the hill near Turin, this cathedral was built to celebrate a victorious battle against French.  Take a trip to Superga by train from Sassi to see the magnificant Vino con Vista panoramic view of Turin. The Cathedral houses the tombs of the House of Savoy. In 1949, a plane carrying the entire Turin FC team crashed near the cathedral, killing one of the greatest football teams ever. At the crash site a plate memorializes the dead. The top of the hill offers the best view of Turin, with the magnificent Alps in the background. You can reach the top by car but also by a little chain-train.  Ask for the Trenino per Superga. Chain train with return € 6.Take the straicase inside the church to reach the top,€ 3.
• Piedmont´s picturesque Langhe region is the home of Barolo and Barbaresco. Visit the Slow Food town of Bra, Alba (home of the white truffle festival).
•  Barolo is a delightful wine hamlet, crowned with a castle.  Grinzane Cavour is another village with a stunning castle where the annual truffle auction takes place. .In Turin look for a tour of wine estates in Langhe. Head south to the vineyards of the Langhe. Visiting wine estates and the castle of Grinzane Cavour, which also houses a wine museum and regional wine shop with many top Barolos, Barbarescos and Grappas.

Piazza dell’Annunziata and the parish church, Venaria Reale, Turin, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

• Armeria Reale (Royal Armoury), Piazza Castello, Turin, Italy, ☎ 011543889. 1. Turin’s Royal Armoury contains one of the Europes best arms exhibits, dating back to the 16th century. The collection was put together in 1833 by Sardinian King Charles Albert.
• Porta Palazzo market is 5 minutes from Piazza Castello. It is one of the biggest and most diverse markets in Europe. The markets are open every weekday morning and all day Saturday. On Sunday Porta Palazzo houses a smaller flea market.

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

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Italian Wine

Asiago (Photo credit: Birnardo)

If you follow my posts, you know that I adore Italy’s intoxicating Vino con Vistas! Italy is one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations with captivating panoramic vistas of majestic mountains and volcanoes surrounded by the glistening sea.

La collina di Bacco (Photo credit: gigi 62)

I am an advocate of Wine Tourism and Culinary Travel. I even write Travel Guides called “Vino con Vista.” I have traveled the peninsula and identified my favorite places to enjoy “Wine with a View.”

Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The micro-climates of regions from Piedmont to Sicily provide the nations’s wine producers with abundant resources and endless opportunities to produce highly regarded wines. There are over 300 varietals cultivated across the peninsula from the foothills to the southermost islands. Wine tourim is enhanced by the nation’s flourishing culinary culture that spawns superb cooking schools and world-class gourmet farm-to-fork chefs.

Tuscany, Italian wine region of Chianti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Vin Santo e Cantucci in Milan, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My favorite wine always pairs well with art, architecture and the best age-old culinary traditions; think Vin Santo with cantucci/biscotti while watching the Palio in Siena; that’s a Vino con Vista. I take great pleasure in the fact that Trebbiano grapes are used to produce wine that has been aged in a barrel with a cross on it. That’s the inherent charm of Italy.

Many towns, such as San Gimignano, were enclosed with walls, causing crowding and the building of tower houses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thick, sugary Trebbiano juice leaving the basket press from dried Trebbiano grapes being used to produce the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian wine Vin Santo with its traditional food pairing of Biscotti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A wine barrel with a cross on it designating that it is being used to aged the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yes,  I love wine that pairs with indigenous food. Although, I must admit that I have paired gelato with wine in San Gimignano; there’s no shame to that! Just don’t try it with Chianti Classico. I have been reprimanded by many Italian waiters for requesting grated cheese for my seafood pasta. They absolutely refuse; so I have to sneak grated cheese from my friends that are having pasta without seafood.

Late harvest grapes being harvested to produce the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My travel plans frequently involve Wine and Food Festivals. Wine is produced and celebrated everywhere in Italy’s 20 regions. It’s a great place for touring and tasting.

While Vin Santo wines are produced throughout Italy, the vast majority of production takes place in the provinces of Tuscany. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Production of the Italian straw wine, Vin Santo, begining with Trebbiano being dried until they are raisin and concentrated with sugar. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Agriturismo system is conducive to wine tourism because it provides accommodations for tourists at the wine estate. In addition, monasteries and castles have been converted into five-star hotels in many of Italy’s wine regions. Azienda Agricola Malenchini’s family run farm has been growing grapes and olives since 1830 www.malenchini.com.

Giuseppe Garibaldi – Portrait of an Italian Patriot with Red Wine & Cabbage (Photo credit: Nino.Modugno)

I visited the Dievole Winery during one of my trips to Tuscany but next time, I will stay at the luxury Florentine Villa with two pools www.dievole.it. Go to Castello da Verrazzano and visit the historical working cellars and gaze at the wild boars www.verrazano.com. Visit Ristorante Enoteca Borgo Allegro with 400 labels of the best Italian and Tuscan wines www.borgoallegro.it

Italy’s WIne Regions

Montalcino, Toscana, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Brunello di Montalcino 2000 – Il Marroneto – Vigna Madonna delle Grazie (Photo credit: dags1974)

Montalcino (Photo credit: littlestar19)

Brunello de Montalcino

When you travel to Italy’s wine regions you can visit Col d’Orcia. They have been making wine since the 17oos. This producer is located on 1300 acres in Tuscany’s Siena province on the outskirts of the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino.  The vineyards occupy 370 acres on the hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Col d’Orcia is owned by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano and primarily produces the Brunello clone of Sangiovese.

Brunello de Montalcino

Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many interesting regions in Italy for Touring and Tasting. You can visit Piedmont, Tuscany and many of Italy’s major wine regions, from Alto Aidge in the north to Puglia and Campania in the south. You can travel to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily for more Wine Tourism Adventures. Furthermore, Apulia (Puglia), in the South of Italy is known for Primitivo and is emerging as an interesting destination for Enoturism. For more information, visit ViaggiareinPuglia.it.

Italian wine (Photo credit: toyohara)

In the Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Click on this link to see the Wine Spectator Maps of Italy: http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Italymap.pdf

Let’s explore some of Italy’s wine regions:

A food and wine pairing with the Italian wine Amarone from Valpolicella, Veneto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The north-eastern Venato region of Italy is protected by the Alps. The cooler climates are suited to white varietals like Garganega; the warmer Adriatic coastal plaines produce Amarone, Valpolicella and Bardolino. Sparkling Prosecco is produced in this region.

Conegliano is one of Italy’s leading wine schools in this region. Every year, Verona hosts Vinitaly, the world’s leading Wine Festival.

Prosecco

An interesting range of wines which are unique to Italy are made with grapes that are dried in the warm air by laying them out on mats after harvesting. These recioto grapes make two basic styles of wine: Amarone della Valpolicella, which is vinified to be dry and very alcoholic and Recioto.

A Vineyard in the Italian wine region of Valpolicella in the Veneto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Amarone

Casa Vinicola Bertani is one on the region’s most influential wine producers. Bertani was founded in 1857 by Gaetano and Giovani Battista Bertani. They are vertically integrated; they own the vineyards and control the entire wine-making cycle.

In 2004, the winter was cold and wet with an average spring. Summer was characterized by warm days and cool nights allowing for optimal ripening. The wine was aged in oak casks for 7 years and bottled in January of 2011.

1980 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from the Venato

The 1980 Spring had average temperatures and precipitation with a hot, dry summer. Yields were lower but fruit quality was high. The wine was fermented for 46 days and aged for 10 years in large Slovonian oak barrels. The wine was bottled in February of 1991.

Nebbiolo has a long history in the Alba region of Piedmont. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian wine (Photo credit: toyohara)

Ripasso and Recioto are also produced in the Venato; fermentation is stopped earlier for Recioto to capture sweetness. Try some Amarones and Reciotos from wineries like Alighieri, Masi and Allegrini.

English: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy – the village Italiano: Barolo, Piemonte, Italia – il paese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Barolo (Photo credit: verovera78)

The subregion of Piedmont called Langhe, is where the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are produced. Piedmont produces complex red wines made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Traditionally these wines age well and have an intense fruit flavor.

Other Piedmontese wines include: fruity Barbera and sweet Brachetto and Dolcetto. Sparkling Asti is made from the Moscato grape.

In the Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cerretto, Gaja, Aldo Conterno and Giacosa are prominent producers in this area. Visit Cerretto’s headquarters at the Monsordo Bernadina winery outside Alba and then go to the town of Alba and have lunch at Ristorante La Piola in the Piazza Duomo. Alba is a picturesque medieval village that also produces Barbera.

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Piedmontmap.pdf

Ceretto – Barbaresco “Asij” Docg 2007 (Photo credit: Doyouwine)

Italian wine made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the heart of Sicily (Photo credit: Chiara Marra)

I love Sicily. Start your adventure in Palermo and travel to the wineries in Avola and the other beautiful towns in Southern Sicily. Visit the D0nna Fuggata Winery in Sicily. You will also adore Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina and the Aeolian Islands!

Sicily 2009 (Photo credit: mad_76)

Sicily has a plethora of interesting sites and produces a broad array of bold wines. Have some Nero d’Avola as you watch a movie in the Greco-Roman Theater at the annual Taormina Film Festival. Spend the weekend at the luxurious San Domenico

Palace hotel, a former 15th century monastery.

Visit the Late Baroque towns in Southeastern Sicily where yau can tour and taste in the town of Avola. Dine at La Gazza Landra on Via Blandini in Modica ALta.

Campania is another outstanding Vino con Vista destination. The smoldering volcano that destroyed Pompeii and Herculanuem generated fertile volcanis soil for growing grapes, lemons and olives. Pallagrello Nero, Aglianico, Biancolella and Fiano grapes are used to produce sumptuous wines in this region. Sip some Lacryma Christi del Bianco or Flanghina wine from your lounge chair at the beach or on your splendid terrace in the Amalfi Coast. This region produces plenty of limoncello.

Terraza del Vino 7 (Photo credit: BodegaContiempo)

Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Piedmontmap.pdf

Ceretto – Barbaresco “Asij” Docg 2007 (Photo credit: Doyouwine)

Italian wine made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the heart of Sicily (Photo credit: Chiara Marra)

I love Sicily. Start your adventure in Palermo and travel to the wineries in Avola and the other beautiful towns in Southern Sicily. Visit the D0nna Fuggata Winery in Sicily. You will also adore Cefalu, Taormina and the Aeolian Islands!

Sicily has a plethora of interesting sites and produces a broad array of bold wines.

Vino con Vista Sicily

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Sicilymap.pdf

Brunello di Montalcino

Brunello di Montalcino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Italian wine from Tuscany made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sangiovese grapes in a vineyard of Montalcino, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations for wine tourism. You can visit the Chianti, Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino, Maremma and the Montepulciano appellation.

2006 Castello Banfi Belnero Toscana, I.G.T. from Montalcino (Photo credit: Michal Osmenda)

The Montepulciano grape is most widely planted on the opposite coast of Abruzzo; not the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from Sangiovese grapes. The Vernaccia grape is used for white Vernaccia de San Gimignano.

Abbey of Sant’Antimo, Montalcino, Tuscany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A good example of the Italian wine Brunello di Montalcino with partial Sangiovese cluster behind class. Just need to crop out the chickens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chianti and the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano are the wine-producing regional rock stars in Tuscany!

The gallo nero seal of the Consorzio Chianti Classico (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tuscany Cipresses (Photo credit: Maarten Van Hoof)

English: Castle (Fortezza) at Montalcino, Siena, Italy. Photo taken by Type17, 18:50hrs June 24th 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best quality wines are the Riservas.

They generally come from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti  Classico zone, which stretches from Florence to Siena. Try wines from Antinori, Castell’in Villa, San Felice and Isole e Olena. Try to attend the annual Chianti festival in the charming town of Greve in Tuscany.

Landscape in the Italian wine region of Greve in the Chianti area in Tuscany, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A bottle of the Italian wine Chianti Classico made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chianti sub-zone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian wine Brunello from Tuscany made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sangiovese grapes on the vine in the Italian wine region of Chianti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Tuscanymap.pdf

Montalcino (Photo credit: littlestar19)

English: The Municipality of Montalcino within the Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy Italiano: Il comune di Montalcino nella Provincia di Siena, Toscana, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: View of Montalcino from the Castle (Fortezza). Taken Sept 8th 2006 by me. Canon EOS 20D, 10mm focal length (16mm effective length) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome‘s Wine Tourism is increasing. The Roman Hills and Frascati offer excellent Vino con Vista opportunities.

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 189v – The Communion of the Apostles the Musée Condé, Chantilly. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Frascati (Photo credit: twicepix)

Beschreibung: Kiste mit Tignanello-Flaschen – eine Kostbarkeit. Fotograf: Benutzer:BMK 8/2004 Please send reference and voucher copy to BMK(at)clever.ms Bitte Quellenangabe und Beleg an BMK(at)clever.ms (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bottles of Sassicaia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sangiovese vines of Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Map of Italy and its districts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There an annual fall wine festival in Greve in Chianti from September 6-9, 2012. Greve is on the Via Chiantigiana; the Chianti route to Siena. The Festival is held in Piazza Matteotti.

City Lights, France-Italy Border (NASA, International Space Station Science, 04/28/10) (Photo credit: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center)

I love Italy’s Wine Regions @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Image via Wikipedia

Euro-standard circulation Italian 1 euro coin (national/obverse side). The design represents Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing of the proportions of the human body (also known as the Vitruvian man). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leonardo da Vinci was the embodiment of a Renaissance Man because he excelled at a variety of worthwhile endeavors. He was a celebrated sculptor, painter, architect, engineer and scientist. Leonardo’s “Vitruvian Man” represents the perfectly proportioned man.

Image via Wikipedia

Watch the following video showing four major Italian Renaissance artists and their work : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQBVE9BzYk

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Michelangelo Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbZen2OOA3M&feature=related

Image via Wikipedia

Titian, Raphael, Giotto Video:

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBTtjDMBIbk&feature=related

Image via Wikipedia

Botticelli Video:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOILQzTfYww&feature=related are notable Renaissance artists who were commissioned by wealthy families and popes.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leonardo (Photo credit: Arenamontanus)

The contributions of these artists decorate the walls of churches, palaces and museums around the world. The Renaissance flourished in Italy and Italian masters graced humanity with a wealth of masterpieces

Bartolommeo Vivarini from Venice produced works of art for cities across Northern Italy and down the Adriatic Coast including this altarpiece of “Saint Mark” around 1490.

 Cosme Tura from Ferrara painted “Saint George” around 1474 for the Church of San Giorgio fuori le Mura in Ferrara.

Carlo Crivelli from Venice painted the “Madonna and Child” in 1468.

Alessandro Mattia da Farnese from Rome painted the “Portrait of Prince Augusto Chigi” in 1664.

Giovanni di Paolo from Sienna painted “The Madonna and Child with Angels” in 1475.

Sano di Pietro from Siena painted “Saint Catherine of Siena” in about 1450.

Fra Angelico (Guido di Pietro) from Florence painted “The Madonna and Child” in 1411-1413.

Giotto‘s “God the Father with Angels”

Saint Jerome

Bernardino Luini from Milan painted “The Conversion of the Magdalene” (An Allegory of Modesty and Vanity) in 1520 with gesturing hands.

Catena’s “Holy Family”

I love Luca Signorelli’s, ”The Coronation of the Virgin” 1508

Luca Signorelli is best known for his “Last Judgement” in the Cathedral of Orvieto.

• Da Vinci and the birth of Ichnology.
• Early Renaissance in Italy

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

• Da Vinci and the birth of Ichnology.
• Early Renaissance in Italy

To learn more about Italian art read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.  Ipad version available .

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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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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

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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

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English: Assumption of the Virgin, by Daniele da Volterra, in the della Rovere chapel in Trinita’ dei Monti. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trinità dei Monti, Capella della Rovere, frescoed by Daniele da Volterra in the 1540s. Particularly lovely is the central motif of cherubs holding up the oak-tree crest of the della Rovere family. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fresco by Daniele da Volterra, c.1548, in the della Rovere chapel, Trinita’ dei Monti. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This was the Borghese family’s first chapel in Rome, in the great church of Trinita’ dei Monti. Not much remains visible of the original late sixteenth-century decoration, by Cesare Nebbia, but the family crests are visible on the pilasters. The original altarpiece has been substituted by this plaster cast of a Pieta’ from Muenster cathedral. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome was initially established by King Charles VIII of France. He was grateful to St. Francis of Paola for assisting his dying father, Louis XI.

Rome, the Spanish Steps and “Trinita dei Monti” church Italiano: Roma – la scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Polski: Rzym – schody hiszpańskie oraz kościół Trinita dei Monti (w głębi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trinita dei Monti in Rome

Image via Wikipedia

In admiration of the monk’s holiness, he had a small convent and church built on Pincian Hill. The church was dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity.

During the Sack of Rome (1527), the church was still unfinished. It was finally completed in 1584, when the twin bell towers with octagonal cupolas, by Antonio Ruspoli were constructed.  The double flight of stairs was constructed by Domenico Fontana.

English: The Spanish Steps and “Trinita dei Monti” church Italiano: Roma – la scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Polski: Rzym – schody hiszpańskie oraz kościół Trinita dei Monti (w głębi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Spanish Steps and “Trinita dei Monti” church Italiano: Roma – la scalinata di Trinità dei Monti Polski: Rzym – schody hiszpańskie oraz kościół Trinita dei Monti (w głębi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The church overlooks the Piazza de Spagna. The facade is by Carlo Moderno. Pilasters divide the church into three bays. I love the view of the domes of Rome from the top of the Spanish Steps. This “Scalinata” is the widest staircase in Europe.

View from Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome

The vault and lunettes have scenes from the life of the Virgin by Perin del Vaga.

There is a beautiful painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Trinita dei Monti in Rome “Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Ceiling of Trinita dei Monti in Rome

There are many beautiful frescoes inside the church. I love the “Coronation of the Virgin” by Federico Zuccari.

English: Santa Trinita dei Monti Rome Interiot view of the nave looking towards the Altar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Coronation of the Virgin in Trinita dei Monti in Rome

Trinita dei Monti in Rome

The elegant main altar with the baroque top was designed by Jean de Champagne.

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

The Main Altar of Trinita dei Monti in RomeLook for the map inside the church that describes the artwork in the chapels. The altar has a painting of the “Sacred Heart of Jesus.” The Sacred Heart  is one of the most famous religious devotions to Jesus’ physical heart as the representation of his divine love for humanity. Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ http://www.vino-con-vista.com Trinita dei Monti in Rome “Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Floor plan of Trinita dei Monti

Trinita dei Monti in Rome

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