Pristine Sardinia, like Sicily, is an island that has historically been plagued by foreign invaders because of its strategic location in the Mediterranean.  It is characterized by soaring cliffs, beautiful beaches and granite coasts.

Italiano: stemma della Regione Sardegna. English: coat of arms of Sardinia Region. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1861, Sardinia became part of a Unified Kingdom of Italy.  Vittorio Emanuele II, of the Royal House of Savoy, was the son of Charles Alberto of Sardinia and Mary Therese of the Hapsburg Empire. He was born in Turin and was the King of Sardinia from 1849-1861. He became the leader of the new monarchy when Italy unified in 1861.  He reigned until his death in 1878.  When Italy unified in 1861, Rome retained papal status and Venice was still under Austian rule for an additonal decade.

Prior to the unification in 1861, the Phoenicians, Cartheginians, Romans and Spanish invaded and influenced the customs, culture, language and cuisine of Sardinia.  To get to magical Sardinia by air, fly into the main airports in Alghero, Olbia and Cagliari. Ferries from the mainland dock at Cagliari, Olbia and Porto Torres.

Sailing From Sardinia to Sicily (Photo credit: Nouhailler)

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediteranean and small enough to drive across in one day.  There are 1.6 million residents and 3 million sheep.  Like Sicily, this coastal paradise evolves from a mountainous center.

Sea hurchin fishing in Alghero Sardinia Italiano: Pesca del riccio di mare ad Alghero Sardegna Català: Pesca d’eriçons de mar a L’Alguer (Sardenya) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alghero is an idyllic former Catalan Colony on the western side of Sardinia. It is called the Coral Riviera.  Alghero’s Centro Storico (old town), is protected by ancient walls.  This charming citadel has labyrinthine cobblestone streets and glorious towers.  Each year they host a car race.

Visit the 16^th century Catalan Gothic Duomo in “Little Barcelona.”  The Duomo has a majolica dome and a high altar filled with beautiful statues and houses the Diosesan Museum of Sacred Art.  Climb the bell tower behind the Cathedral for beautiful views.  The restored 14^th century Chiesa di San Francesco has summer concerts.  Travel about five miles to see the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju.

Piazza Sulis in Alghero (Sardinia), Italy. Italiano: Piazza Sulis ad Alghero (Sardegna), Italia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best beaches are in the north.  Arrange a boat tour from the harbor to Capo Caccia.  Then travel by boat to the Grotta di Nettuna or Grotta Verde where these cave lakes have amazing stalagmites and stalagtites.

Cheeses and sausages from Sardinia Island (Alghero Public Market) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of the best meals I have ever had was @ Andreini on Via Ardoino in Alghero.  Order the Tagliolini in Crosta di Pecorino.  They prepare the pasta in a flaming wheel of pecorino cheese with sage and bottarga.  Then order the the roast suckling pig.  Save room for the chocolate cake with lemon sorbet.

To learn more about Italy visit www.vino-con-vista.com and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Liguria is thin crescent-shaped coastal strip of land on a mountain range that borders the sea. It is divided into two sections: a western coastline on the French border near San Remo and an eastern coastline that houses the Cinque Terre and Portovenere on the Mare Ligure.

Genoa is the regional capital of Liguria and lies at about the midpoint of these two areas that comprise the Ligurian Riviera. The illustrious Portofino Peninsula is southeast of Genoa, one of the most exclusive coastal resort areas in Italy.

The Genoa Cathedral. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Porto Venere is located on the Ligurian coast of Italy in the province of La Spezia. It comprises the villages of Fezzano, Le Grazie and Porto Venere. There are three islands near Porto Venere: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto.

Via dell’Amore – Riomaggiore (Photo credit: Ciccio Pizzettaro)

Porto Venere (Photo credit: anroir)

In 1997, Porto Venere and the villages of Cinque Terre were designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Portovenere, Liguria, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vernazza town in Liguria, Italy. Nederlands: Cinque Terre: Vernazza (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Cinque Terre includes “Five lands” that cling to the cliffs of the Riviera di Levante including Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. The scenic Ligurian Coast between Cinque Terre and Portovenere presents a fascinating landscape.

Riomaggiore, the first village of the Cinque Terre. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The pristine layout of the seaside villages and small towns are characterized by steep mountain slopes that are engulfed by the splendor of the sea. The local residents have overcome the disadvantages of a steep, uneven terrain by creating an agricultural economy using terraced vineyards. These mesmerizing “Five Lands” overlooking the sea provide a seductive walking promenade called the “Via dell’Amore” (Lovers’ Road).  The path is between the cities of Manarola and Riomaggiore.

The cuisine of the Cinque Terre is very flavorful and highly dependent upon fresh local ingredients. Try some regional pasta in pesto sauce or local savory pies like torte di verdure with fresh vegetables or torta di riso with rice. Frittate is very popular in Liguria. The fish soup and stuffed anchovies are delicious.

The Cinque Terre vineyards produce mostly white Cinque Terre wines from Vermentino grapes. The area is home to a number of fine terraced vineyards that are carved into the mountains. The most famous Ligurian wine from this region is a white dessert wine called Sciacchetra that is crushed from partially dried grapes. It was considered the “wine of the gods” in the ancient Roman Empire.

Vernazza town in Liguria, Italy. Vernazza is in the cinque terre region. Français : Le village de Vernazza, dans les cinque terre, en Ligurie (Italie). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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Take a short bus ride from Palermo to the delightful resort town of Mondello where wealthy Palermitani erected splendid art nouveau villas.  It is surrounded by Monte Gallo and Monte Pellegrino.  The 15^th century watchtowers protect the bay. Here’s a link to an interesting video about the area

http://www.5min.com/Video/Visit-Palermo-in-Sicily-256546491

Dine on the terrace of Ristorante Charleston in Mondello on Via Regina Elena overlooking the bay for an incredible “Vino con Vista.”  Order the “Risotto ai Sapori di Sicilia” (Sicilian flavored risotto) and earn your Buon Ricordo plate covered with hand-painted citrus fruits.  Have a glass of Bianco D’Alcamo as you gaze at the incredible Conca d’Oro hills that curve around the bay. Go to the beach and swim in the delightful azure water. There is an annual beach festival in the second week of May.

DGJ_2131 – Chapel of Saint Rosalia (Photo credit: archer10 (Dennis) OFF)

Monte Pellegrino (Photo credit: ingirogiro)

Then travel to Monte Pellegrino. Perched at the top of Monte Pellegrino you can visit the sanctuary of Saint Rosalia.  Her statue welcomes visitors to the sanctuary that was erected over a cave where she lived and prayed.  She dedicated herself to a life of prayer and penance.

golden saint rosalia. (Photo credit: gr0uch0)

Monte Pellegrino in Palermo (Riserva naturale Monte Pellegrino) Monte Pellegrino in Palermo (Riserva naturale Monte Pellegrino) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

She died in 1166 and was beatified and adopted as the patron saint of the city of Palermo.  One of the miracles attributed to her is the end of the Plague that ravaged Sicily in the 17^th century.  It was brought in by a Tunisian ship in 1624.

26.08.2000 – Palermo, Monte Pellegrino, Santa Rosalia (Photo credit: cercamon)

Faithful followers climb to the sanctuary every September 4^th on a pilgrimage.  The water that drips from the cave is believed to be miraculous.  The marble figure of the Saint is clothed in a golden cape donated by Charles III of Bourbon.  An annual procession in July carries Saint Rosalia through town. Her statue is carried on a float drawn by oxen from Monte Pellegrino into town.

Italiano: Monte Pellegrino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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Andrea di Pietro (1508-1580) was known as Palladio. He was a stone mason’s apprentice who became the most influential architect of his generation. Palladio’s urban dwellings and villas are scattered throughout the Venato. His Palladian architectural principles gained world-wide prominence in the 18^th century.

A villa with a superimposed portico, from Book IV of Palladio’s I Quattro Libri dell’Architettura, in a modestly priced English translation published in London, 1736. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Palladio in Vicenza (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Palladian Villa is characterized by pillared porticos and arches. Unfortunately, fourteen of his villas were destroyed by World War II bombs.

Vicenza was founded in the 2^nd century B.C. and prospered under Venetian rule from the 15^th to 18^th centuries. A large concentration of Andrea Palladio’s  distinctive buildings are concentrated in or near the town of Vicenza that gained UNESCO status in 1994.

Interior from La Rotunda by Andrea Palladio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Palazzo del Capitanio, Vicenza. Arch. Andrea Palladio (1565) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Villa Rotonda, Veneto, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The distinctive “Palladian” architectural style was transported from Vicenza and ultimately influenced architects around the world. His concepts of balance and grace changed the paradigm for urban design and architectural excellence. His architectural principles inspired the White House, Monticello and many of the buildings constructed in St. Petersburg by Russian Czars. He was profoundly influenced by classical Roman architecture and the work of Vitruvius.

Engraving from Colen Campbell, Vitruvius Britannicus vol. 3, 1725. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To learn more about UNESCO sites in Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

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Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These churches define the crossroads of Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via di Ripetta in Rome. This area is called il Triente.

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Main Altar, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Rome Deutsch: Hauptaltar der Kirche Santa Maria in Montesanto, Rom (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The two charming churches of Santa Maria di Montesanto (left) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli are brimming with interesting art.

Main Altar, Santa Maria in Montesanto, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria di Montesanto was erected first (1678) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli a few years later (1681).

Santa Maria in Montesanto was built over a church with the same name that was built on Via del Babuino. It was occupied by Carmelite monks. The name Montesanto means Holy Mountain and was named after Mount Carmel in Israel. Cardinal Gerolamo Gastaldi was instrumental in the construction of the church. It was completed in 1675. A belfry was added in the 18th century.

Saint Lucy, 1521, is a High Renaissance recasting of a Gothic iconic image. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a lovely chapel dedicated to Saint Lucy. She is the patron saint of the blind.

There is also a Chapel dedicated to Santa Maria Magdelena de Pazzi who was cannonized by Pope Clemente XI in 1669. Carlo Maratta painted a beautiful altarpiece in the church, “Madonna with Child and Saints Francis and Jacob.”

Pedro de Moya – Vision of St Maria Magdalena di Pazzi – WGA16308 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a bust of Carlo Maratta in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome near the Termini Train Station. The presbytery has angels by Filippo Carcani with a 15th century altarpiece, “Virgin of Montesanto.” The columns are from Bernini’s bell tower at St. Peter’s Basilica

Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rome, Italy: bust of painter Carlo Maratta (1625-1713). It was designed by Carlo Maratta himself, who had his brother Francesco Maratta work at the sculptures. Picture by Giovanni Dall’Orto, June 17 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Campo Marzio – Piazza del Popolo Santa Maria dei Miracoli 1000132 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The high altar of Santa Maria dei Miracoli has the miraculous image of Our Lady of Miracles. There is a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Betharram, named after a shrine in Lourdes France. The image of the sacred Madonna is on the high altar is surrounded by four marble angels by Antonia Raggi. Raggi was a student of Bernini who mastered the art of theatrical angels.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli, above main altar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

It is an Augustinian church in the Piazza del Popolo where Pope Paschal II built an oratory ofver the tombs of the Roman Domitia family. It is Iocated at the foot of the Pincian Hill.

The church is very special and has almost as much artistic wealth as St. Peter’s Basilica. It includes treasures 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.

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The original church was built on this site in 1099.  Bramante and Bernini made additions to the structure. Santa Maria del Popolo is packed with priceless art. Two of the Chigi cardinals are buried here. So is Cardinal Della Rovere. I love the kneeling skeleton floor medalion with the Chigi coat of arms.

Visit the gorgeous Della Rovere Chapel and be sure to admire the The oldest stained glass window in Rome by the French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. The tombs of Cardinals Ascanio Sforza and Girolama Basso della Rovere were designed by Andrea Sansovino and are located in the apse that was designed by Bramante.

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The Cerasi Chapel has two paintings 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.

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Caravaggio’s The Conversion on the Way to Damascus

I love the painting between the two Caravaggio paintings.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The altarpiece is the Assumption of the Virgin by Annibale Carracci; surrounded by marble columns and surmounted by a beautiful window. 

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

“Jonah and the Great Fish” was done 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 circular medallion portraits on the Pyramidal tombs of Agostino and Sigismondo Chigi.

Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome, Italy: Chigi chapel. Adolfo Apolloni – Monument to Agostino Chigi (1915). Picture by Torvindus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria del Popolo, Capella Chigi, Roma, (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the inscription on the floor of “Death”, Bernini added the inscription, “Death is the way to Heaven.”

In the dome, God the creator of the heavens is surrounded by the symbols of the planets guided by angels.

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.

In Santa Maria del Popolo,  the Della Rovere Chapel has a beautiful fresco by Pinturicchio depicting the Nativity and the life of St. Jerome.

The Cybo Chapel has sixteen columns of Sicilian jasper with an altarpiece by Carlo Maratta, “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.

After all that magnificent art, 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.

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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

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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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)

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)

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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Image by Stephen and Therese Jennings via Flickr

Italiano: Affreschi del Sancta Sanctorum della Scala Santa. Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In close proximity to the archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, visit the Holy Stairs or “La Scala Sancta.” For centuries, the Scala Sancta has attracted Christian pilgrims. These pilgrims come to honor the Passion of Jesus.

The building was designed by Domenico Fontana in 1589.  It houses two surviving parts of the old Lateran Palace.  One is the pope’s private chapel (Sancta Sanctorum) and the other is the Holy Staircase (Scala Santa).  The 28 steps, said to be those that Christ ascended in Pontius Pilate‘s house during his trial, were brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena in approximately 325 A.D.

Christ before Pontius Pilate, Mihály Munkácsy, 1881 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fresco at the Scala Sancta in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When the Lateran Palace was destroyed in the late 16th century, Pope Sixtus V had the steps moved to their present site.  No foot may touch the holy steps, so they are covered by wooden boards.  They may be climbed but only on your knees, a penance that is performed especially on Good Friday.

Scala Sancta: the sacred stairs, exterior (Photo credit: SpirosK)

In Jerusalem, you can visit the Chapel of the Ascension near the top of the Mount of Olives. It is a Christian and Muslim holy site that is believed to depict the place where Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. There is a small church/mosque with a stone imprinted with his footprint. Prior to the time of Emperor Constantine, Christians honored his Ascension by meeting in a cave out of concern for their safety. Constantine’s mother Helena was instrumental in marking this spot with a memorial chapel at the end of the 4th century.

Other highlights of this building include the sculpture, Ecce Homo, by Giosue Meli in 1874.  The Scala Santa lead to the Chapel of St. Lawrence, or Sancta Sanctorum, built by Pope Nicholas III in 1278.  This chapel contains many important relics, the most precious being an image of Jesus, the Acheiropoeton, or “picture painted without hands.” It is believed to be the work of St. Luke, assisted by an angel.  The image was taken on procession in medieval times to ward off plagues.

There are three surviving monuments from the original Lateran Palace. Two of these monuments are located in one building built by Domenico Fontana in 1589. These monuments are the Scala Santa and the Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum. The third monument is the Triclinium of Leo III, which can be seen on the structure at the top of the stairs facing the archbasillica of St. John Lateran. Under the roofline, there is an incredible mosaic in the apse. In the center mosaic, Christ is surrounded by his Apostles.

Lateran Triclinium of Leo III, near the Scala Sancta; Jesus is surrounded by his Apostles under the roofline in the aspe.

The Scala Sancta are marble stairs that were brought  from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 AD by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine.  According to legend, these are the stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to his trial with Pontius Pilate after he was betrayed by Judas.

Lateran Scala Sancta Ecce Homo statue

This was the staircase that lead  to the praetorium of  the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Jesus was crucified in Calvary during the prefecture of Pontius Pilate, who governed Judaea from 26 to 36 AD.  In the Middle Ages these stairs were known as Scala Pilati, the Stairs of Pilate.

Lateran Scala Sancta Judas statue

Lateran Scala Sancta Jesus Statue

The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) consists of twenty-eight wooden steps that encase white marble steps. They are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his Passion. The marble stairs are visible through openings in the wooden risers. The Sanctury can be visited during these hours:

Scala Sancta sign

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. When Sixtus V in 1589 destroyed the old papal palace and built the new one, he ordered the Holy Stairs be transferred to their present site, before the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies).

The stairs lead to the Sancta Sanctorum  which is the personal chapel of the early Popes in the Lateran palace, the chapel deicated to St. Lawrence. This is the only remaining part of the former Lateran Palace. The name is derived from the many precious relics preserved there. The Sancta Sanctorum also contains the celebrated image of Christ which on certain special occasions was carried through Rome in procession. These holy treasures have not been seen by anyone since Leo X (1513-21).

Lateran Oratorium near Scala Sancta

Lateran Scala Sancta altar

The Scala Sancta are covered with a layer of protective walnut wood boards. These Holy Stairs are flanked by additional sets of stairs for common use on both sides  because the Holy Stairs may only be ascended on one’s knees in devout prayer. This devotion is favored by religious pilgrims and faithful Christians who are seeking an indulgence, especially on Fridays and during in Lent. In 1908, Pius X granted a plenary indulgence to be gained as often as the stairs are devoutly ascended after confession and communion. Imitations of the Scala Sancta have been erected in various places, such as in Lourdes and in some convents of nuns. Some indulgences are also associated with these stairs.

Lateran Scala Sancta stairs praying

In 1589, Pope Sixtus V relocated the steps to their present location in front of the ancient Palatine Chapel (Il Sancta Sanctorum).

Lateran Il Sancta Sacntorum

The decoration of the Scala Sancta was one of the major refurbishment exercises of the papacy of Sixtus V, led by Cesare Nebbia and Giovanni Guerra. Many artists were enlisted to decorate the premises with statues and  frescoes including:  Giovanni Baglione, Giacomo Stella, Giovanni Battista Pozzo, Paris Nogari, Prospero Orsi, Ferraù Fenzoni, Paul Bril, Paulo Guidotti, Giovanni Battista Ricci, Cesaro Torelli, Antonio Vivarini, Andrea Lilio, Vicenzo Conti Baldassare Croce, Ventura Salimbeni and Antonio Scalvati.

Lateran Scala Sancta ceiling

Pray these prayers as you ascend the steps:

At the foot of the Holy Staircase, before beginning your ascent
on your knees, recite:

“My Jesus, by the merits of your passion, I pray that you inspire
in me feelings of faith, of hope, and of charity, and that you grant
me pardon for my sins, while I, having decided to change my
life, proceed to climb the Staircase, which I venerate as a memento
of your sacrifice and as a spur to trusting in your mercy in this
life and to getting myself ready for eternal salvation in the next.
Amen.”

1st Step:
My Jesus, by the anxiety that oppressed you in taking leave of
Holy Mary and of your beloved disciples, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

2nd Step:
My Jesus, by the mortal anguish that made you sweat living
blood in the olive garden, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

3rd Step:
My Jesus, by the bitterness that Judas’s betrayal caused you,
have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

4th Step:
My Jesus, by the confusion felt in the ways of Jerusalem, exposed
as you were to the taunts of the vulgar crowd, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

5th Step:
My Jesus, by the meekness you displayed before the tribunal,
have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

6th Step:
My Jesus, by the patience you exercised during the mocking and
the insults that preceded your sentencing, have pity upon me!  Holy
Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

7th Step:
My Jesus, by the fatigue you felt on climbing up and descending
this staircase a number of time, have pity on me!  Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed
in my heart!

8th Step:
My Jesus, by the silence you met the false witnesses with, when
they accused you before Pilate, have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in
my heart!

9th Step:
My Jesus, by the humility with which you let yourself be jeered
at and dressed as a madman in Herod’s court, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

10th Step:
My Jesus, by the shame suffered on seeing yourself stripped of
your clothing and chained to a column, have pity upon me!  Holy
Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

11th Step:
My Jesus, by the torment of your pitiless flagellation, have pity
upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

12th Step:
My Jesus, by the agony caused by the spines that pierced your
head, have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about
that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

13th Step:
My Jesus, by the humiliation suffered when you were dressed
in a mantle of purple, with your eyes blindfolded and saluted in a
parody of how a king is saluted, have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in
my heart!

14th Step:
My Jesus, by the pain you felt on being presented to the people
that cried out that you were to be sentenced to death, have
pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

15th Step:
My Jesus, by the insult undergone in being put Bar Abbas, have
pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

16th Step:
My Jesus, by the resignation with which you embraced the cross
and walked up to Calvary, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!  Ah!
Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

17th Step:
My Jesus, by the sadness you felt in meeting your afflicted
mother Mary, have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it
about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

18th Step:
My Jesus, by the efforts you tolerated in your trip to Calvary,
burdened by the weight of the cross, have pity upon me!  Holy
Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

19th Step:
My Jesus, by the disgust that the bitter drink of wine mixed
with gall procured you, have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

20th Step:
My Jesus, by your suffering on feeling your clothes torn
from your bleeding and sore-strewn flesh, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

21st Step:
My Jesus, by the strength with which you lay down upon
the cross and let your hands and feet be pierced with nails,
have pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that
the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

22nd Step:
My Jesus, by the infinite love that induced you to pardon
those who had crucified you and to pray for them, have
pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

23rd Step:
My Jesus, by the generosity with which you promised
paradise to the repentant assassin and, through John, gave
to the faithful Holy Mary as a mother have pity upon me!
Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

24th Step:
My Jesus, by the cruel thirst that sharpened the torments
of your frightful agony, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

25th Step:
My Jesus, by the horror you felt on feeling forsaken by
the Father and cursed by men, have pity upon me!  Holy
Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

26th Step:
My Jesus, by the love with which you sacrificed your life
to reconcile me with God and make me worthy of eternal
salvation, have pity on me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it
about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

27th Step:
My Jesus, by the wound in your side, from which the
church, mother and teacher of its faithful, was born, have
pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

28th Step:
My Jesus, by the tears Holy Mary shed, she having
hugged you in her arms and arranged you in the tomb, have
pity upon me!  Holy Mother!  Ah!  Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

You have finally reached the top top of the Holy Staircase.
Let us pray:

“Oh God, in whose passion a sword of grief, according to
Eimon’s prophecy, pierced the sweet soul of the glorious
virgin and mother.  Mary grant that, in celebrating with
veneration your grief, we may earn the fruits of your passion.
You, who live and reign forever and ever.  Amen!”

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

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see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Portrait recadré de Giorgio Vasari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Uffizi houses art that was bequeathed by the Medici family and is the oldest art gallery in the world. The Uffizi contains the highest concentration of Renaissance art in the world.  The gallery owns about 4,800 works of art including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, furniture and pottery. The coves on the  of the exterior of the building are occupied by

Vasari, Giorgio 1511 – 1574 Cosimo I de’ Medici surrounded by his Architects, Engineers and Sculptors 1555-8 fresco Palazzo Vecchio, Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The building that contains the gallery was built for Cosimo I.  It was created as a U-shaped administrative center of the Grand Duchy.  The museum was originally designed by Vasari in 1560. The interior of the structure is splendid.  Vasari was the court architect and master of public works for the Medici family. It was later linked to the Palazzo Vecchio to allow rulers to safely cross the city via the Vasari Corridor. Then it was linked to the Loggia dei Lanzi by Buonatalenti. The Vasari Corridor runs from the Palazzo Vecchio to the Uffizi to the Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens. It was created during the reign of Cosimo (1519-1574) to connect the seat of government with the court and residence at the Pitti Palace located on the left bank of the river.

Italians (from top, left to right): Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Alessandro Volta, Guglielmo Marconi, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Maria Montessori, Giordano Bruno Italiano: Italiani (dall’alto, da sinistra a destra): Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Alessandro Volta, Guglielmo Marconi, Maria Gaetana Agnesi, Maria Montessori, Giordano Bruno (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Uffizi 08, Leonardo Da Vinci (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Uffizi (Photo credit: eblaser)

1. Leonardo da Vinci, the great master of the Renaissance earned the title “Universal Man.”  He was a celebrated painter, sculptor, architect, engineer and scientist.

The Mona Lisa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci, Galleria dell’ Accademia, Venice (1485-90) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some of the other famous Italians that watch over the magnificent Uffizi masterpieces include:

Nicola Pisano, statue at the Uffizi in Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Nicola Pisano carved the pulpit in the baptistry in Pisa and the ivory Virgin and Child (1300) in Pisa’s high altar in the Duomo.

3. Giotto (1266-1337) is regarded as the father of the Renaissance. Visit his famous frescoes in the Scrovengi Chapel in Padua.

Français : Agnus Dei au fronton de l’entrée du Campanile de Giotto, à Florence, Italy. English: Agnus Dei, pediment of the entry of the Giotto’s bell tower in Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Giovanni Dupré (1817-1882), Statua di Giotto (1845), sita a Firenze presso la Galleria degli Uffizi. Fotografata da Frieda (dillo a Ubi) il 18 settembre 2004. English: Giovanni Dupré (1817-1882), Giotto (1845). Statue on the facade of the Uffizi Gallery. Français : Giovanni Dupré (1817-1882), Giotto (1845). Statue du piazzale des Offices. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Donatello was the first Western sculptor to create a free standing nude.  See his David (1430) in the Bargello.

Donatello’s genius made him an important figure in the early Italian Renaissance period. His works include St John the Baptist as a Youth, his Marzocco (the Florentine heraldic lion) and his famous mature work of the bronze David. This is located in the Bargello Palace and Museum. Français : Sculpture de David en bronze, réalisée par Donatello entre 1430 et 1432. Elle est conservée au palais du Bargello de Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Statua di Donatello, sita a Firenze presso gli Uffizi. Fotografata da Frieda (dillo a Ubi) il 18 settembre 2004. English: Statues at the Uffizi, on the facade of the Gallery building. Famous florentines: Donatello. Picture by used Frieda, September 18 2004. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Medici Family: Lorenzo the Magnificent, retouched (removed text, white balance) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Lorenzo Medici became the ruler of Florence in 1469 and was Pope Leo X’s father. Lorenzo de’ Medici is buried in the Medici Chapel in Florence.

Bust of Lorenzo de’ Medici by Verrocchio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pictures are public domain taken from Wikimedia. Galileo Galilei, Michelangelo, Alessandro Volta, Guglielmo Marconi, Leonardo da Vinci, Giordano Bruno. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

6. Michelangelo’s magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling (1512) and “Last Judgment” (1541) are located in the Vatican Museums in Rome “The Last Judgment” was painted above the altar wall of the chapel and portrays souls of the dead rising up to face the wrath of God for damnation or salvation. Visit his tomb at the Franciscan church of Santa Croce.

Michelangelo Buonarotti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Attributed to Michelangelo: Pietà Palestrina. Galleria dell’Academia, Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Grave of Michelangelo in Santa Croce in Firenze. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

To learn more about Italian art and wine visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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