Tag Archives: Italy Travel Guide

April 8, 2013 · 8:31 am

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

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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

April 6, 2013 · 11:09 am

10 Reasons to Travel to Urbino: A UNESCO Site in Le Marche

: Image via Wikipedia

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: “Euclid of Megara” (lat: Evklidi Megaren), Panel from the Series ‘Famous Men’, Justus of Ghent, about 1474, Panel, 102 x 80 cm, Urbino, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. This picture is meant to represent the famous mathematician Euclid of Alexandria, who was, in medieval times, wrongly identified with Euclid of Megara, the disciple of Socrates. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Le Marche, not far from the Adriatic Sea, the savvy traveler will find the small hill town of Urbino. It is perched between the Foglio and Metauro Rivers.

Urbino (Photo credit: kekkoz)

Le Marche enjoys more than 100 miles of clean Adriatic coastline with long stretches of sandy beaches. The regional capital is Ancona where an annual “Summer Jamboree Festival” is held with bands from all over the world. www.summerjamboree.com

Urbino was declared a dukedom in the middle of the 15th century and has a Ducal Palace with cellars and servants quarters. Raphael and Bramante were famous local Renaissance artists. Urbino’s historic center has a magnificent array of medieval and well-preserved Renaissance buildings nestled in a picturesque countryside setting that was inscribed by UNESCO in 1998. The historic center has interesting sites that include: The Oratory of St. John the Baptist, Raphael’s birth house, the churches of St. Francis and St. Dominic, the Oratory of St. Gaetano, the cloistered convent of St. Claire and of the Church of St. Bernardino. There is a fabulous VIno con Vista panorama of the city from the Albornoz Fortress.

Battista Sforza, Duchess of Urbino. Portrait by Piero della Francesca. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Urbino’s illustrious past rivals Florence in terms of its cultural significance during the Renaissance. This town attracted many humanist scholars and Renaissance artists in the 15th century. These trailblazers ultimately influenced cultural developments elsewhere in Europe. Urbino became a Ducal city during the Renaissance.

For more information visit: http://www.le-marche.com/

Portrait of a Young Woman (best known as La Muta), Raphael, 1507-1508, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1. Urbino was the birthplace of Raffaello Sanzio in 1483. He lived at Casa Natale di Raffaello and his former residence warrants a visit. The birthplace of Raphael is a small 14th-century building with a charming interior courtyard. What was probably the artist’s first important work, a Madonna and Child, is located in the first-floor room where he was born in 1483. His superb artistic skills adorn the walls of the Vatican in his legendary “School of Athens” masterpiece.

Italiano: Scuola di Atene English: The School of Athens – fresco by Raffaello Sanzio (w) Español: La escuela de Atenas. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Urbino: Palazzo Ducale & Duomo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Visit the elegantly proportioned Palazzo Ducale that was built for Duke Federico da Montefeltro and his wife Battista Sforza as a defensive structure in 1460 designed by architect by Luciano da Laurana and Francesco di Giorgio Martini.

It is one of the most beautiful architectural works of the Italian Renaissance. The palace is perched high on a hill with panoramic views of the countryside. The façade of the palace is flanked by two dominating towers. Montefeltro was a patron of the arts who ruled Urbino from 1444-1482. The 3rd Sunday in August, attend “Festa del Ducca” in Urbino to honor the Duke.

Galleria Nazionale delle Marche (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. The palace houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche (The Marche National Gallery) and holds the most significant collection of Marchigiana art. This museum is the home to works by Raphael, Piero della Francesca, Tizano, Paolo Uccello and Luca Signorelli.

4. The elegant, Neo-Classical Duomo was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1789. It was done by Giuseppe Valadier, Architect of the Holy See.The impressive cathedral is in Piazza Duca Federico and has a beautiful painting of the “Last Supper” by Federico Barocci. The cathedral/Duomo was largely rebuilt in the late 18th century, during the papacy of Pius VII who completing the reconstruction left unfinished during the reign of Clement XI.

Urbino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Urbino, Marche, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. Have a “Vino con Vista” at La Vecchia Fornarina close to Piazza della Republica. It is the oldest restaurant in Urbino. Order some fish stew with a glass of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi (DOC) , a crisp white wine. Order some red Piceno (DOC) vino at the Mamiani Hotel on Via Bernini and enjoy the beautiful view. Duke Federico preferred sour cherry wine made from marasca cherries called Visner. After dinner, order some chocolate and sip some chilled Visner as you toast Federico Montefeltro. He was the enlightened lord that was instrumental in transforming this lovely city. Distilled wines like aniseed liqueurs are popular in this region (Mistra and Anisetta).

6. Visit the Umani Ronchi Winery. Try some Medoro Marche Sangiovese or Le Busche Marche Bianco (www.unmanironchi.com). Visit the International Wine Label Museum in Cupramontana.

7. A haven for Foodies, the cuisine has been influenced by Romagna to the north and Abruzzi to the south. From polenta to porchetta and white truffles, the regional specialties of the Marches include: ”Olive all’Ascolana” stuffed with mince, eggs, cheese and dipped in egg and breadcrumbs and fried in olive oil; Stoccafisso in Potacchio, Brodetto and Coniglio in Porchetta. Fossa cheese is aged while buried in a pit. “Vincisgrassi” is lasagne with mushrooms, truffles and chicken livers covered with bechamel sauce and baked to perfection. Cannelloni, maccheroncini di Campofilone and cresce tagliate are popular first courses in the Marche. In sea-side areas the “Arrosto Segreto” is made with mackerel, anchovies and sardines; this cooking process allows the fish to be cooked on both sides at the same time like a fish panini. In Urbino, the delicious braciola is stuffed and braised in white wine. Try some Prosciutto di Montefeltro. You can sign up for Cooking School at: http://www.latavolamarche.com

8. In August, attend the “Sagra delle Frittelle” of Massignano in the Ascoli Piceno fortress. This Fritter Fest is a 50 year old Italian Food Festival. The Macerata Opera Festival is held in Sferisterio from July 15 to August 15 www.maceratagallery.it.

9. More notable holy places include: the 14th-century Oratory of St John the Baptist with outstanding frescoes by Luca Signorelli and the 14th century Church of San Francesco with an interior that was redesigned in the 18th century. The Church of San Domenico is basically a 13th-century structure with an articulated portal that was added during the Renaissance period, surmounted by a beautiful oriel window by Luca della Robbia. The Santa Chiara and San Bernardino monasteries are good examples of Renaissance architecture.

10. Attend glorious “Holiday Festivals and Events” in the town of Candelara in December in the province of Macerata and also in the town of Fano in Giardini Amiani.

Italiano: Veduta della città di Urbino dalla collina del castello. Si ammira la Cattedrale e il Palazzo Ducale sulla sinistra. (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 Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

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Tagged as 10 Reasons to Travel to Urbino: A UNESCO Site in Le Marche, Adriatic Sea, Baroque Marvels Art Exhibition in San Severino Marche, Christmas in Italy, Christmas in Urbino, Federico Barocci, Federico da Montefeltro, Festa del Ducca in Urbino, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Holiday Events in Italy, italian food, Italian wine, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Luca Signorelli, Marche, Palazzo Ducale Urbino, Paolo Uccello, Raphael, Renaissance, School of Athens, The Marche National Gallery, Travel and Tourism, unesco, Urbino, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

December 9, 2012 · 10:37 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Pisa Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Pisa was a former Roman naval base and commercial port. Trade with Muslim Spain, North Africa and Lebanon generated tremendous wealth for this maritime power from the 11^th to 13^th centuries Arabic numerals were introduced to Europe through Pisa. By 1406, the city was conquered by Florence.

Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli (Photo credit: fondelli.nadia)

The UNESCO World Heritage site stands in a large green expanse, known as the “Field of Miracles” and was inscribed in 1987. The Piazza del Duomo houses a group of splendid monuments known throughout the world.

English: Interior view of the duomo of Pisa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some UNESCO photos of Pisa, Italy: http://www.ourplaceworldheritage.com/custom.cfm?&action=site&regionid=9&site_country=ITALY&site_name=Piazza del Duomo, Pisa &siteid=49

Pulpit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These four masterpieces of medieval architecture were influenced by Islamic architecture. They include: the Cathedral (1064), the Baptistry (1154), the Campanile (1173) which is the famous gravity defying “Leaning Tower of Pisa” and the cemetery (1277). The unstable subsoil caused the Tower to tilt and sudside. The cemetery houses Roman sarcophagi and frescoes damaged by WWII bombs that have beeen restored.

The Duomo of Pisa in the Piazza dei Miracoli, showing the Baptistry. The Leaning Tower cannot be seen. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pisa’s Duomo is considered the finest Pisan-Romaneque building in Tuscany with its tiered façade, colonnades, arcades and beautiful bronze doors. Giovani Pisano’s magnificent carved pulpit represents the life of Christ (1301-11). The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo contains casts of the fountain stones of each of the buildings beginning in 1064.

English: Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa), Pisa, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Andrea del Sarto’s “St Agnes and Lamb”; Tino da Camaino’s “tomb of Emperor Henry VII, as well as Cimabue’s 1302 mosaic “Christ in Majesty” are housed in the Duomo. In the Duomo Museum, Giovanni’s “Madonna and the Crucifix” was carved in ivory in 1299; the natural shape of the tusk contributes to her stance.

The Baptistry of the Cathedral of Pisa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Baptistry was designed by Diotisalvi, and structurally renovated between1990 and 1999. It contains a beautiful pulpit by Nicola Pisano and a font by Guido Bigarelli of Como.

Pisan artists had a great influence on monumental art in Italy from the 11th to the 14th century, which is reflected in the work of Bonanno and Giovanni Pisano. The National Museum of St. Matthew on the banks of the Arno River, has a wonderful collection of Tuscan painting and sculptures including: Francesco Traini’s “Scenes from the Life of St. Domenic”, Fra Angelo’s “Christ” and Donatello’s bust of San Rossore.

Holiday Events in Pisa

Attend Pisa’s 13th annual ”Unica Terra di Vino” on December 12th and 13th. This wine Festival will be held at the Stazione Leopolda and features 60 producers from the Pisa Province.

The 12th International Pisa Marathon is on December 19th and starts at the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Corso Italia and Borgo Stretto are draped with holiday lights. There are Holiday Markets on Via Paparelli, under the Logge di Bianchi and at Largo Ciro Menotti.

Attend the Pisa Gospel Festival on December 11th.

Christmas concerts will be held in many churches: the Church of San Nicola on December 5ht, Santo Stefano on December 10th and the church of San Francesco on December 19th featuring the music of Bach and Vivaldi.

Opera Primaziale will perform on December 18th in the Cathedral of Pisa in Piazza dei Miracoli.

The Church of San Martino will host a presepi exhibit until January 9th.

On December 29th attend the Volterra Mercato & Gusto.

Attend the 9th annual Cigoli Artistic Nativity Scene and Market of Solidarity at the Santuario Maria Madre dei Bambini in Cigoli Miniato. This is one of the largest nativity scenes in Tuscany.

English: Leaning Tower – Pisa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many “Vino con Vista” opportunities at the cafes near the Leaning Tower. In Marina di Pisa, have some lunch and a glass of Bianco Pisano at Miracles Café on Via P. Agostino da Montrefeltro on the seafront terrace. Visit the Castellina Maritima Winery on Via Bagnoli (www.terriccio.it). Order a Foresta on Via Litoraneaz for a great view.

There is a newly renovated Bagni Di Pisa Natural Spa Resort (www.bagnipisa.com). It was the former summer resort of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. For a real treat, stay at the Relais dell’Orologio on Via della Faggiol (www.relaisdellorologio.com).

There are two Buon Ricordo restaurants to in Pisa:

Ristorante Enoteca Dante e Ivana in Tirrenia @ Viale Tirreno. Enjoy the “Tomato Soup with Tyrrhenian batarga” to get the charming collector plate. It works well with a glass of Bianco Pisano di San Torpe. The seaside veranda is a lovely place to dine and enjoy the view.

Ristorante-Enoteca Del Duca inVolterra @ Via di Castello, 2. The signature dish is “Ribollita with wood pigeon and volterra truffles.” This soup should be accompanied by a glass of red wine. The restaurant is located in the prestigious Palazzo Inghirami.

: Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista

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

The Feast Day of Santa Lucia in Syracuse Sicily

: Image via Wikipedia

Santa Lucia (St. Lucy) was born in Siracusa (Syracuse) in 283. Syracuse became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sicily in 2005.

St. Lucy is the virgin martyr of Siracusa. She is also the patron saint of the blind and the patron saint of authors.

Cover of Mario Lanza

Listen to Mario Lanza sing her song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpP7heFjr0g. Here’s my favorite version by Elvis Presley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsCBZxpoqIc&feature=related

Martyrdom of St Lucy (predella 5) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every year on December 13th in Siracusa, the procession starts at the Piazza Duomo in Ortiga. A 16th century solid silver statue of Saint Lucy is brought from the Piazza del Duomo to the Basilica del Sepoloro outside the walls of the old town of Ortigia. This Basilica was built by the Normans in the 11th century. Adjacent to the Basilica, a baroque temple houses the burial place of Saint Lucy. Her holy relics were housed here intil 1039, when the Byzantine General Georgio Maniace took her remains to Constantinople as a tribute to Empress Theodora.

Santa Lucia of Syracuse (Photo credit: Paul Lowry)

Gregorio Tedeschi, Saint Lucy, a 1634 statue in the Chapel of the burial place of Saint Lucy at Syracuse, Italy. Picture by Giovanni Dall’Orto, May 20, 2008. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

During the 4th Crusade, the Venetians transported her remains to Venice and they are housed in the Church of Saints Geremia and Lucia. After the procession, the statue of Saint Lucy remains at the Basilica del Sepoloro for eight days and then it is returned to the Piazza del Duomo. Many devotees of Santa Lucia participate in the procession in bare feet to honor her.

Image by Toni Kaarttinen via Flickr

According to legend, she was born in the town of Syracuse on the island of Sicily, to a wealthy family. As she grew older she choose to live her life like that of St. Agatha, who was a revered saint in Catania. She vowed to remain a virgin and give her possessions to the poor and needy.

The name Lucia means light and is linked to her virtues; virginal rectitude. She lived prior to the Edict of Milan in 313 which allowed Christians the freedom to profess their religion. Prior to that time, Christians were persecuted for their belief in Christ.

Lucia was very generous and brought food to the many Christians who hid in underground tunnels. To find her way she would wear a wreath with candles while carrying the trays of food.

Her mother found a suitor for her to wed, but marriage was not in her plans. When she rejected her future husband, her whistle-blower fiancee reported her to the authorities and according to Diocletian‘s Law she was persecuted and stabbed in the throat with a spear for being a Christian on December 13, 304.

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Sicilians pay tribute to a miracle performed by St Lucy during a famine in 1582. At that time, she brought a flotilla of grain-bearing ships to starving Sicily, whose citizens cooked and ate the wheat without taking time to grind it into flour. Thus, on St. Lucy’s Day, Sicilians don’t eat anything made with wheat flour. Instead they eat cooked wheat called cuccia.”

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

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

Andersonville’s St. Lucia Festival of Lights in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)
Travel Sicily: Taormina, Siracusa, Mt. Etna (vino-con-vista.net)
Sicily (videos.vinoconvistablog.com)

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Tagged as Ancient Rome, Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro in Siracusa Sicily, Business and Economy, Caravaggio, Caravaggio's Seppellimento di Santa Lucia, Caravaggio's The Burial of Saint Lucy, Caribbean, Classic Santa Lucia Songs by Elvis Presley and Mario Lanza, Diocletian, Diocletian's Law, Edict of Milan, Elvis Presley, Italy Travel Guide, Mario Lanza, Mel Gibson, Persecution of Christians, Saint Agatha, Saint Lucia, Saint Lucy, Saint Lucy the Martyr, Saint Lucy's Day, Santa Lucia, Seppellimento di Santa Lucia in the Basilica in Siracusa, Sicily, Siracusa, Syracuse Sicily, The Feast of Saint Lucy in Syracuse Sicily, The Feast of Santa Lucia in Siracusa Sicily, Travel and Tourism, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

December 6, 2012 · 10:38 am

Buon Natale: Feast of Saint Ambrose and Holiday Events in Milan Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Milan was founded by the Gauls in the early 4^th century B.C. and grew rapidly following the Roman conquest in 222 B.C. By 1277, Archbishop Otto Visconti imposed hegemony over the city and 130 years of Visconti rule ensued. Gian Galeazzo Visconti (1351-1402) was a generous patron of the arts and initiated the construction of the magnificent Gothic Duomo made of white marble with 135 spires www.duomomilano.it.

December 7th is the Feast Day of Saint Ambrose, the Patron Saint of Milan. He was born in 339 and consecrated as the Bishop of Milan on December 7, 374. He served as the Bishop until his death in 397. This eloquent bishop was instrumental in spreading

Crypt of bishop Ambrose and two marthyrs, Saints Gervase and Protase. Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, Milan. (bodies aren’t totally sharp because they are behind a bad quality sheet glass) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Christianity and you can visit his mortal remains in the crypt of the Basilica of Sant’Ambroglio.

Drawing based on a statue of St. Ambrose (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He is also the Patron Saint of Bologna. St. Ambrose is one of my favorites because he is the Patron Saint of learning and students., The “Honey-Tongued Doctor” is portrayed with a beehive and bees in his iconography which symbolizes wisdom. He is also the patron saint of candle-makers and bee keepers.

The “Fiera di Sant’Ambroglio” is the city’s antique fair and takes place in Piazza Sant’Ambrogio from December 7-22. This event coincides with “The Fiera degli Oh Bej-Oh Bej.” This is a traditional annual outdoor street market held in Milan to honor Saint Ambrose from December 5th to the 8th. For 400 years it was held in front of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, built by Ambrose between 379-386 which is one of the oldest churches in Milan.

Benefattori dell’Ospedale: i Duchi della Milano quattrocentesca (Francesco Sforza e Bianca Maria Visconti) nell’atto di donare al Papa (Pio II Piccolomini) il bozzetto dell’erigenda Ca’ Granda (Photo credit: renagrisa)

This year the Festival will be held in The Square in front of Castello Sforzesco on Via Dante. Francesco Sforza, husband of Bianca Maria Visconti, became lord of the city in 1450. He ruled from the imposing Castello Sforzesco fortress until 1535. Today, the castle serves as a museum. Francesco Sforza built the present castle where the Visconti castle originally stood. The palace contains several art museums. The Torre del Carmine serves to enclose the fortress of the Visconti family. Michelangelo’s famous “Rondanini Pieta” (1564) can be admired in the Castello Sforzesco.

Castello Sforzesco (Photo credit: viiruone)

Mangia and have a “Vino con Vista” at the festival where you buy interesting gifts from over 400 stalls and can enjoy a porchetta sandwich, cioccolato con panna montala (hot chocolate) and some “Vino Brule” (mulled wine).

Here’s a recipe for Vino Brule

A bottle of red wine

1/3 cup sugar

3 cloves

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 stick of cinnamon

1 lemon peel

Stir wine over medium heat. Add sugar to dissolve. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Salute!!

The Teatro alla Scala in Milan, by night (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

December 7th is the official opening of the Opera Season in Milan at Teatro alla Scala which opened in 1778. Visit the Museo Teatrale that features vintage opera posters and a remarkable array of opera costumes. There will be a special concert on December 6, 2012 with a production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. For tickets visit: www.teatroallascala.org

Attend the Epiphany Parade of the Three Kings from the Duomo to the Church of Sant’Eustorgio on January 6th.

Milano castello sforzesco natale (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milan has an interesting wine bar called La Cantina di Manuela on via Cadore with outdoor tables for people-watching or a nightcap. Try a Rosso della Costa Collina del Milanese or Bianco dell Costa Collina dell Milanese with some Castel Magno cheese. The Lombardy region’s specialty wine is fizzy Franciacorta. Most of the wineries in Lombardy are outside the heavily industrialized city limits in towns located between the Alps and the Apennines including Bergamo, Sondrio, Brescia, Pavia and Mantua.

Image by underflowR via Flickr

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

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

Milan – A New Choice on How to Spend Christmas Holidays (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
Milan`s Duomo (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
What does Milan Italy have in common with New York? (vino-con-vista.info)

Buon Natale: Holiday Traditions and Celebrations in Rome

: Image via Wikipedia

Italians embrace the holiday season with many seasonal market, events and festivals. There are many religious holidays between December and January. The festivities generally begin on December 6th with ”La Festa di San Nicola” to honor St. Nicholas, the patron Saint of the Sheperds and end on January 6 with “La Festa dell’ Epifania” ( The Epiphany). After Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity, instead of ending the holiday at the New Year, it was extended to the Epiphany. The Epiphany is the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men gave gifts to Baby Jesus. December 8th is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday. Rome celebrates with floral wreaths and a ceremony at the Spanish Steps by the Pope.

Rome (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn)

Get a “Vino con Vista” tour of Rome while you listen to Dean Martin singing “Arrevederci Roma” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlqTwYGCW8A

English: Nativity scene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The primary symbol of the Christmas season is the “presepio”, the nativity scene. They depict the birth of Christ. It is believed that in the 13th century, St. Francis, a modest monk, created the first replica of the scene by portraying the child born in Bethlehem. He placed an ox and a donkey next to a manger near the hermitage he built in Greccio, near the town of Assisi.

By the 18th century, the patronage of King Charles elevated the status of “Il Precepio” to stratosperic levels. During the reign of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, famous artists like Giuesspe Sanmartino were even commissioned to create the figures. Most of the prized figures made of terra cotta and wood are produced in the workshops of Naples on Via Gregorio Armeno.

An elaborate Neapolitan presepio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, elaborate scenes are set up in churches throughout Italy. In some towns, living nativity scenes are usually staged when costumed participants wander through the streets.The first Christmas mass was conducted at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the earliest known permanent Nativity Scene was created for the Rome Jubilee of 1300.

Vatican City erects a huge presepe in St. Peter’s Square for Christmas and is usually unveiled on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Eve mass is held in St. Peter’s square, usually at 10 pm.

In Rome, some of the biggest and most elaborate presepi are erected in Piazza del Poplo with 100 presepi on display from November 26th to January 6th www.presepi.it. Piazza Euclide, Santa Maria in Trastevere and Santa Maria D’Aracoeli on Capitoline Hill also host elaborate displays. A life-sized nativity scene is set up in Piazza Navona with a large Christmas Market from November 26th to January 6th with a Mercato della Bufana. The Church of Saints Cosma e Damiano has a large nativity scene from Naples on display all year long. It is located by the main entrance of the Roman Forum. Il Museo Tipologico is under the Church of Saints Quirico e Giulitta and has over 3000 figurines from all over the world. It is open each afternoon between December 24th to January 6th.

English: The three wise men, Santa Maria in Trastevere, in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gifts are exchanged on the day of the Epiphany. Children hang up their stockings on the evening of January 5th awaiting a visit from “La Befana” a legendary old woman who flys around on a broom bearing gifts. According to legend, the Three Wise Men asked La Befana for directions to Bethlehem but she declined. It took an unusually bright light and a band of angels to convince La Befana that she must join the Wise Men, but she was too late. She never found the Christ child and has been looking for him ever since. So on the January 5th, she goes out on her broom delivering treats to the sleeping children of Italy. The Santa figure in Italy is called “Babbo Natale”, Father Christmas. Charlemagne’s coronation took place in Rome on Christmas day in 800 AD.

Tropenmuseum Amsterdam Crucifix with a christmas scene, Peru, c. 1960 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vatican Christmas Tree (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A trip to the Vatican City for Christmas is very exciting. The Vatican City erects a huge presepi in St. Peter’s Square and it is usually unveiled on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the Pope celebrates midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. On Christmas day in St. Peter’s Square at noon the Pope gives his blessing from the window of his apartment overlooking the Square to the crowds gathered at the Vatican. On December 8th, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope leads a procession to honor the Virgin Mary near the Spanish Steps.

Stay in Rome for the New Year Parade on January 1st and the Epiphany tradition when hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the wide avenue leading up to the Vatican, carrying symbollic gifts for the Pope. The Pope says a morning mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts for Jesus.

In Rome, the traditional dish of Christmas Eve is “Capitone”, a big female eel that is roasted, baked or fried. Common Italian Christmas sweets are Panettone (a cake filled with candied fruit), torrone (nougat), and panforte (gingerbread).

Christmas in Italy includes Nativity Scenes and other Christmas Celebrations.

Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista

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

Nativity scene on the 2001 Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Tagged as Befana, Buon Natale, Capitoline Hill, Christmas, Christmas at the Vatican, Christmas in Italy, Christmas in Rome, Epiphany, holiday, Il Presepio, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Nativity Scene, Nativity scenes in Italy, Pope, Precepi in Italy, Religion and Spirituality, Rome, Travel and Tourism, United States, Vatican CIty, vino con vista

December 4, 2012 · 9:47 am

Buon Natale: Krampus and Other Holiday Events in Trentino-Alto Adige

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This mountainous region of northeastern Italy is characterized by the unparalleled beauty of majestic mountains and lovely scenic lakes. It is divided by the Adige River. Trentino is Italian-speaking and Alto-Adige, the German-speaking area is known as the South Tyrol. Alto-Adige was part of Austria until after World War I. Cortina is home to many fashion juggernauts including Bulgari, Gucci, Benneton and Geox. Trentino is the home of Cavit’s wine empire.

English: Maria Himmelfahrt, Bolzano. Deutsch: Dom Maria Himmelfahrt, Bozen. Italiano: Duomo di Bolzano. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the 1960′s Provincial Road #14 was transformed into the Winestrasse (Wine Trail). The South Tyrol Wine Road in Alto Adige runs along the right bank of the Adige River between Salorno and Bolzano. It is one of the most scenic roads in Italy. Pristine vineyards carpet lush Alpine valleys. Stop at the wineries for a “Vino con Vista.” This region produces grappa.

Bressanone (Photo credit: davideoneclick)

In 2009, UNESCO added the snow-clad Dolomites on the east side of the Province to Italy’s World Heritage List. This area has frequent landslides, floods and avalanches and UNESCO hoped to secure more rigourous defense and preservation of this area. The Dolomites are Italy’s most distinctive mountains and were formed 200 million years ago from the Primeval ocean. Their majestic mineralized coral forms magical spires, pinnacles and rock walls. The mountains include 18 majestic peaks with interesting rock formations that are perfect for skiing. The “Cinque Torri” rock formations include five towers that soar to heights of 7,762 feet.

Comprensorios del Tirol del Sur (Italia). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Holiday Events with Germanic traditions and Italian flavors

During the Christmas period the towns of Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Vipiteno, and Brunjco offer Holiday markets. The Christmas tree (Christbaum) and the Nativity scenes are common themes in this region. There are ancient nativity rituals in Bressanone and the Gries Abbey during Advent.

In Passo dell Stelvio, the first Saturday in December celebrates “Festa dei Klosen” dedicated to Santa Claus. Locals dressed in costumes wander the streets until the Church bells ring and everyone unites in prayer

In the historic center of Arco attend “Festa d’Immacolota” on December 7th for fireworks from the castle and a Christmas market with local delicacies like apple brule, cheeses and honey until December 23rd in the historic center of town.

In Bolzano attend “Christkindlmarkt” in Piazza Walter until December 23 with delicious Germanic sweets like “zelten,” a sweet from Bolzano, based on dried figs, almonds, and candied fruit. Local tradition provides crowns made of fir branches interwoven with ribbons and four candles. In Bolzano, they light one candle each Sunday for the four weeks of Advent.

Vintage Christmas Krampus Postcard with St. Nicholas in window (Photo credit: riptheskull)

On December 5th Bolzano celebrates the arrival of Saint Nikolaus, protector of children. During this traditional celebration, Nikolaus is accompanied by angels and he is bearing gifts for good children. The festivities juxtapose this symbol of Good flanked by Evil, personified by “Krampus.” Krampus is a two-horned furry demon. In Brunico, 150 of these “Krampus” demons parade, armed with chains and whips.

In Bressanone visit the “Il Presepe” exhibit at the Episcopal Palace until January 6th and the “Weihnachtsmarkt” Alpine Christmas Market until January 8th at the Piazza Duomo. Vin brule is distributed after the concerts and mass at the cathedral.

The 18th Annual Merano Christmas Market where most of the historic center is transformed into an outdoor market until January 7th.

Tastes of Valsugana in Levico in Parco della Terme until January 6th with Hapsburg-style horse drawn carriage rides.

In Trento attend the Christmas Market until December 23 in Piazza Fiera

In Cavalese attend the “Trial of the Witches” the first week of January.

In Cortina d’Ampezzo on Christmas Eve there is a torchlight parade of skiiers. There will also be a “EuroChocolate Ski” Event in this upscale Dolomite ski resort between December 16th and 19th.

Order a book and Buon Natale basket for your favorite Italophiles at www.vino-con-vista.info. To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista Travel Guides.

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Tagged as Adige, Advent celebrations in Italy, Alto-Adige, Bolzano, Christmas, Christmas market, Cinque Torri, Dolomite, Dolomites, Festa d"Immacolota, holiday, Il Presepe, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Krampus, Krampus Festivities in Italy, Mulled wine, Nikolaus, Province of Bolzano-Bozen, South Tyrol, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

December 2, 2012 · 11:29 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Genoa Italy

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In northwestern Italy, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the 16^th and 17^th century “New Streets” of Genoa can be found in the historic city center. Le Strada Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli became an inscribed UNESCO site in 2006. The elaborate Renaissance and Baroque palaces are located on Via Balbi and Via Garibaldi and present an excellent “Buon Natale” holiday experience.

The area around the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is medieval, but the 12^th century Duomo is Romanesque. Genoa is Italy’s most important commercial port. The “Lanterna” lighthouse is a vestige of Genoa’s medieval glory. Genoa has the largest aquarium in Europe located in Porto Antico www.portoantico.it. Porto Antico also has a Childrens’ Museum with a lovely waterfront Promenade and shops. The restaurants offer outstanding “Vino con Vista” oppotunities.

According to legend, this may have been the childhood home of Christopher Columbus whose memory permeates the town. Genoa’s historically impressive “urban development projects represent plans by the public authority to parcel out a system of lodging based upon legislation.” UNESCO

On Via Garibaldi, Genoa’s most beautiful street, the 16^th century Palazzo Bianco houses an outstanding collection of Ligurian art from 1400 to 1700 including works by Luca Cambiaso, Bernardo Strozzi and Giovanni Benedetto. At the Palazzo Bianco, one of my favorite Caravaggio’s paintings “Ecce Homo” (Behold the Man of Sorrows) can be viewed; as well as frescoes by de Ferrari and Domenico Piola. The Gallery of Palazzo Rosso has a fine collection of furniture, ceramics and Chinese pottery. The Museum of Oriental Art houses treasures brought to Genoa by her famous navigators.

Genova, Via Garibaldi Palazzo Carrega Cataldi – interno (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The “Rolli” palaces were patrician residences built by the wealthiest and most powerful aristocratic families of the Republic of Genoa. These dwellings were built at the height of Genoa’s seafaring prowess. Palaces are generally three to four stories high and feature spectacular staircases, courtyards, and loggias overlooking gardens. The owners of these palazzi were obligated to host official visits of State as decreed by the Senate in 1576. These formal visits contributed to the dissemination of their architectural model, which attracted famous artists like Peter Paul Rubens.

Italiano: Genova, Via Garibaldi; Palazzo Podes...

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Holiday Events in Genoa:

Christmas Market “Mercatino di Natale di Porto Siberia” at Porto Antico until January 9th

18th Century Navity Scene in Palazzo Rosso Museum until February 6th

St. Nicholas Market in Piazza Picca Pietra where vendors will be dressed in Medieval costumes December 5-23

“Natalidea” Festival at the Fiera di Genoa from December 7-19

“Pontedecimo Nativity” wIth outdoor Christmas stalls and Nativity Scenes at the Villa Serra di Comago on VIa Carlo Levi in Genoa Pontedecimo

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

Image via Wikipedia

Romanesque Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia Italy (vino-con-vista.info)uon

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Tagged as Buon Natale Italy, Caravaggio's Ecce Homo painting, Christmas in Italy, Domenico Piola, Francesco Hayez, Genoa, Genoa Cathedral, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Mediterranean Sea, Palazzi dei Rolli, Palazzo Bianco, Palazzo Rosso, Peter Paul Rubens, Porto Antico, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO Itaky, Via Garibaldi, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

December 1, 2012 · 12:52 pm

San Nicolo di Bari in Italy: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

English: Bari, Apulia, Italy. View of the eastern seafront of the old town. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas can be seen in the centre left, and the new harbour on the right. Français : Bari, Pouilles, Italie. Vue du bord de mer oriental de la vieille ville. La Basilique Saint Nicholas peut s’apercevoir au centre gauche, et le nouveau port à droite. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

: Image via Wikipedia

The patron saint of children, merchants, sailors, pawn-brokers, unmarried women and archers is Saint Nicholas. San Nicolo died on December 6, 343.

His bones were placed in a sarcophagus in the cathedral of Myra in Turkey for 7oo years. He is frequently represented carrying three gold balls.

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band via last.fm

Bruce Springsteen claims “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSgEDKjmT5o

Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Bari, Apulia, Italy. Following the 1456 earthquake, three arches have been added to reinforce the structure of the building. The first and the third ones (respectively not visible and in the background on the photo) were built between 1458 and 1463 by the Prince of Taranto Giovanni Antonio del Balzo Orsini. The center arch (in the foreground on the photo) is by Ludovico il Moro of the Milan Sforza family in 1494. All three bear the coat of arms of their patrons. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1087, the site of his tomb in Turkey was conquered by Seljuk Turks. Sailors from Bari went to Myra to retrieve his bones and brought his Holy Relics to Bari. Pope Urban II placed them in a new crypt and the Basilica of San Nicolo in Bari, Apulia was built to honor him.

Italiano: San Nicola, Chiesa russa di Bari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to legend, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in the absence of any other possible employment, they would have to become prostitutes. When Nicholas heard of the poor man’s plight, he decided to help him by donating some of his inherited wealth to this family. Nicholas was too modest to help the man in public and wanted to save the father from the humiliation of accepting charity so he went to his house after dark for three consecutive nights. Each night he threw a bag of gold coins into the window of the poor man’s house. The coins landed in shoes and stockings lying by the fire in the house.

Saint Nicholas in Bari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

After the second night, the father tried to identify the benevolent donor. When Nicholas heard that the father was attemping to identify the generous donor he decided to modify his strategy. Nicholas dropped the third bag down the chimney instead of throwing it into the window. One of the daughters had washed her stockings that evening and hung them over the embers to dry. The bag of gold fell into the stocking.

Nicholas is the patron saint of pawnbrokers; the three gold balls traditionally hung outside a pawnshop symbolizes the three sacks of gold. To this day, Saint Nicholas the “gift-giver” lives in the heart of generous benefactors who give anonymous gifts. Ertha Kitt dedicated this song to “Santa Baby” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbbQwecCzo8

Italiano: Trecastagni – Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Feast Day of San Nicolo is celebrated on December 6th in many places in the Abruzzo region with traditional loaves of bread and taralli which are round biscuits that are generally eaten with wine. On his feast day at the Basilica of San Nicolo in Bare, the clergy lower a flask into his tomb to extract some miraculous “Myrrh” to distribute to faithful followers around the world. The vials of myrrh from his relics are crdited with miracles.

English: Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Bari, Apulia, Italy. Statue of the Saint in the nave. Français : Basilique San Nicola, Bari, Pouilles, Italie. Statue du Saint dans la nef. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On Murano Island in Venice, there is a procession on the water on December 6th. This event kicks off a week long celebration for San Nicolo, the patron saint of glass-blowers.

December 5th ( St. Nicholas Eve) is Krampus Day in Tarvisio Centrale on Via Cesare Augusto in the Province of Udine near the Austrian Border. Krampus accompanies St. Nick at this Festival with a roaring bonfire.

Image via Wikipedia

Krampus is his evil fertility devil side-kick with a long tail, fur,chains, birch branches and a big black bag. Send your naughty friends a “Krampus Card” http://krampus.com:8080/krampus-ecard

The Festival of San Nicola in Bari is on May 7-10. He is honored with processions to the sea, pageants, and torchlight parades. The celebration commemorates the sailors of Bari who saved his relics from being possessed by the Turks and brought them to safety in Bari’s.

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

Buon Natale from www.vino-con-vista.com

International Santas: Krampus Is Checking His List Twice (rosettastone.com)

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November 30, 2012 · 12:11 pm

Buon Natale: A White Christmas in Valle d’Aosta

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Valle d”Aosta is located in an extremely mountainous area. It is the smallest Italian region and borders France to the west and Switzerland to the north. It is dominated by some of the highest majestic mountains in Europe called the “Four Queens of the Alps” including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Cervino and Gran Paradiso.

Valle Geiranger (Photo credit: lecu_lillas)

It’s the perfect place for a “White Christmas”; and nobody does it like Bing Crosby http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA45TnJQxhU. In Italian, listen to “Bianco Natale” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0HT7D7JCTQ

There are four languages spoken in this autonomous province: French, Italian, Valdotain and German. Many feudal castles were constructed in this area to serve military functions.

English: Gran Paradiso summit and Cresta Gastaldi; Gran Paradiso massif; Graian Alps; Aosta Valley; Italy Italiano: La vetta del Gran Paradiso e a destra la Cresta Gastaldi; Massiccio del Gran Paradiso; Alpi Graie; Valle d’Aosta; Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Tresenta summit, Gran Paradiso Massif, Graian Alps, Aosta valley, Italy Italiano: Vetta della Tresenta, Massiccio del Gran Paradiso, Alpi Graie, Valle d’Aosta, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This region of Italy is a haven for skiiers; with 23 ski resorts and 170 ski lifts. Mountain climbers, rock climbers, snowboarders and winter sports enthusiasts flock to this area. The region is famous for “Torchlight Processions” around New Years’ Eve. In this province, Christmas Markets are called “Marche Noel.”

Holiday Events and Torchlight Processions

“Noel au Bourg” at the Fortress of Bord until January 6th.

“Marche Vert Noel” in Piazza Severin Caveri in Aosta until January 6th.

The 2oth annual “Courmayer Noir in Festival” through December 13th. www.noirfest.com

A ski competition in Pila December 18th-20th.

“Fiera di Sant’Orso” in Aosta January 30-31 that originated in the year 1000.

Image via Wikipedia

There are many “Torchlight Ski Processions” on December 30th and 31st in this area. Some of the places to see these pocessions include in the towns of: Ayas-Antagnod, Breuil-Cervinia, Chamois, Champorcher, Courmayeur, Etroubles and Gressoney-Saint-Jean.

The Valle d’Aosta Alpine vineyards are Italy’s window to Switzerland.

There are many “Vino con Vista” opportunities on the ”Route des Vins.” This is a regional circuit of wineries. The vineyards are generally terraced and follow the “adret” that are located on the southern, sunny side of the mountains. The highest vineyards in Europe are located in Morgex-LaSalle. Stop in the village of Morgex and have a glass of the prestigious Blanc de Morgex. The village houses a chalet with a tasting room and a restaurant. There are 22 DOC wines in the “DOC Valle d’Aosta“

The Aosta region of Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Orchards and vineyards line the valley. Fresian cows graze in the pastures. Fontina cheese is produced in this region. Regional specialties include beefsteak alla valostana that is breaded, fried, topped with fontina cheese and ham an reheated in the oven on a slice of polenta. Order a cup of Valle d’Aosta coffee with a shot of grappa to accompany your yummy chocolate dessert or regional tegole and torcetti almond cookies.

The Buon Ricordo destination in Valle D’Aosta is Hotel Ristorante Casale in Saint Christophe on Fraz Condemine www.hotelrestaurantecasale.it. The signature dish is Scaloppa alla Valdostana cooked with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The collector plate shows three Fresian cows grazing in the sunny pasture.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com