Tag Archives: Baroque

April 12, 2013 · 11:41 am

Francesco Borromini’s Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome

Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza is located on Corso del Rinascimento at the end of the Palazzo della Sapienza courtyard. It is the only church in Rome with a corkscrew, twisted spiral spire. The corkscrew spiral was the inspiration for the spire of Vor Frelsers Kirke in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza by Francesco Borromini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This Baroque church was built between 1642 and 1660 in the ancient courtyard of the Università la Sapienza (University of Knowledge), by Francesco Borromini.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

This was originally the chapel church of the University of Rome (La Sapienza). Sapienza means “Knowledge” and it was the first university founded in Rome.

Click here to watch a video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0xzXhJ-_-E.

The façade is decorated with columns that are incorporated into the walls. There are semi-circular arched windows which rise toward the spiral capital that is supporting the cupola.

On the main altar, there is a painting depicting the following Saints: Ives, Leo, Pantaleone, Luke, Catherine of Alexandria, in “The Glory of the Saints” (1661) by Pietro da Cortona. This university in Rome is dedicated to its namesake, Saint Ives (patron saint of the jurists). He is considered ” The Advocate of the Poor.”

Image via Wikipedia

Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza was consecrated in 1660 and was built by the architect Francesco Borromini. Since one of the distinctive characteristics of the church is the beautiful corkscrew spire on the dome; for 15 years after placing the spire on the roof, Borromini was responsible for it in case it collapsed. Inside the church, you can also admire the portrait of Saint Ives on the altar.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

The church of Saint Ives was built under the direction of Cardinal Barberini. You can observe the Barberini Bees on the facade of the church.

SantIvo Dome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The church began as a chapel of the palace of the University of Rome. The University is called La Sapienza, and the church is devoted to Saint Yves.

Borromini SantIvo Cut (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

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

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Filed under Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome, Churches in Rome

Tagged as Architecture, Art, Baroque, Borromini, Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome, Churches in Rome, Churches of Rome, Copenhagen, Francesco Borromini, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, History, Italy, Piazza Navona, Rome, Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, Sapienza, Sapienza University of Rome

April 8, 2013 · 8:31 am

The Truth about Bernini’s Baroque “Fountain of the Four Rivers” in Piazza Navona in Rome

: Image via Wikipedia

Piazza Navona is Rome’s fabulous Baroque piazza. The charming cafes and famous fountains make it the perfect “Vino con Vista” destination.

The “Fontana dei fiumi” (Fountain of the four rivers) by Gianlorenzo Bernini in piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. Picture by Alers, August 2004. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was originally Emperor Domitian’s Circus Agonalis, an oblong sports stadium and the remnants are visible under the street.

The piazza is located in the center of Centro Storico. The area has been inhabited for over 2000 years and was built above Domitian’s ancient stadium designed for Olympic games in 85 AD.

English: Piazza Navona, Rome Français : La place Navone à Rome Italiano: Piazza Navona, Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Piazza Navona, Bernini’s sumptuous baroque “Fountain of the Four Rivers” graces the piazza; topped with the “Obelisk of Domitian.”

Pope Innocent X (Giovanni Battista Pamphilj) commissioned Bernini to design the fountain in 1651 near the Pamphilj Palace. The fountain was executed by a large group of sculptors under Bernini’s supervision.

The fountain symbolizes the four continents using symbolic figures of four rivers. The navigability of Ganges River is symbolized by a long oar and represents Asia. It was created by Claude Poussin.

The Danube represents Europe and touches the Pamphili papal coat of arms (symbolized by the Pamphilj dove) because it is the closest river to Rome. It was created by Antonio Raggi.

The Rio de la Plata (above on the right) is sitting on a pile of coins (plat means silver in Spanish) and symbolizes the Americas. It was sculpted by Francessco Baratta.

The Nile represents Africa and the head is cover with a veil because the river had an unknown source of water. It was sculpted by Antonio Fancelli.

Allegorical statue of river Danube. Detail from the “Fountain of the Four rivers” by Gianlorenzo Bernini, in Piazza Navona, Rome. 16/X/2005. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is rumored that Bernini intentionally placed a veil over the face of the “Nile” river statue to prevent the statue from looking at the façade of the church designed by his arch-rival Boromini. Boromini designed the church behind the fountain with the large dome and twin towers (St. Agnes in Agony). However, the façade of that church was actually completed after the fountain was finished.

“Fontana dei fiumi” (Fountain of the four rivers) by Gianlorenzo Bernini in piazza Navona in Rome, Italy: coat of arms of pope Innocentius X Pamphili. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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

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Tagged as Antonio Raggi, Baroque, Bernini, Centro Storico, Domitian, Domitian's ancient stadium, Domitian's Circus Agonalis, Fountain of the Four Rivers, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, obelisk of Domitian, Piazza Navona, Pope Innocent X Pamphilj, Rome Travel Guide, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

July 12, 2012 · 11:55 am

Magical Mondello Sicily and the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia

: Image via Wikipedia

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.

Riserva naturale Monte Pellegrino Palermo, Sicily Scuderie Reali (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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)

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Tagged as Baroque, Buon Ricordo Restaurants, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Palermo, Patron saint, Restaurants in Sicily, Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia, Sicily, Things to do in Palermo Sicily, Travel and Tourism

June 30, 2012 · 11:36 am

Alghero’s Enchanting Church of Saint Francis in Sardinia

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

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

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

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

Cloister of St. Francis

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

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

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

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

The Altar of the Church of Saint Francis

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

Christ at the Column

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

Facade of the Church of St. Francis

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

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

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

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Alghero’s Amazing Church of San Michele in Sardinia

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English: 16th century catalan city walls, Alghero, Sardinia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love Alghero Sardinia. There are so many interesting churches.

The church of San Michele is a Baroque church in Alghero on the northwest coral coast of Sardinia located on Via Carlo Alberto in Old Town. The Jesuit church of San Michele was built in the second half of the 17th century by the Ligurian master builder Domenico Spotorno who also worked on the Baroque rebuilding of the Cagliari and Ales cathedrals.

Facade of San Michele

The project was drawn up by the architect Domenico Spotorno. He was a native of Savona. He also designed the Cathedral of Ales and the reconstruction of the the cathedral in Cagliari .

It is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. The majestic dome is covered with colorful tiles created and designed by Antonio Simon Mossa and Filippo Figari in the mid-twentieth century. It was lovingly restored in 2007.

The Annunciation

The dome of the Church of San Michele

In 1503, this church became the cathedral pro tempore of the Diocese of Alghero while the actual cathedral was being completed, which is the cathedral of Santa Maria.

The simple facade of the building is made of sandstone. Above the wooden door, wrapped in a frame of trachyte , two marble statues representing the Annunciation, and a little higher up, a relief that symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

The interior of the church has a nave with a barrel vault and it is divided by arches resting on Corinthian columns.

Altar of San Michele

Archangel Michael has a significant presence in the church. His painting dominates the The Baroque high altar with an elaborate i8th century Spanish crucifix. His large wooden statue depicts him defeating a chained Satan under his feet. You can also find Michael in the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art a few blocks away.

Michael the Archangel

One of the chapels is dedicated to Our “Lady of the Arrow” with a large painting from 1652 hanging directly over a small elaborate niche with the statue of the Virgin of Valverde. The Shrine of Our Lady of Valverde is a few miles from the city and is the site of religious pilgrimages with momumental altarpieces by Genoese artists.

Virgin of Valverde

There are many lovely chapels in the church. The chapel in the left arm of the transept is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola. In the right arm of the transept there is a chapel, dedicated to St. Francis Xavier, one of the his early companions. There is a chapel with a painting that represents a “vision” of St. Teresa of Avila. One of the chapels on the left is dedicated to Immaculate Mary with scenes from the life of Madonna.

coat of arms of Sardinia Region. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

Visit “Little Barcelona” in Alghero Sardinia (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Alghero, Architecture, Baroque, Cagliari, Church of Saint Michael in Alghero Sardinia, Church of San Michele in Alghero Sardinia, Costa Smeralda, Italy, Mary (mother of Jesus), Michael the Arch angel in Alghero Sardinia, Porto Cervo, San Siro, Sardinia, Savona

May 12, 2012 · 11:19 am

The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence is the “National Pantheon”

: Image by linearmarlin via Flickr

Santa Croce is the church of the Franciscans and was built in the Italian gothic style. It was completed in 1442.

Français : La porte principale de la basilique de la Sainte-Croix (Santa Croce) à Florence, Italie. English: The main gate of Basilica Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Croce (Photo credit: Dorina Bernard)

The Neo-Gothic façade was re-clad in 1863 in pink, green and white Tuscan marble. It is located in the Piazza di Santa Croce.

Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy (Photo credit: SpirosK)

Tondo of an apostle by Luca della Robbia in the Pazzi Chapel, Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is dubbed the “National Pantheon” because it has tombs or centotaphs of the greatest Italians. A centotaph is a funerary monument without the remains of the deceased.

The six-pointed star in the central tympanum is Medieval and these rays symbolize St. Bernadino. In Christian art, there are many saints associated with this star: St. Bruno bears a star on his breast; Saint Dominic, Saint Humbert and Saint Peter of Alcantara have this star on their head or forehead.

The beautiful bell tower was rebuilt in 1842 by Gaetano Baccani because it was destroyed by a bolt of lightning in 1512.

Michelangelo’s tomb (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tondo of Saint Matthew the Evangelist on the dome of Pazzi Chapel, Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy (It has been suggested that it was the work of Donatello.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tondo of Saint John the Evangelist on the dome of Pazzi Chapel, Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy (It has been suggested that it was the work of Donatello.) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

South of the church, visit the secret garden and cloisters. The Pazzi Chapel was designed by Brunelleschi. It is set in front of the neo-Gothic bell-tower. The chapel is adorned by terracotta tondi of the apostles by Luca della Robbia and by roundels of the Evangelists by Donatello.

inside view of the Dome hidden in the portico of Cappella dei Pazzi, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tondo of an apostle by Luca della Robbia in the Pazzi Chapel, Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Main Chapel was commissioned by Jacopo degli Alberti. The polyptych on the altar was redone in the 19^th century and portrays the Virgin, Saints and Fathers of the Church crowned by a large crucifix by “Maestro de Figline” who worked in Giotto’s workshop. There is a beautiful Polyptych by Giotto and his pupils in the Baroncelli Chapel.

The Florentine Pantheon has tombs and monuments to legendary citizens. Many marble tombstones cover the floor of Santa Croce.

Renaissance tombs exalted the dead person’s achievements on earth. Most of the monuments is Santa Croce have designated allegorical figures to depict the earthly accomplishments of the deceased. The wall of the right nave contains the “Monument to Michelangelo” by Vasari (1570).

Michelangelo Buonarroti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo returned to Florence between in 1499–1501, after after the fall Girolamo Savonarola who was executed in 1498. Michelangelo was asked to complete a colossal statue portraying David that was started 40 years earlier by Agostino di Duccio.

David (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Statue of David would occupy a prominent spot in the Piazza della Signoria, in front of the Palazzo Vecchio. Today the statue outside the Palazzo Vecchio is a replica. The real David is in the Academia in Florence.

Michelangelo-Buonarroti-David-Replica-Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This famous sculpture was made from a marble block from the quarries at Carrara.

In 1505, Michelangelo was invited back to Rome by Pope Julius II to build the Pope’s tomb. He worked on the tomb for 40 years.

The tomb of Pope Julius II by Michelangelo and its statue of Moise in the basilica San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The tomb is located in the Church of S. Pietro in Vincoli in Rome and Michelangelo’s statue of Moses is the central feature.

Statue of Moses by Michelangelo, church San Pietro in Vincoli; Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When Michelangelo died, Vasari erected his tomb in Santa Croce. The sarcophagus is surrounded by allegorical figures of “Painting” by Battista Lorenzi, “Sculpture” by Valerio Cioli and “Architecture” by Giovanni dell’Opera. The bust of Michelangelo was carved by Lorenzi. The beautiful frescoes that flank the monument were done by Domenico Ghirlandaio.

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

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Tagged as Arts, Attractions in Florence, Baroque, Catholic Church, centotaph, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Donatello, Florence Flood, Florence Travel Guide, History, Italian Art, Italy Travel Guide, medieval art, Neo-gothic, Pantheon, Pazzi Chapel, Piazza di Santa Croce, Renaissance, Renaissance Florence, Santa Croce, St. Bernadino, Travel and Tourism, unesco, What is a tympanum, Who is buried at Santa Croce in Florence, World Heritage Site

May 10, 2012 · 11:06 am

Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City

: Image via Wikipedia

The Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and occupies 109 acres. It has been a sovereign state since 1929 and is ruled by the Pope.

Magnificent works of art are housed in the Holy City. Rome’s grand churches were built in the following order: Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical. Most of the exquisite Baroque monuments and buildings were erected during the 16^th and 17^th centuries. Many ancient churches have received newer facades.

Sack_of_Rome_by_the_Visigoths_on_24_August_410_by_JN_Sylvestre_1890. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On May 6, 1527, the Sack of Rome was perpetrated by German Lutheran and Spanish Catholic troops who resented the wealth of the papacy. The soliers entered the Vatican as Pope Clement VII was saying a mass in the Sistine Chapel. Swiss Guards were being slaughtered in St. Peter’s Square and the pope was brought to safety in Castel Sant’Angelo.

Sack of Rome of 1527 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter’s Basilica, believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, seen from the River Tiber. The iconic dome dominates the skyline of Rome. St. Peter’s Basilica from the River Tiber. The iconic dome dominates the skyline of Rome. Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Christianity became the dominant religion of Western Civilization when the Roman Empire converted to Christianity. St. Peter’s Basilica, believed to be the burial site of St. Peter, seen from the River Tiber. Saint Peter’s Basilica. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Roman Emperor Constantine (306-337 AD) joined the Christians and before he moved to Constantinople he built several churches in Rome. San Giovanni in Laterano, St. Peter’s Basilica and San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura were all built during Constantine’s reign. Talent and leadership abandoned the newly divided empire and successive waves of Barbarians invaded Rome including the Visigoths, Vandals and the Ostrogoths. By 800 AD, Emperor Charlemagne asserted papal authority and launched another power struggle between the Church and imperial authority. By 1309, the pope moved to the safety of Avignon.

Tomb of pope Julius II by Michelangelo, church San Pietro in Vincoli; Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome’s imperial legacy lived on in the Catholic Church where Roman senators became bishops, scholars became monks, and philosophers became theologians. The pope or high priest adopted the title originally held by the emperor; “Pontifex Maximus.” Look for this word in the Latin inscriptions in Rome. The grandeur of church rituals is reminiscent of the glory days of Julius Caesar.

The papacy’s supremacy returned to Rome in 1377. In the 1500’s, a glorious rebirth of Rome flourished when the popes invited the most talented architects, painters and sculptors to rebuild Rome’s grandeur during the Renaissance. On April 18, 1506 Pope Julius II (Giuliano Della Rovere) laid the cornerstone for the new Basilica of Saint Peter. Saint Peter’s magnificent basilica was built above the site where Peter the Apostlewas crucified, martyred and buried in the year 64.

Ancient statue of St. Peter in St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome. Possibly the work of Atnolfo di Cambio. Thought by some historians to be much older. Crop of original pic (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino (1481-82) Fresco, 335 x 550 cm Cappella Sistina, Vatican. Ελληνικά: Λεπτομέρεια από την νωπογραφία του Πιέτρο Περουτζίνο, Ο Χριστός Παραδίδει τα Κλειδιά στον Πέτρο, 335 x 600 cm, Καπέλα Σιξτίνα, Πόλη του Βατικανού. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter’s Basilica, originally built by Constantine from 324-329. Emperor Constantine built a glorious crown for St. Peter’s tomb over the site where his bones were preserved. St. Peter was the first apostle and the first pope. Since Rome is a place of pilgrimage, a “Scave Tour” is available with advanced reservations and allows you to visit the tomb of St. Peter and the archeological excavations beneath the basilica. Travel from the Baroque church to the Romanesque sanctuary to the Roman cemetery and tomb of Peter the Apostle. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar.

To learn more about Italy, visit www.vino-con-vista.com and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

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Tagged as Barbarians, Baroque, Catholic Church, Churches in Rome, Constantine, Constantinople, Emperor Constantine, Gothic, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Neo-Classical, Pontifex Maximus, Pope, Pope Clement VII, Roman Emperor, Roman History, Rome, Rome Travel Guide, Sack of Rome, Saint Peter, Saint Peter's Basilica, San Lorenzo Fuori le Mura, Sistine Chapel, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, unesco, Vatican, Vatican CIty, Vatican in Italy: UNESCO's Holy City, vino con vista

January 25, 2012 · 3:35 pm

Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas with Amazing Churches and Sumptuous Fountains

Image via Wikipedia

Rome‘s Spectacular Piazzas and quintessential squares are brimming with interesting historical and architectural landmarks. My favorite destinations in Rome involve Piazzas, Churches and Fountains.

Here’ are a few of my absolute favorite Vino con Vista Piazzas in Rome with sumptuous fountains and amazing churches:

1. Piazza Navona and Saint Agnes in Agony. Sant’Agnese in Agone is a 17th century Baroque church in Rome.

Image via Wikipedia

Image by Lawrence OP via Flickr

The church faces Piazza Navona‘s Fountain of the Four Rivers. This is where Saint Agnes was martyred in the ancient Stadium of Domitian during the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian on January 21, 304.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

2. Piazza del Popolo and Santa Maria del Popolo:

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Santa Maria del Popolo is an Augustinian church located in Rome, Italy. It occupies a prominent position in the Piazza del Popolo.

Image by mararie via Flickr

The church includes works by famous artists, architects and sculptors including: Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat and Donato Bramante. This square also houses twin churches across from Santa Maria del Popolo.

3. The Spanish Steps and Trinita dei Monte and Colonna del Immacolata:

The church of Trinità dei Monti is famous its commanding position above the Spanish Steps which lead down to the Piazza di Spagna.

Image via Wikipedia

The church and its surrounding area belong to the French State. In 1789, Pope Pius VI erected the obelisk (Obelisco Sallustiano) in front of the church. To see all the obelisks of Rome click here. The Scalinata has 138 steps and is the widest staircase in Europe. The Boat Fountain at the base of the stairs was designed by Pietro Bernini, the father of Gianlorenzo Bernini.

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4. Piazza della Republica and Fontana delle Naiadi:

The fabulous fountain in this square was originally the fountain of the Acqua Pia and was commissioned by Pope Pius IX in 1870. I love the graceful sculptures of Naiads by Mario Rutelli from Palermo. The naiads represented are the “Nymph of the Lakes (holding the swan), the Nymph of the Rivers (stretched out on a monster of the rivers), the Nymph of the Oceans (riding a horse that symbolizes the sea), and the Nymph of the Underground Waters (leaning over a mysterious dragon).”

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Piazza della Republica is located at the summit of the Viminal Hill next to the Termini station. Visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. It is directly in front of the fountain.

English: View on Piazza Barberini and the Trit...

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5. Piazza Barberini is located on Quirinal Hill. At the centere of the piazza is the Bernini‘s Fontana del Tritone or Triton Fountain. You can also find Bernini’s Fontana delle Api at this location. A short walk from the square on Via Venato will bring you to the lovely church of Santa Maria della Concezione where the bones of 4000 friars adorn the ossuary of the church. The cemetary is located directly below the chapels on the right side of the church. Two of the chapels have soil from the Holy Land. A sign in the final alcove reads: “You are what we once were; you will be what we are now.”

This church was founded by Cardinal Antonio Barberini and his tomb is in this church. The church is commonly refered to as The Church of the Capuchin Friars.

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English: Tomb of Saint Felix of Cantalice, in ...

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Walk up the hill and visit the the Palazzo Barberini. This Baroque palace is brimming with magnificent art! It is located at Galleria Nazionale D’Arte Antica, at Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13.

Check out Caravaggio’s magnificent painting of Narcissus. This rendition of the Greek mythological figure is damned for not returning the love of the nymph Echo.

He sees his own reflection in a pool of water. He is so captivated by his own reflection that he falls in love with himself and drowns in the pool.

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

Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Rome Tourist Sites – The Piazza Navona And Spanish Steps Neighborhoods (vino-con-vista.info)
Climb the Spanish Steps in Rome for a Panoramic Vista (vino-con-vista.info)
Travel to Italy – Rome and Venice (vino-con-vista.info)
Rome’s Spectacular Piazzas with Fountains (vinoconvistablog.me)
Christmas in Rome (vino-con-vista.info)

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Filed under Ancient Rome, Attractions in Rome near the Capitoline Museums, Best Attractions in Rome, Caravaggio, Rome's Spectacular Piazzas

Tagged as Baroque, Caravaggio, Diocletian, Florence, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fountain, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Italy, Narcissus, Piazza, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Navona, Rome, Sant'Agnese in Agone, Santa Maria del Popolo, Spectacular Piazzas and Fountains in Rome, Stadium of Domitian

January 15, 2012 · 1:41 pm

Marzipan Festival in Catania Sicily to Honor St. Agatha

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Catania Sicily has beautiful Baroque architecture. You can see the top of the spectacular volcano, Mount Etna. From February 3rd-5th make plans to attend the festival that honors Catania’s patron saint, Sant’Agata.

Three days of festivities revolve around sweets made from Marzipan.

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Catania is famous for its patron saint, Sant’ Agata. Her festival is held every February to celebrate her life.

The Piazza del Duomo, found at the heart of the city, has a fascinating Fountain of the Elephant (Fontana del Elefante) designed in 1736. It combines a lava stone elephant, dating from Roman times, with an enchanting Egyptian obelisk.

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

Mount Etna Erupts In Italy, Spews Hot Ash Into The Sky [Time Lapse Video] (inquisitr.com)
Eruption of Mt. Etna closes airport in Catania (theextinctionprotocol.wordpress.com)

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Filed under Catania Sicily Festival to honor Saint Agatha, Italy Travel Guides, Mount Etna, Sicilian Baroque, Sicily, Sicily Architecture, Sicily Art, Sicily History, Sicily Travel Guides

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Baroque, Catania, Mount Etna, Roman, Sant'Agata, Sicily

August 17, 2011 · 12:45 pm

The Most Spectacular Fountains in Rome

If you follow my posts, you know that I love Rome!

The glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular fountains. Some fountains support obelisks and others anchor famous piazzas. The fountains are built in different styles: Classical, Medieval, Baroque and Neoclassical. They run the gamut from simple to sublime.

The dramatic fountains of Rome host a cast of interesting allegorical figures that generally spew water from their mouths. Many Roman popes reconstructed ruined Roman acqueducts and built new fountains that generated a host of magnificent Baroque structures.

Here are some of the most Spectacular Fountains in Rome:

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1.Bernini‘s Boat Fountain

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2.Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers

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3. The Fountain in the Piazza of Santa Maria Trastevere

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4. The Pantheon Fountain

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5. The Trevi Fountain

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6. Fountain of the Triton in Piazza Barberini

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7. Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees

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8. The Fountain in front of Saint Peter’s Basilica

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9. The Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona, illustrates how the basins of Rome’s spectacular fountains are shaped in the form of chalices and have decorative elements including dolphins, tritons, theatrical masks and shells.