Tag Archives: Pantheon Rome

April 14, 2013 · 11:19 am

My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita

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If you follow my posts, you already know that I love Rome! The glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular historic sites, sumptuous fountains, magnificent art treasures, charming cafes and world-class restaurants and hotels. as

If you are traveling to Rome for a weekend, here’s a list of my favorite attractions for a “Glorious Vino con Vista” weekend in Rome. But remember that the Italians say: ‘non basta una vita’, “a lifetime is not enough” to visit 28 centuries of history!

Jump on the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus and visit the following sites:

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1. Rome is filled with incredible historic monuments! Pay tribute to the Papacy in the Vatican City formerly ruled by Pope Benedict XVI and presently lead by newly elected Pope Francis. Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign country in both land mass and population. It serves as the spiritual headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church.

English: Bernini’s baldacchino, inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square, Rome (2007). Polski: Papież Benedykt XVI podczas Audiencji Generalnej na Placu św. Piotra w Rzymie (2007). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St Peter’s Basilica with its famous dome is one of the highlights of Rome’s skyline. This area is one of my favorite “Vino-con Vista” destinations in Rome. The impressive architecture in this area offers a host of cafés and shops where you can buy rosary beads and interesting frames filled with pictures or Popes. My sons joke about all of my Pope frames.

Florence, Rome, Perugia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Bernini’s “Gloria” surmounting the “Cathedra Petri”, also by him. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A 5×6 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens from the dome of St Peter’s in Vatican City in Rome. Français: Image panoramique composée de 5×6 photos prises par David Iliff à l’aide d’un appareil Canon 5D et une lentille 70-200mm f/2.8L à partir du dôme de la Basilique Saint-Pierre au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Wait in line at Saint Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pieta and the incredible dome. Admire Bernini‘s Monument to Pope Alexander VII and take pictures and videos with your iPad of Bernini’s monumental bronze Baldachinno (canopy) over the Tomb of Saint Peter.

English: Interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome Česky: Uvnitř Baziliky svatého Petra, Vatikán, Řím (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do not leave Rome without seeing these sites! Send some postcards from the post office as you soak up the Baroque genius in this magical city.

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2. Wander through the Papal Palaces at the Vatican Museums and admire the beauty the Sistine Chapel.

The left half of the entire ceiling, after restoration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo’s contributions to the remarkable Sistine Chapel include his legendary Last Judgement and the spectacular frescoed ceiling. “The Last Judgement” depicts the division of the damned from the redeemed. Jesus commands the center of the wall with his right arm raised over his head. Under that raised arm, his mother Mary is crouched at his side. Saint Bartholomew, with his flayed skin, has the face of Michelangelo and is seated in front of Jesus.

Watch this short clip:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1kpcQm/:1cmVYfe2n:Z1jzCq$!/www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html/

The ceiling vault depicts nine scenes from the book of Genesis beginning at the altar end of the chapel: The Separation of Light from Darkness, The Creation of the Sun and the Moon, The Separation of Land from Water, The Creation of Adam, The Creation of Eve, and The Temptation of Adam and Eve combined in one panel with the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Then there is the Sacrifice of Abel, The Flood and finally, The Drunkenness of Noah. He painted the entire ceiling lying on his back.

Do not miss the Raphael Rooms. Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483. In 1508, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II to decorate the papal apartments in the Vatican Palace. The first room he tackled was the Pope’s Library and office called the Stanza della Segnatura. This room has my favorite work of art by Raphael called “The School of Athens.”

A Escola de Atenas, afresco no Vaticano (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The themes he selected were Theology, Poetry, Philosophy and Jurisprudence. “The School of Athens” fresco represents “Philosophy.” It is filled with figures of people thinking, writing, arguing and reading. Basically, it represents a gathering of intellectuals where everyone is engaged in learning.

The School of Athens (detail). Fresco, Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plato is in the center under the arch (on the left) in the red toga with his finger pointing upward toward the sky. He is demonstrating that all ideal concepts are found in the heavens; as he believed that we should aspire to imitate the divine. He’s holding a copy of “Timaeus.” The close-up shot of Plato, has the face of Leonardo da Vinci.

I found the numbered picture in a Twitter post by art historian Jeff Titelius. I think you will find the description of the cast of characters quite intellectually stimulating.

1: Zeno of Citium 2: Epicurus 3: unknown 4: Boethius or Anaximander or Empedocles? 5: Averroes 6: Pythagoras 7: Alcibiades or Alexander the Great? 8: Xenophon 9: unknown [14][13] or the Fornarina as a personification of Love [15] or (Francesco Maria della Rovere?) 10: Aeschines or Xenophon? 11: Parmenides? 12: Socrates 13: Heraclitus (Michelangelo) 14: Plato (Leonardo da Vinci) 15: Aristotle 16: Diogenes 17: Plotinus (Donatello?) 18: Euclid with students (Bramante?) 19: Zoroaster 20: Ptolemy? R: Apelles (Raphael) 21: Protogenes (Il Sodoma, Perugino, or Timoteo Viti). Photo: WikiMedia Commons.

Standing next to Plato, Aristotle (in blue) is holding his book inscribed “Nicomachean Ethics” in his left hand with his right hand pointing forward.

Detail of The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio, 1509, showing Plato (left) and Aristotle (right) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the right foreground of the scene, Euclid is drawing a geometrical figure with his protractor, but his face is really Bramante.

A Greek mathematician performing a geometric construction with a compass, from The School of Athens by Raphael. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The School of Athens ( ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On the steps to the left is Pythagoras, writing in a book. In front of him, with his head resting on his hand and sitting alone in the forefront is “Heraclitus” with the pencil in his right hand. He has the face of Michelangelo.

Raphael- School of Athens, detail showing R’s portrait of Michelangelo as Heraclitus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each significant philosopher in the “School of Athens” has an group of eager listeners. Pope Julius II definitely picked the right artist for his office! Raphael is peeriing directly at you in the close-up on the right. He is shown on the right side of Zoroaster, who is holding the globe on the left of Raphael.

Detail of The School of Athens by Raphael, 1509, showing Zoroaster (left, with star-studded globe). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail from The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio, maybe an illustration of Hypatia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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3. The ancient ruins are perhaps the most impressive and incredible sights in the city! Tour the Colloseum‘s interior and follow the footsteps of the gladiators as you witness this feat of Roman engineering; a driveby approach will not suffice! This breathtaking and insightful icon of both gladiators and Emperors reflects ancient Rome.

Ruins of the Roman Forum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Go to the Forum which is located right next to the Colloseum. Imagine Julius Ceasar and Mark Anthony giving historic speeches at this monumental venue. It was the quintessential Roman Marketplace in its heyday!

Pantheon, Rome, Raphael’s tomb. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The famous set of columns from the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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5. The Pantheon‘s classic architecture allows you to visit the tombs of historic European icons such as Popes and Italian Kings.

Raphael is buried in a niche in the Pantheon which reads: “The man here is Raphael; while he was alive, the Great Mother of All Things (Nature) feared to be outdone; and when he died, she, too, feared to die.”

Marvel at the masterpieces that adorn the circular wall and look up at the oculus that opens to the sky and sheds light throughout the magnificent structure. Originally, the great dome was sheathed in gilded bronze.

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6. Throw a coin (over your shoulder) and make a wish in one of the world’s most famous fountains: the Trevi Fountain. Admire the ornate sculpture over the glistening water. This will guarantee a return trip to Rome. Next time, stay for atleast a week.

The Palazzo Poli forms the backdrop to the magnificent Trevi Fountain. This Palazzo is home to a major collection of copper engraving plates.

The 18th-century Trevi Fountain at night. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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7. Climb the widest staircase in Europe at the Spanish Steps. These beautiful steps join Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Climb the Spanish Steps to enjoy a tour the magnificent hotels that lead to the Via Venato.

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Admire Bernini’s Boat Fountain at the base of the stairs before strolling along Via Condotti and buying some elegant designer shoes, purses and clothing.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

8. Do not leave Rome without visiting Piazza Navona. This is one of the best Baroque Vino con Vista Venues in town. Although the glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular fountains; some of my favorites are located in this Square including the Fountain of the Four Rivers, The Fountain of the Moor and Neptune’s Fountain.

Rome (Photo credit: Mathew Knott)

Fountain in Piazza Navona

Some of Rome’s fountains support obelisks and others anchor famous piazzas. The dramatic fountains in Piazza Navona host a cast of interesting characters that generally spew water from their mouths. The basins are shaped in the form of chalices and decorative elements including dolphins, tritons, theatrical masks and shells. This Piazza is filled with delightful cafes and live music!

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

St. Peter’s Basilica at Early Morning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Tagged as Basilica St. Peter, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, Pantheon Rome, Pope, Pope Alexander VII, Raphael Rooms, Raphael's "The School of Athens", Rome, Saint Peter's tomb, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Top Attractions in Rome Italy, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, Vino con Vista Weekend in Rome

April 10, 2013 · 10:39 am

Who built Rome’s Historic Pantheon?

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English: The Pantheon in Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plan of the first ( Red ) (by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa) and of the third (Black) (by Hadrian) Pantheon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

complete cupola of Pantheon Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pantheon in Rome has occupied its present location for nearly 2000 years. It was originally designed in 27 B.C. as a pagan temple for all twelve Roman deities; supernatural and immortal beings. The deities were Apollo, Ceres, Diana, Juno, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Minerva, Neptune, Venus, Vesta and Vulcan.

Pantheon – Rome (LOC) (Photo credit: The Library of Congress)

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The massive original doors are still used for entry into the Basilica.

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The structure is as wide as it is tall (140 x 140 feet). The 30 foot wide oculus in the roof is the only source of light and was designed to allow the smoke from the burning of sacrificed animals to escape. The hemispherical dome was made from un-reinforced concrete and is still the largest dome in the world of its type.

Circular exterior view of the side of the Pantheon

The coffers for the concrete dome were poured in molds. Eight massive granite columns support the triangular tympanon.

Agrippa was the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Agrippa’s name is still inscribed in the trabeation above the portico in Latin and bears the inscription “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time built this.”

Pantheon Restoration

Agrippa did not really build the Pantheon; he built an earlier temple on this site in 27 B.C. that was ravaged by a fire. The Pantheon was built in 125 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

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The Pantheon was given to Pope Boniface IV in 609 and he converted it into a church and named it Santa Maria ad Martyres. Pope Boniface had 28 carloads of martyrs’ bones brought here from various cemeteries in Rome. It became the first pagan temple to be consecrated as a church.

English: An image of the tomb of Umberto I in the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Mary and the Martyrs houses the mortal remains of Raphael in an ancient marble sarcophagus. Raphael died in 1520. The bust of Raphael located in the niche left of the aedicule and was completed in 1833 by Giueseppe Fabris.

The tomb of the fist king of Italy, King Victor Emanuele II (1820-1878), has a statue of St. Ann and the Virgin in the aedicule to the left of the tomb by Lorenzo Ottoni.

English: Pantheon, Rome, Raphael's tomb.

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Bronze bust of Raphael on top of the artist's ...

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Most of the marble was recycled for St. Peter’s Basilica. In 1625, Pope Urban VIII (Barberini) removed the bronze from the beams of the portico to make 80 cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo and the four spiral columns of Bernini’s Baldachinno in St. Peter’s Basilica. The colossal bronze doors are original. Today we might consider that a “green” ecologically friendly move but the Roman’s say, “Whatever the barbarians didn’t do, the Barberini did.” The tomb of Victor Emanuele II was then created from bronze that was recast from the Castel Sant’Angelo’s cannons at the turn of the 20^th century.

The general area around the Pantheon is the financial and political hub of the city and includes the stock exchange and Parliament. I think the Cafe Agrippa is a great place for a “Vino con Vista”!

The Piazza della Rotunda is the name of the square in front of the Pantheon. One of Rome’s prized Egyptian obelisks occupies the center of the square. Did you know that you will never get lost in Rome if you follow the obelisks? They are like a Roman GPS system that mark important landmarks in Rome.

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

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

Buon Viaggio–

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Tagged as Ancient Rome, Barberini, Castel Sant'Angelo, Emperor Augustus, Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian, italy travel, King Victor Emanuele, Lorenzo Ottoni, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Mary (mother of Jesus), Minerva, Pantheon, Pantheon oculus, Pantheon Rome, Piazza della Rotunda Egyptian Obelisk, Pope Boniface IV, Pope Urban VIII, Raffaello Sanzio Tomb, Raphael, Roman, Roman Empire, Roman mythology, Rome, rome history, Sain Mary and the Martyrs and the Pantheon, Santa Maria ad Martyres, Santa Maria ad Martyres is in the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista, What are Roman deities, what does the inscription on the pantheon mean, What is an oculus, What is the name of the Pantheon church, when was the pantheon built, where is King Emanuele II tomb, Where is Raphael's Tomb, where is the pantheon, Who built the pantheon, who is buried at the pantheon, World Heritage Site

January 8, 2013 · 12:05 pm

The Water Features of the Spectacular Fountains of Rome

: Obelisk of the Four Rivers Fountain

Fontana di Piazza Farnese

Rome, Fountain of the Triton, in Piazza Barber...

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English: This marble basin is now one of two on the Piazza Farnese in Rome, but supposedly was the pool of the Frigidarium of the Thermae of Caracalla. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you follow my posts, you know that I wax poetic about my love for Italy; especially Rome! Where else can you witness 28 centuries of history?

I adore Rome’s monumental fountains, so I have included some short video clips of the water features in this post. The glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular fountains.

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Some are relatively simple and look like bathtubs as you can see in the picture of Fontana di Piazza Farnese that is located in front of the Palazzo Farnese.

Cardinal Alessandro Farnese Oil on canvas, 96 x 43 cm Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte, Naples Italiano: Ritratto del cardinale Alessandro Farnese, olio su tela (cm 97 x 73), Napoli, Museo di Capodimonte (inv. Q 133). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The granite stone basin of that fountain came from the Roman Baths of Caracalla. The emblems on the upper part of the fountain represent the Farnese family and the the man who commissioned the construction of the Palazzo Farnese; Cardinal Alessandro Farnese who eventually became Pope Paul III. Many of the fountains depict the person responsible for the commission.

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Some fountains support obelisks and others anchor famous piazzas. The dramatic iconographic fountains host a cast of interesting characters that generally spew water from their mouths. The basins are shaped in the form of chalices and decorative elements generally include dolphins, tritons, theatrical masks and shells.

English: Giacomo della Porta created the fountain with sculpted tritons in 1574-1576, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini redesigned it 1654, adding the central statue “il Moro”, an Ethiopian fighting a dolphin. The fountain (here seen from the eastr) is situated in the south of Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza Navona has three fountains with Giacomo della Porta‘s Neptune Fountain on the north end, his Fontana del Moro on the south end and Bernini‘s Fountain of Four Rivers in the middle. These fountains were built in a straight line along the central axis of the elliptical piazza that replicates the floor plan of the arena built by Emperor Domitian in the 1st century. It was a place for athletic competitions and races known as “Agones”. These fountains were supplied by water from the Vergine Aqueduct built by Agrippa in 19 B.C.

One of the tritons sculpted by Giacomo della Porta, now located in the Fontana del Moro, Piazza Navona, viewed from the south. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fountains of Rome were originally operated by gravity. The source of water from the aqueducts had to be higher than the fountain itself to create a dramatic water feature. The difference in elevation and distance between the water-source and the fountain determined how high the fountain could shoot water. Today, they use gravity as well as mechanical pumps. Some fountains have powerful water sprays and others do not. Bernini’s Triton Fountain spray reaches 16 feet above the conch shell of his Triton in Piazza Barberini but the Boat Fountain by the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon’s Fountain have very little water pressure.

English: Fontana del Moro at Piazza Navona. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here are some of my favorite Roman Fountains with a brief description and a short video clip that captures the water feature in motion:

1. The Fountain of the Naiads “Fontana delle Naiadi” is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.

It is located in front of the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (St. Mary of the Angels). The fountain is surrounded by four bronze nymphs embracing sea monsters. There are three tritons, a dolphin and an octapus in the center of the fountain. It was created by the sculptor Mario Rutelli to adorn the Piazza della Repubblica in 1901.

Piazza Repubblica in Rome

2. Bernini’s Fountain of the Triton is located in Piazza Barberini. It was created in 1642. The muscular Triton is held up by four dolphins and is blowing into a sea-shell. After you admire the two Bernini Fountains in this square, stroll down Via Venato.

3. In close proximity to the Triton Fountain, you can find Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees with three bees on a shell sculpted in 1644.

<img title=”Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees in Rome Italy” src=”http://vinoconvistablog.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/shell-fountain.jpg?w=225″ alt=”" width=”225″ height=”300″ />: Bernini’s Fountain of the Bees

4. The spectacular Trevi Fountain is located on Via della Stamperia and was designed by Nicola Salvi.

It was completed between 1732 and 1762 and is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The central figure is Oceanus and he is the personification of all the worldly bodies of water. He is riding an cockleshell chariot pulled by sea-horses, surrounded by Tritons and Sea Nymphs. Visit the beautiful church of Saints Vincenzo E Anastasio in the Piazza across from the Trevi Fountain. Find Agrippa approving his aquaduct blueprints in his dapper Roman military uniform in one of the niches in the Trevi Fountain. The niches convey significant historical messages in this fountain.

Church across from Trevi Fountain

: “Abundance” in the niche of the fountain near Agrippa, holds her basket of goodies at the Trevi Fountain. The fountain is directly across from the gorgeous Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio that preserves the hearts and lungs of 22 popes who died in the Quirinal Palace. Visit the interesting art gallery while you’re in the vicinity.Chiesa dei Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio

5. The Fontana della Barcaccia was the work of Pietro Bernini with the help of his talented son Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

It looks like a submerged boat and was commissioned by Pope Urban VII Barberini around 1629 to commemorate a boat that was stranded in the square in the flood of 1598. It is located at the foot of the Spanish Steps below the church of Trinita dei Monti.

6. The Piazza del Popolo has two fountains. I like the interesting Fontana dell’ Obelisco with a group of four mini lion fountains around the base.

http://www.com/watch?v=PoRtIk2TRDU.

Each lion is situated on a stepped plinth that was added around the base of the obelisk in 1818. The other fountain in the square is at the base of the stairs that lead to Villa Borghese.

7. The Fountain of the Moor is also known as La Fontana del Moro. It is located on the southern end of Piazza Navona with a figure of an African (a Moor) wrestling with a dolphin
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos_edit?ns=1&video_id=Bk7Sb1eVp5I&next=%2Fmy_videos
.

Fountain of Moor

: Fontana del Moro Drawing in Piazza Navona

8. The Fountain of Neptune in Piazza Navona was built in 1572 and shows the God of the Sea using his trident to commandeer an unruly octopus. He is surrounded by cheribs, tritons, sea horses and mermaids. Have a Vino con Vista @ Caffe Nettuno in Piazza Navona.

Caffe Nettuno

: Fountain of Neptune in Rome

9. Bernini’s sumptuous Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona

is also known as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

It was built between 1648 and 1651. Bernini increased the strength of the jets of water for the fountain to increase the water pressure. His statues represent rivers from the four continents; the Nile, Danube, Plate River and Ganges. The structure supports a 54-foot Egyptian “Obelisk of Domitian” that is surmounted by a the emblem of the Pamphili famiy dove that represents Pope Innocent X Pamphili.

10. The Quattro Fontane (the Four Fountains) is a group of four Late Renaissance fountains located at the intersection of Via delle Quattro Fontane and Via del Quirinale in Rome. They were commissioned by Pope Sixtus V and built by Muzio Mattei. They were built between 1588 and 1593. The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength. The fountains of the Arno, Tiber, and Juno are the work of Domenico Fontana. The fountain of Diana was designed by the painter and architect Pietro da Cortona.

The later Baroque church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane by Francesco Borromini is located around the corner from the fountains.

Quattro Fountaine

11. Il Babuino or “The Baboon Fountain” portrays a reclining Silenus. This mythological Roman character is half man and half goat. This is one of the talking statues of Rome, Italy. It is located on Via Babuino next to the Chiesa di S. Atanasio dei Greci.

Baboon Fountain in Rome Italy

12. The vicinity around the Pantheon Fountain

and Piazza Navona‘s fountains offer the best Vino con Vista opportunities in town. The Pantheon Fountain was commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and is located in the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome. It is located directly in front of the Roman Pantheon. It was designed by Giacomo Della Porta in 1575 and sculpted out of marble by Leonardo Sormani. In 1711, Pope Clement XI had fountain modified. Filippo Barignoni designed a new layout and added the obelisk of Ramses II. Four dolphins decorate the base of the obelisk.

The area around the Pantheon is loaded with excellent restaurants, some of them are Michelin rated

. In addition, I love the interesting cast of characters that supports the obelisk in front of the Pantheon.

The cafe scene, restaurants and nightlife in Rome can’t be beat! Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com. Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for daily blog updates.

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Filed under Attractions in Rome near the Capitoline Museums, Bernini, Bramante, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Rome History, Rome Italy, Uncategorized, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro, Fontana di Piazza Farnese, Fountains in Piazza Popolo, Giacomo della Porta, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Mario Rutelli, Pantheon Rome, Piazza Barberini, Piazza Navona, Rome, Spectacular Fountains in Rome, Triton Fountain

May 20, 2012 · 11:34 am

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University of Virginia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) was a polymath: America’s “first distinguished viticulturist,” an architect, author of the American Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson was a talented architect of neo-classical buildings and he designed his Virginia plantation home, Monticello (Little Mountain) as well as the buildings on the campus of the University of Virginia. Construction of Monticello began in 1769. Jefferson was inspired by classical European architecture. The 43-room mansion has 13 skylights.

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration of independence (1776) were all of British descent. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello is situated on the summit of an 850-foot peak in the Southwest Mountains that run parallel to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1987, Monticello and the nearby University of Virginia, also designed by Jefferson, were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monticello from the west lawn. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Jefferson was inspired by the principles of the Venetian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio who was active in the Republic of Venice. Monticello is a relection of Palladian proportions on the pedimented portico. Jeffersonian Architecture is an American form of Neo-Palladianism that was very popular between 1790 and 1830 in America.

Architect Andrea Palladio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Andrea di Pietro (1508-1580) was known as Palladio. Palladio was influenced primarily by Vitruvian design principles; symmetry, perspective and values of the formal classical temple architecture of the Ancient Greeks and Romans.

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

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

Statue of Palladio in Vicenza (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Palladian Villa is characterized by pillared porticos and arches. Unfortunately, fourteen of his villas were destroyed by World War II bombs. The city of Vicenza and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

American Palladianism: The Rotunda at the University of Virginia, designed in the Palladian manner by Thomas Jefferson. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For over 40 years, Monticello was designed and redesigned, built and rebuilt. Thomas Jefferson is buried on the grounds and this area is designated as the Monticello Cemetery.

Jefferson’s tomb at Monticello (Photo credit: Chris Devers)

Monticello (Photo credit: willandbeyond)

At one time, Jefferson’s plantation included “quarters for domestic slaves along Mulberry Row near the house; gardens for flowers, produce and Jefferson’s experiments in plant breeding, plus tobacco fields and mixed crops. Cabins for field slaves were located further from the mansion.”

Il Pantheon di sera (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Comparison of the ground plans of the Pantheon in Rome (left) and Thomas Jefferson’s Rotunda of the University of Virginia (middle: ground floor, right: dome room). The plan of the Pantheon is the one by Andrea Palladio in its reprint by Giocomo Leoni—i.e. the plan that Thomas Jefferson had access to while designing the Rotunda. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello and the key buildings of the University of Virginia are directly related to American Palladianism using principles from classical architecture. The similarities between the Pantheon in Rome and the Rotunda of the University of Virginia are apparent when the photos ante pictured next to each other. Jefferson’s rotunda houses the library.

Thomas Jefferson’s design of the “Rotunda”, the library at the heart of the University of Virginia. “South Elevation of the Rotunda, begun 1818, completed March 29, 1819. Ink and pencil drawing.” (according to Library of Congress) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Thomas Jefferson at the Monticello Visitors Center. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thomas Jefferson was a wine enthusiast and he had two vineyards at

Monticello & Gabriele Rausse – Charlottesville, VA Photo by Amy C Evans, SFA oral historian. A fence is being used as trellising. June 2008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Monticello. However, “the successful cultivation of Vitis vinifera, the classic European wine species, was virtually impossible until the development of modern pesticides controlled such destructive pests as black rot and phyloxera, an aphid-like root louse.”

Monticello & Gabriele Rausse – Charlottesville, VA Photo by Amy C Evans, SFA oral historian June 2008 Individually numbered wine bottles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“The Southwest Vineyard was replanted in 1993 entirely with the Sangiovese grape, a variety documented by Jefferson in 1807 and the principal ingredient of Chianti in Tuscany. There is an annual Wine Festival at Monticello in May. Several vintages have been made with harvests from this vineyard which are sold from the Monticello Museum Shops. Gabriele Rausse, one of the founders of the modern Virginia grape industry, oversees the production of wine as well as the care of the restored vineyards, which continue to serve as experimental gardens of unusual varieties of vinifera.”

Thomas Jefferson Building, Library of Congress, Washington, DC, USA. General decor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Washington, D.C. you can visit the Thomas Jefferson Building in the Library of Congress.

: Monticello Vineyards & Winery (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For more information about Monticello’s wine production visit:
http://www.monticello.org/site/house-and-gardens/vineyards

Monticello Wine Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

Thomas Jefferson Quote (mountainrepublic.net)
The Most Popular Monuments In America (businessinsider.com)
Jefferson’s birthday anniversary, April 13 (timpanogos.wordpress.com)

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Tagged as Andrea Palladio, Blue Ridge Mountains, Jefferson, Monticello, Pantheon Rome, Republic of Venice, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO World Heritage Site, United States Declaration of Independence, University of Virginia, World Heritage Site

May 7, 2012 · 10:56 am

The Beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome Italy

Façade with obelisk, Santa Maria sopra Minerva...

Image via Wikipedia

Piazza della Minerva with Bernini’s Elephant

The Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva was built above the ruins of a temple to honor the goddess Minerva that was built by Gnaeus Pompey the Great around 50 B.C. to honor his Asian victories. The basilica is located in Piazza della Minerva. On the right side of the facade of the basilica look for inscriptions that mark the flooding of the Tiber River between 1422 and 1870 because this is the lowest point in Rome and was subject to frequent flooding. Some of the Tiber flood waters rose to as high as 65 feet.

Interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome. The church houses the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Dominicans began construction on the gothic church in 1280 and used Santa Maria Novella in Florence as their model. Above the main doorway’s triangular pediment is the coat of arms of the Dominican Pope St. Pius V (1566-1572)

To the right of the neo-medieval church facade, admire the Palazzo Fonseca which is now the luxurious Grand Hotel Minerva. Stop in for a lovely Vino con Vista.

Lobby of the Grand Hotel Minerva

Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome ItalyInterior of the Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome Italy

Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s famous smiling elephant called “Pulcino della Minerva” supports one of Rome’s smallest Egyptian obelisks that was escavated in the Domenican cloister and brought to Rome by Diocletian during his reign from 284-305. The Latin inscription at the base of the monument that was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII says “A strong mind is needed to support solid knowledge.”

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail of the vault (one of the 4 sibyls : Sibyl of Delphi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bernini also has some interesting works inside the basilica including the funeral monument of Maria Raggi constructed in 1643. Before San Giovani dei Fiorentini was built, Minerva was the church of the Florentine nation and houses tombs of nobles and citizens from Florence including Pope Urban VII. Fra Angelico and Pope Paul IV. The tombs of two Medici popes Leo X and Clement VII are located in the choir area behind the altar.

Altar in Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bernini’s monument to Maria Raggi

Bernini

One of the fascinating aspects of sightseeing in Rome is visiting the churches to view an amazing spectrum of art.

There are over 900 churches in Rome Italy and they are the frequented by religious pilgrims and locals. These amazing churches are repositories of the relics of martyrs that are venerated within as well as priceless artistic treasures. The Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is located in Piazza della Minerva near the Pantheon.

Rear view of the Pantheon from Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome Italy

Look for the trusty map inside the church to help you identify the key artwork in the basilica. In front of the altar you will find a staue of St. John the Baptist by Giuseppe Obici (1858) on the right and Michelangelo’s ”Risen Christ the Redeemer” on the Left.

The churches of Rome (hotair.com)

Michelangelo’s statue of “Christ the Risen Redeemer” was started in 1519 and shipped unfinished from Florence in 1521. The bronze draping was added later.

Saint Catherine of Siena is also buried in the Basilica beneath the main altar; although her head is in the church of San Domenico in Siena. The monument was created by Isaia da Pisa in 1430. In 1939, Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi were proclaimed principal patrons of Italy and she was also proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970.

The Chapel of Saint Dominic has a painting byPaolo de Matteis and Benedict XIII’s tomb is protected by a lovely statue of “Purity” by Pieto Brracci on the right side of the ornate tomb.

Visit the Carafa Chapel of Saint Thomas Aquinas with beautiful frescoes by Filippino Lippi. I love the scene that depicts St. Thomas presenting Cardinal Carafa to the Blessed Virgin. The relics of St. Thomas were kept in this chapel until 1511, when they were moved to Naples.

In the Chapel dedicated to the Annunciation you can admire the “Annunciation” painting by Antoniazzo Romano. The Virgin is shown giving dowries to young girls who are kneeling with Cardinal Juan de Torquemada. The cardinal is buried nearby.

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

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Tagged as Annunciation, Architecture, Art, Arts, Bernini, Bernini's elephant in Piazza della Minerva, Christ, Christian, Churches in Rome, Churches of Rome, Egyptian Obelisks in Rome, Florence, Fra Angelico, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gnaeus Pompey the Great, Gothic architecture, Italy, Lazio, Michelangelo, Pantheon Rome, Piazza della Minerva, Pompey, Pope Alexander VII, Pope Paul IV, Pope Pius V, Pope Urban VII, Rome, Saint Peter, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica in Rome Italy, St. Peter's Basilica, Tiber River, Travel Blogs, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, Vatican Museums

May 5, 2012 · 8:16 am

Saint Agnese in Agone and Piazza Navona in Rome

Rome, Piazza Navona (church of Sant’Agnese in Agone) Italiano: Piazza Navona, Roma (chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone) Polski: Rzymski plac Navona (kościół Sant’Agnese in Agone) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sant’Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona is built on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian. This was the site of Anges’ martyrdom. She was condemned to be burned to death, but the flames turned away from her toward her executioners. She was eventually beheaded and buried on Via Nomentana wher the church of St. Agnes fuori le Mura now stands.

Sant’Agnese fuori le mura (Photo credit: Michael Tinkler)

The Church of St. Agnes in Agony faces Fontana dei Fiumi (Fountain of the Rivers, built in 1651), which is the centerpiece of Piazza Navona. To see the underground ruins of the Roman circus and large marble altarpiece of “St. Agnes led to Martydom by Alessandro Algardi, visit the subterranean rooms with permission from the Sacristy.

Sant’Agnese in Agone is a seventeenth century Baroque church in Rome, Italy. It faces onto the Piazza Navona, one of the main urban spaces in the historic centre of the city and the site where the Early Christian Saint Agnes was martyred in the ancient Stadium of Domitian.

Francesco Borromini completed the dome in 1654. A number of architects were involved in the construction of the church, including Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo Rainaldi, and two of the foremost Baroque architects of the day; Francesco Borromini and the sculptor Gianlorenzo Bernini^[2]

The rebuilding of the church was begun in 1652 at the instigation of Pope Innocent X whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphili, faced onto the piazza and was adjacent to the site of the new church. The church was to be effectively a family chapel annexed to their residence (for example, an opening was formed in the drum of the dome so the family could participate in the religious services from their palace).^]

Statue of Saint Agnes in Flames by Ercole Ferrata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ercole Ferrata’s statue of St. Agnes show the flames pointing toward her executioners was initially commissioned from Alessandro Algardi and completed by Ercole Ferrata and Domenico Guidi in 1688. The altar depicting the “Martyrdom of Sant’Emerenziana” is also by Ercole Ferrata. There is also a reliquary containing the skull of St. Agnes in a small chapel of the church.

Stoning of Saint Emerentiana by Ercole Ferrata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The interior of the dome has paintings portraying the Assumption started by Ciro Ferri in 1670 and completed by Sebastiano Corbellini. The pendentives were painted with the allegorical representations of the cardinal virtues by Bernini’s protégée Giovanni Battista Gaulli known as Baciccia. This commission enhanced his reputation which led to his commission for the masterpiec vault fresco in the church of Gesu.

Frescoes of the cupola of the Gesù (Rome, Italy) by Baciccia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Main altar; on the ceiling of the apse : “Glory of the Mystical Lamb” by Baciccia (Giovanni Battista Gaulli); church Il Gesù, Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The main altar has Domenico Guidi’s “Holy Family”. I love the statue of Saint Sebastian. Giovanni Francesco Rossi relief of the “Death of St. Allesio” depicts the pope and emperor coming to visit the saint aftere he had died. The altar depicting the “Death of Santa Cecilia” is one of Antonio Raggi best works. Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians.

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