Tag Archives: Middle Ages

December 6, 2012 · 11:57 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia Italy

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

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

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

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

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

Foro romano di Aquileia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

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Holiday Events in Friuli Venezia-Giulia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Epiphany Festivals:

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

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

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

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

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

In Tarcento attend the Bonfire Festival on January 6th.

Bloomingdale’s Christmas Tree

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

Aquileia is a UNESCO site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

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Filed under Uncategorized, Italy, Northern Italy, ebooks, Alps, Italy Travel Guides, Italian Food and Wine, Italian art, Italian Wine, Italian Food, Italian Architecture, Italian Cheese, Buon Natale, Christmas in Italy, Buon Natale Italy, San Nicolo, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Pignarul Festivities, Holiday Bonfires in Italy

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

October 16, 2012 · 10:31 am

Aquileia is a UNESCO site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

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Friuli-Venezia Giulia is nestled in the north-eastern part of Italy and has historically served as a crossroads of Latin, Slavic and Germanic cultures. In 181 BC, the Romans founded the city of Aquileia.

Friuli-Venezia Guilia is located in the Alpine foothills along the Austrian and Slovenian border. The town of Trieste opens to the Adriatic Sea and is the capital of this delightful region that produces fruity white wines and Ramandolo, a regional desert wine. The area also produces excellent grappas.

(Friulan version) Category:Maps of Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli-Venezia Giulia Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Coat of arms of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aquileia is northwest of Trieste and was an important city for the Roman Empire. It is clocked with ancient ruins and ornate mosaics. Christians were persecuted until Emperor Constantine granted them official status in 313 AD. The early Christians developed a secret symbolic language that is depicted in the mosaics in Aquileia. The Patriarchal Basilica and Archaeological Area in the lower Friuli-Venezia Giulia region are World Heritage Sites.

Italiano: Udine (Friuli Venezia Giulia – Italy), Porta Aquileia (V cerchia muraria) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aquileia’s Basilica was originally built in the 3^rd century and was rebuilt in Romanesque style around the year 1000. It was destroyed by Attila the Hun in 452 and rebuilt on the ruins of the previous site in 1031. Magnificent works of art by Bernardino da Bissone and Pellegrino da San Daniele can be admired in the Basilica. The Basilica was restored and refurbished to the Gothic style after the earthquake of 1348. Aquileia was a Roman river port and was one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the Early Roman Empire. Visit the ancient Roman columns, villas, baths and temples. Most of the site is intact and has not been excavated.

English: The baptistery of the basilica of the Assumption of St. Mary in Aquileia, in the Province of Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italiano: Il battistero della basilica di Santa Maria Assunta ad Aquileia, in provincia di Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: The basilica of the Assumption of St. Mary in Aquileia, in the Province of Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italiano: La basilica di Santa Maria Assunta ad Aquileia, in provincia di Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The Patriarchal Basilica Complex is a fascinating archeological site with splendid mosaics that represent the secret language of Christianity. This town played an important role in the spread of Christianity into Central Europe in the early Middle Ages” UNESCO. The crypt of the Basilica has the most interesting Romanesque frescos in the entire Venetian region.

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

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

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Filed under ebooks, IPad, Italy, Northern Italy, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Adriatic Sea, Aquileia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Middle Ages, Roman Empire, Travel and Tourism, Trieste, unesco, vino con vista, Wine, World Heritage Site

May 22, 2012 · 11:23 am

Ascend La Scala Sancta in Rome: The Holy Stairs that Jesus Climbed

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

Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome at the top of the Spanish Steps (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Basilica of St. John Lateran, Chapel of the Ascension in Jerusalem, Domenico Fontana, Jesus, Lateran, Lateran Palace, Middle Ages, Mount of Olives, Pontius Pilate, Pope Sixtus V, Rome, Saint Helena, Sancta Sanctorum, Scala Sancta, The Passion

July 22, 2011 · 10:41 am

Alghero’s Museum of Sacred Art is Full of Treasures

Image via Wikipedia

Alghero‘s origins date back to the 10th century when the Genoese, with the help of Pisans, repelled the Arabs. Then they obtained land grants from the Judges (giudicati) of Logudoro that governed Sardinia during the Middle Ages.

The first capital city for the Giudicato of Logudoro was ancient Torres (now Porto Torres), but it was exposed to Arab attacks. Eventually, the seat of the judgeship was transferred to Ardara and finally to Sassari.

By the tenth century, the map on the right shows that the island was divided into four provinces or giudicati during the High Middle Ages: Logudoro in the northwest section was the largest; Gallura to the east; Arborea to the south and Cagliari to the southeast. Later Logudoro and Arborea were combined into one province at the start of the eleventh century.

The Giudicato of Logudoro was also known as the Giudicato of Torres, after Porto Torres. This area covered the northwest portion of Sardinia from the tenth through the thirteenth century. This is where Alghero is located.

Alghero was built around a fortified port, founded around 1102 by the Genoese Doria family. The Doria ruled it for centuries, apart from a brief period under the rule of Pisa (1283–1284). The Doria had fiefs in Sardinia from the 12th century to the 15th century. They also had fiefdoms in Dolceacqua, Oneglia and Portofino, in the Riviera to the west of Genoa.

In 1353 it was captured by the Aragonese under Bernardo de Cabrera. The Algherese revolted against the garrison’s commanding officer and killed him. The Spanish responded by sending 12,000 men and 100 galleys to suppress the revolt. A treaty was signed and the original Sardinian inhabitants were forced to abandon their homes and move to the town of Villanova about 25 killometers away.

The port became the main route between Catolonia and Sardinia and the town of Alghero was inhabited by Catalan colonists creating a distinctive Catonian settlement. The Spanish dominated the city for 360 years. Today, this region of Italy, enclosed with fortress walls is referred to as Little Barcelona. In 1720, control of Alghero passed to the House of Savoy.

To appreciate the sacred history of this charming town, visit the Museo Diocesano d’Arte Sacra. It is located in the historical center of the city of Alghero in the Rosary Church (Chiesa Del Rosario). The former church was enlarged between the 14th and 15th century when the upper floor was added to the structure.

The edifice became a church in the second half of the 17trh century. It was used as a place of worship until the first post-war period and ultimately became a museum in 2000. It is next to the Cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The treasures of the diocese of Alghero-Bosa are preserved in this Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art.

The Museum is in the former Church of Rosario on Piazza Duomo. The building was originally the Oratorio del Rosario; it belonged to the confraternity that founded the church of San Francesco in 1568. The small museum is packed with precious sacred art, artifacts and liturgical treasures.

The museum collection is divided into six sections: silver, paintings, wooden sculptures, wood carving, stone and bronze. You will find an early 16th century ”Our Lady of Sailors” from the Cathedral of the Virgin next door. It is attributed to a Catalan workshop. The museum opened on June 30, 2002 and preserves the Cathedral’s liturgical art, as well as sacred art from other churches in the diocese of Alghero-Bosa.

Our Lady of the Sailors

There is a beautiful “Eucharistic Throne” from 1720 from the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. It is embossed and engraved from the workshop of Giovanni Andrea Lay from Cagliari.

Eucharistic Throne

There is a 17th century marble statue of ”Our Lady of Mercy” from the Church of Saint Michael that was created by a Ligurian workshop.

I loved the 19th century wooden carving of “Baby Jesus” (Bambinello) from the Church of Saint Michael. It was adorned with coral and attributed to a Sicilian workshop.

Bambinello

The 17th century “Assumption of the Virgin” is from a Sardinian workshop.

Assumption of the Virgin

There are precious sacred treasures from Alghero’s historical churches.

St. Lucy

Holy Family

In the Silver section there are beautiful objects created by silversmiths. There is an impressive Catalan reliquary of the True Cross created by an unknown silversmith from Alghero in 1500.

The 17th century, Reliquary of a Holy Innocent Martyr is embossed in chiseled silver from a Sardinian workshop. It was originally in the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary.

Reliquary

Ornate Crucifix in Alghero Sardinia

This beautiful 17th century jeweled Monstrance (Ostensorio) was made by a silversmith from Trapani in 1679.

In the “Wooden Sculptures” Area of the Museum, there are many saints and representations of the Virgin. The golden statue represents the “Madonna dei Naviganti” by an unknown Catalan artist from the 15th century.

Madonna dei Naviganti

Some of the polychrome wooden carvings from the seventeenth century to the nineteenth centuries include a gigantic San Michele Arcangelo (St.Michael the Archangel) from the end of the 17th century. It was formerly displayed in the church dedicated to St. Michael a few blocks away. The 18th century “Saint Joseph with the Child” from the church of Our Lady of Carmelo is a polychrome wooden carving from a Neapolitan workshop.

There is a lovely 18th century oil on canvas Italian painting of “The Holy Family with the Saints Joachim and Anna.”

There are also a series of mid-17th century paintings by Genoese painters of scenes from the lives of Jesus and the Virgin. The 17th century brutal Ligurian School representation of the ”Scourging of Christ” painting below is from the Church of Our Lady of Mercy.

Scourging of Christ

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

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Tagged as Alghero, Architecture, Arts, Arts and Entertainment, Assumption of Mary, Cagliari, Catalan language, Church, Costa Smeralda, Doria, High Middle Ages, History, History of Alghero Sardinia, History of Alghero Sardinia and Giudicato of Torres, House of Savoy, Italy, Logudoro, Mary (mother of Jesus), Middle Ages, Museums, Piazza del Duomo Milan, Piazza Duomo, Porto Cervo, Porto Torres, Roman Catholic Diocese of Alghero-Bosa, Sardinia, Virgin of Mercy

July 8, 2011 · 9:36 am

The Village of Saint Paul de Vence is an Artists’ Enclave in the French Riviera

Image via Wikipedia

Saint-Paul de Vence is a village in southeastern France. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Provence. Saint-Paul was founded in the 9th century which makes it one of the oldest medieval towns in the French Riviera.

Statue: St. Paul de Vence

The exceptional light and quality of life has inspired famous artists, painters, writers and poets. There are many charming shops and art galleries selling unique items in this lovely town.

This is a golden Vino con Vista opportunity. Stop at one of the cafes for lunch and have some French Wine with your “Plat du Jour”.

Marc Chagall lived in Saint-Paul from 1966 to 1985. You can visit the artist’s grave in the cemetary. Saint-Paul has always promoted art and creativity. Some of the other well known artists who flocked to Saint-Paul include: Matisse, Soutine, Renoir, Miró, Signac and Modigliani. The galleries and shops are filled with artistic displays and inspired merchandise.

The community of artists have sponsored well-known modern and contemporary art museums and galleries including Fondation Maeght, a museum dedicated to 20th century modern and contemporary art. The Foundation is situated in a garden decorated with outdoor sculptures and exhibits works of Joan Miro and Alberto Giacometti. In July 1964, the Fondation Maeght was inaugurated by André Malraux. It was the joint creation of Aimé and Marguerite Maeght. http://www.fondation-maeght.com/

Scrutinize the village map as you enter the town through the Vence Gate (Porte de Vence). Pay attention to the “Historic Monument” markers as you stroll within the ramparts and meander through the charming maze of streets http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1-JDtj6iHA&feature=fvsr.

The love the Provencal style Grande fountain on Rue Grande. Rue Grande is a former Roman Road. The fountain was built by Martin Melchior, a stonemason in the village. It is one of the most famous fountains in France and it has inspired many painters and photographers.

Fountain in St. Paul de Vence

The Collegial Church of the Conversion of St. Paul was erected in the 12th century in early Gothic style and is dominated by its square bell-tower that was reconstructed in 1740. The church occupies the highest point of the village. It houses some treasures including twelfth century gold pieces, reliquaries and a scroll signed by King Henry III. It also contains the relics of St. Clement. The church was originally designed in the style of a basilica, with a semi-circular apse and a single nave. The chevet and the arched beams in the main nave date from the beginning of the 14th century.

Collegiale Church in St. Paul de Vence

The entrance leads to four chapels: St. Clement (a masterpiece of baroque art), St. Mathew, the Chapel of Mary of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory with an altar from 1677. The church’s treasures include precious items of silverware, reliquaries and a parchment dating from 1588. In the Chapel of Saint Clement, there is a beautiful painting of St-Catherine of Alexandria in a magnificent red cloak with her sword by Tintoretto.

This church has an extraordinary collection of paintings representing The stations of the Cross. These paintings depict the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus.

I was also impressed with the lovely light fixture that reminded me of Gaudi’s Altar of Christ ascending into Heaven in the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona. I wonder if this was the inspiration for the altar in Barcelona?

Some of the other sacred churches are : (1) Saint-Michel (12th century) located within the cemetery; (2) Sainte-Claire Chapel (16th century) dedicated to the patron saint of Saint-Paul, standing opposite the entrance to the village; (3) Notre-Dame de la Gardette (also called Chapelle Saint-Georges) gets its name from a place that served as a refuge for the inhabitants during the Middle Ages; (4) The Chapel of Saint-Charles and Saint-Claude chapel (17th century); (5) the Chapelle des Pénitents with an amazing three-sided bell-tower, dating from the 17th century is located between the Place de l’Eglise and Rue Cassette. In front of the Chapelle Saint-Charles-Saint-Claude there is a painting by Marc Chagall “Le couple au-desssus de Saint-Paul” which depicts a couple embracing above the town with a bouquet of flowers. In front of the chapel Notre-Dame de la Gardette you will find another Marc Chagall painting “La Table devant le Village” with a table set in front of the town.

Marc Chagall "Table in front of the Village"

Marc Chagall "Couple above St. Paul"

St. Paul watches over the entrance of his Church

A Roman aqueduct can still be seen from the chapel circuit. Supported by brick and limestone arches, the aqueduct channelled water from natural springs to the mills and washhouses. Queen Jeanne, Countess of Provence, gave her permission for the community of Saint-Paul to use the water in 1349.

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

The Church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Climb 124 steps to the top of Capitoline Hill and you will find the austere facade of Santa Maria in Aracoeli that was originally called Santa Maria in Capitolio until the 13th century. The stairway was designed in the 14th century by Simone Andreozzi.

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Interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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If you are not up for climbing the stairs, there is a side entrance to the right of the stairs past the Museo Capitolino in the church’s Romanesque bell tower. The lovely lunette above the door has a 13th century mosaic of the Virgin and Child by Cosmati. In the Middle Ages, condemned criminals were executed at the foot of the steps.

Interior of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Entrance to Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

According to legend, during the middle ages Emperor Augustus was visited by the Tiburtine Sibyl at the Temple of Juno Moneta. The Sibyl’s prophecy was: “Haec est ara primogeniti Dei” which means this is the altar of the first-born of God. The Emperor proceeded to erect an altar on this site to the deity. The relics of Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine are housed in this church under a cupola supported by eight columns in a porphyry urn.

English: ceiling of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, Rome.

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This ancient church was built on the site of the Temple to Juno. It is from the 6th century and is located at the top of the famed Aracoeli Staircase by Michelangelo at the Capitoline. The 22 columns that support the church are from ancient buildings of the area. An inscription on the third column to the left explains that it comes from a cubiculo Augustorum (from the bedroom of the emperors).

The Commemoration of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 adorns the ceiling and was built during the reign of Pope Gregory III Boncompagni whose family crest (the dragon) is located toward the end of the altar.

To the right of the entrance door is a tombstone by Donatello memorializing archdeacon Giovanni Crivelli. The Pinturicchio frescoes in the first chapel on the right, depict the life and death of St. Bernardino of Siena and on the left wall is The Burial of the Saint.

Chapel of Saint Helena in Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Visible beneath the urn of St. Helen you can see the altar “Ara Coeli” that legend claims Emperor Augustus had constructed on this site.

Emperor Augustus Altar of Ara Coeli in Rome Italy

Years later, a church was built over the imperial altar which became known as Ara Coeli which means the altar of heaven. Visit the Chapel of St. Bernadine of Siena with Pinturicchio’s fabulous frescoes from 1485. The fresco on the back wall is “St. Bernadine in Glory” where he is standing in the center with St. Louis of Toulouse on the left and St. Anthony of Padua on the right. The savior is in a mandorla above surrounded by angels.

Chapel of St. Bernadine in Rome Italy

Mandorla above the Chapel of St. Bernadine in Glory in Rome Italy

One of the most famous things about Santa Maria in Aracoeli is the Santo Bambino, an olive-wood figure of the Christ Child dating from the 15th century. This statue was carved by a Franciscan monk out of a tree from the Garden of Gethsemane.

The figure’s miraculous powers are supposed to include resurrecting the dead and it is sometimes carried to the bedside of the gravely ill. If the statue can help the person, its lips turn purple; if not, then they turn pale. During the holidays, the statue is moved to the crèche (second chapel on the left), but is usually located in the Sacristy.

The wooden statue of the infant Jesus in the 19th century Santo Bambino Chapel by the sacristy is filled with letters. Many people write letters to the Bambino requesting blessings for loved ones. The statue is brought out on Christmas Eve on a throne in front of the high altar.

Chapel of Santa Bambino in Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome Italy

Santo Bambino in Santa Maria Aracoeli Church in Rome

The main altar has two statues flanking the image of the Virgin: Saint Bernadine of Siena on the left and Saint John Capistrano on the right. The outside arch has a sibyl in the left spandrel and Emperor Augustus whith the prophetic words “Haec est ara coeli”, (This is the altar of God).