Tag Archives: Tuscany

April 22, 2013 · 10:54 am

The Best Vino con Vista Wine Tourism Adventures in Italy’s Major Wine Regions

Asiago (Photo credit: Birnardo)

If you follow my posts, you know that I adore Italy’s intoxicating Vino con Vistas! Italy is one of the world’s most alluring travel destinations with captivating panoramic vistas of majestic mountains and volcanoes surrounded by the glistening sea.

La collina di Bacco (Photo credit: gigi 62)

I am an advocate of Wine Tourism and Culinary Travel. I even write Travel Guides called “Vino con Vista.” I have traveled the peninsula and identified my favorite places to enjoy “Wine with a View.”

Vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti in the Chianti Classico region (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The micro-climates of regions from Piedmont to Sicily provide the nations’s wine producers with abundant resources and endless opportunities to produce highly regarded wines. There are over 300 varietals cultivated across the peninsula from the foothills to the southermost islands. Wine tourim is enhanced by the nation’s flourishing culinary culture that spawns superb cooking schools and world-class gourmet farm-to-fork chefs.

Tuscany, Italian wine region of Chianti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Vin Santo e Cantucci in Milan, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My favorite wine always pairs well with art, architecture and the best age-old culinary traditions; think Vin Santo with cantucci/biscotti while watching the Palio in Siena; that’s a Vino con Vista. I take great pleasure in the fact that Trebbiano grapes are used to produce wine that has been aged in a barrel with a cross on it. That’s the inherent charm of Italy.

Many towns, such as San Gimignano, were enclosed with walls, causing crowding and the building of tower houses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thick, sugary Trebbiano juice leaving the basket press from dried Trebbiano grapes being used to produce the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian wine Vin Santo with its traditional food pairing of Biscotti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A wine barrel with a cross on it designating that it is being used to aged the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yes, I love wine that pairs with indigenous food. Although, I must admit that I have paired gelato with wine in San Gimignano; there’s no shame to that! Just don’t try it with Chianti Classico. I have been reprimanded by many Italian waiters for requesting grated cheese for my seafood pasta. They absolutely refuse; so I have to sneak grated cheese from my friends that are having pasta without seafood.

Late harvest grapes being harvested to produce the Italian dessert wine Vin Santo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My travel plans frequently involve Wine and Food Festivals. Wine is produced and celebrated everywhere in Italy’s 20 regions. It’s a great place for touring and tasting.

While Vin Santo wines are produced throughout Italy, the vast majority of production takes place in the provinces of Tuscany. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Production of the Italian straw wine, Vin Santo, begining with Trebbiano being dried until they are raisin and concentrated with sugar. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Agriturismo system is conducive to wine tourism because it provides accommodations for tourists at the wine estate. In addition, monasteries and castles have been converted into five-star hotels in many of Italy’s wine regions. Azienda Agricola Malenchini’s family run farm has been growing grapes and olives since 1830 www.malenchini.com.

Giuseppe Garibaldi – Portrait of an Italian Patriot with Red Wine & Cabbage (Photo credit: Nino.Modugno)

I visited the Dievole Winery during one of my trips to Tuscany but next time, I will stay at the luxury Florentine Villa with two pools www.dievole.it. Go to Castello da Verrazzano and visit the historical working cellars and gaze at the wild boars www.verrazano.com. Visit Ristorante Enoteca Borgo Allegro with 400 labels of the best Italian and Tuscan wines www.borgoallegro.it

Italy’s WIne Regions

Montalcino, Toscana, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Brunello di Montalcino 2000 – Il Marroneto – Vigna Madonna delle Grazie (Photo credit: dags1974)

Cantine Aperte is held on the last Sunday of May and offers outstanding opportunities for anyone interested in Italian wine. This is the day when many wine producers throughout Italy open their doors for a free tasting of their wines. There’s a great four-day annual Chianti Wine Festival in the town of Greve in Tuscany. http://www.greve-in-chianti.com/en/2010_wine_festival.htm

Tuscany is the home of Italy’s most famous wines made with Sangiovese grapes: Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino.

Montalcino (Photo credit: littlestar19)

Brunello de Montalcino

When you travel to Italy’s wine regions you can visit Col d’Orcia. They have been making wine since the 17oos. This producer is located on 1300 acres in Tuscany’s Siena province on the outskirts of the medieval hilltop village of Montalcino. The vineyards occupy 370 acres on the hills between the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle. Col d’Orcia is owned by Count Francesco Marone Cinzano and primarily produces the Brunello clone of Sangiovese.

Brunello de Montalcino

Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many interesting regions in Italy for Touring and Tasting. You can visit Piedmont, Tuscany and many of Italy’s major wine regions, from Alto Aidge in the north to Puglia and Campania in the south. You can travel to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily for more Wine Tourism Adventures. Furthermore, Apulia (Puglia), in the South of Italy is known for Primitivo and is emerging as an interesting destination for Enoturism. For more information, visit ViaggiareinPuglia.it.

Italian wine (Photo credit: toyohara)

In the Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Click on this link to see the Wine Spectator Maps of Italy: http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Italymap.pdf

Let’s explore some of Italy’s wine regions:

A food and wine pairing with the Italian wine Amarone from Valpolicella, Veneto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The north-eastern Venato region of Italy is protected by the Alps. The cooler climates are suited to white varietals like Garganega; the warmer Adriatic coastal plaines produce Amarone, Valpolicella and Bardolino. Sparkling Prosecco is produced in this region.

Conegliano is one of Italy’s leading wine schools in this region. Every year, Verona hosts Vinitaly, the world’s leading Wine Festival.

Prosecco

An interesting range of wines which are unique to Italy are made with grapes that are dried in the warm air by laying them out on mats after harvesting. These recioto grapes make two basic styles of wine: Amarone della Valpolicella, which is vinified to be dry and very alcoholic and Recioto.

A Vineyard in the Italian wine region of Valpolicella in the Veneto. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Amarone

Casa Vinicola Bertani is one on the region’s most influential wine producers. Bertani was founded in 1857 by Gaetano and Giovani Battista Bertani. They are vertically integrated; they own the vineyards and control the entire wine-making cycle.

In 2004, the winter was cold and wet with an average spring. Summer was characterized by warm days and cool nights allowing for optimal ripening. The wine was aged in oak casks for 7 years and bottled in January of 2011.

1980 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from the Venato

The 1980 Spring had average temperatures and precipitation with a hot, dry summer. Yields were lower but fruit quality was high. The wine was fermented for 46 days and aged for 10 years in large Slovonian oak barrels. The wine was bottled in February of 1991.

Nebbiolo has a long history in the Alba region of Piedmont. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Amarone

Italian wine (Photo credit: toyohara)

Ripasso and Recioto are also produced in the Venato; fermentation is stopped earlier for Recioto to capture sweetness. Try some Amarones and Reciotos from wineries like Alighieri, Masi and Allegrini.

English: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy – the village Italiano: Barolo, Piemonte, Italia – il paese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Barolo (Photo credit: verovera78)

The subregion of Piedmont called Langhe, is where the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco are produced. Piedmont produces complex red wines made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. Traditionally these wines age well and have an intense fruit flavor.

Other Piedmontese wines include: fruity Barbera and sweet Brachetto and Dolcetto. Sparkling Asti is made from the Moscato grape.

In the Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cerretto, Gaja, Aldo Conterno and Giacosa are prominent producers in this area. Visit Cerretto’s headquarters at the Monsordo Bernadina winery outside Alba and then go to the town of Alba and have lunch at Ristorante La Piola in the Piazza Duomo. Alba is a picturesque medieval village that also produces Barbera.

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Piedmontmap.pdf

Ceretto – Barbaresco “Asij” Docg 2007 (Photo credit: Doyouwine)

Italian wine made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the heart of Sicily (Photo credit: Chiara Marra)

I love Sicily. Start your adventure in Palermo and travel to the wineries in Avola and the other beautiful towns in Southern Sicily. Visit the D0nna Fuggata Winery in Sicily. You will also adore Palermo, Cefalu, Taormina and the Aeolian Islands!

Vino Con Vista Sicily

Sicily 2009 (Photo credit: mad_76)

Sicily has a plethora of interesting sites and produces a broad array of bold wines. Have some Nero d’Avola as you watch a movie in the Greco-Roman Theater at the annual Taormina Film Festival. Spend the weekend at the luxurious San Domenico

Palace hotel, a former 15th century monastery.

Visit the Late Baroque towns in Southeastern Sicily where yau can tour and taste in the town of Avola. Dine at La Gazza Landra on Via Blandini in Modica ALta.

: Campania is another outstanding Vino con Vista destination. The smoldering volcano that destroyed Pompeii and Herculanuem generated fertile volcanis soil for growing grapes, lemons and olives. Pallagrello Nero, Aglianico, Biancolella and Fiano grapes are used to produce sumptuous wines in this region. Sip some Lacryma Christi del Bianco or Flanghina wine from your lounge chair at the beach or on your splendid terrace in the Amalfi Coast. This region produces plenty of limoncello.; Terraza del Vino 7 (Photo credit: BodegaContiempo)

Italian wine region of Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Piedmontmap.pdf

Ceretto – Barbaresco “Asij” Docg 2007 (Photo credit: Doyouwine)

Italian wine made from Nebbiolo in Piedmont (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

the heart of Sicily (Photo credit: Chiara Marra)

Sicily has a plethora of interesting sites and produces a broad array of bold wines.

Vino con Vista Sicily

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Sicilymap.pdf

Brunello di Montalcino

Italian Wine

Brunello di Montalcino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Italian wine from Tuscany made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Brolio

Sangiovese grapes in a vineyard of Montalcino, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations for wine tourism. You can visit the Chianti, Bolgheri, Brunello di Montalcino, Maremma and the Montepulciano appellation.

2006 Castello Banfi Belnero Toscana, I.G.T. from Montalcino (Photo credit: Michal Osmenda)

The Montepulciano grape is most widely planted on the opposite coast of Abruzzo; not the town of Montepulciano in Tuscany where Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is made from Sangiovese grapes. The Vernaccia grape is used for white Vernaccia de San Gimignano.

Abbey of Sant’Antimo, Montalcino, Tuscany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A good example of the Italian wine Brunello di Montalcino with partial Sangiovese cluster behind class. Just need to crop out the chickens. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chianti and the towns of Montalcino and Montepulciano are the wine-producing regional rock stars in Tuscany!

The gallo nero seal of the Consorzio Chianti Classico (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Tuscany Cipresses (Photo credit: Maarten Van Hoof)

English: Castle (Fortezza) at Montalcino, Siena, Italy. Photo taken by Type17, 18:50hrs June 24th 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The best quality wines are the Riservas.

They generally come from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti Classico zone, which stretches from Florence to Siena. Try wines from Antinori, Castell’in Villa, San Felice and Isole e Olena. Try to attend the annual Chianti festival in the charming town of Greve in Tuscany.

Landscape in the Italian wine region of Greve in the Chianti area in Tuscany, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A bottle of the Italian wine Chianti Classico made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chianti sub-zone (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian wine Brunello from Tuscany made from Sangiovese (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sangiovese grapes on the vine in the Italian wine region of Chianti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

http://assets.winespectator.com/wso/Maps/Tuscanymap.pdf

Chianti Classico

Montalcino (Photo credit: littlestar19)

English: The Municipality of Montalcino within the Province of Siena, Tuscany, Italy Italiano: Il comune di Montalcino nella Provincia di Siena, Toscana, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: View of Montalcino from the Castle (Fortezza). Taken Sept 8th 2006 by me. Canon EOS 20D, 10mm focal length (16mm effective length) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rome‘s Wine Tourism is increasing. The Roman Hills and Frascati offer excellent Vino con Vista opportunities.

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 189v – The Communion of the Apostles the Musée Condé, Chantilly. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Frascati (Photo credit: twicepix)

Franciacorta

Prosecco

Beschreibung: Kiste mit Tignanello-Flaschen – eine Kostbarkeit. Fotograf: Benutzer:BMK 8/2004 Please send reference and voucher copy to BMK(at)clever.ms Bitte Quellenangabe und Beleg an BMK(at)clever.ms (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bottles of Sassicaia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian Wine

Sangiovese vines of Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Map of Italy and its districts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There an annual fall wine festival in Greve in Chianti from September 6-9, 2012. Greve is on the Via Chiantigiana; the Chianti route to Siena. The Festival is held in Piazza Matteotti.

City Lights, France-Italy Border (NASA, International Space Station Science, 04/28/10) (Photo credit: NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center)

I love Italy’s Wine Regions @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Related Articles:

A Tuscan Winery Tour at Captivating Castello Banfi in Montalcino Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
46th Annual VinItaly 2012 and Italy’s Best Wines (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Ten Most Seductive Places to Drink Wine in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Food and Wine Festivals in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Filed under Italy Travel Guides, Wine Spectator's List and Maps of Italy's Major Wine Regions, Wine Spectator's Maps of Italy's Major Wine Regions, Wine Tourism Adventures in Italy's Major Wine Regions

Tagged as Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Wine, Chianti, Italy, Italian wine, Sicily, vino con vista, Campania, Siena, San Gimignano, Barbaresco, Montalcino, Piedmont, Amarone, Wine Spectator's List and Maps of Italy's Major Wine Regions, Bolgheri, Trebbiano, Aldo Conterno, Isole e Olena, Wine Spectator's Maps of Italy's Major Wine Regions, WIne Tourism, Wine Tourism Adventures in Italy's Major Wine Regions, Agritourism, Apulia, Vin Santo

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

Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Tuscany

: Image via Wikipedia

If you follow my posts, you know that there are many exciting Holiday Events in Italy. There are some interesting events you may want to attend in Tuscany over the holidays. Tuscany is divided into ten provinces.

Tuscany stretches over the slopes of the Apennines and borders the Tyrrhenian Sea. The landscape is mostly hilly with a flatter area along the sea called Maremma. Visit the wineries across the Chianti hills from Siena to Florence. The two notable wine towns of Montepulciano and Montalcino are also located in the province of Siena in Tuscany.

Siena (Photo credit: ho visto nina volare)

On of my favorite Tuscan towns is Siena. The historic center became an inscribed UNESCO site in 1995. Siena’s yellowish brown buildings are the embodiment of a gothic medieval city. Her golden age came to a screeching halt with the Black Death of 1348.

Enlightened travelers will love this charming city in the heart of Chianti country about 21 miles south of Florence. Siena is the birthplace of Saint Catherine (1347), the patron saint of Italy. She received the stigmata at Pisa and her head is still housed in the Basilica of San Domenico.

The brick, shell shaped brick Piazza del Campo is one of Italy’s most triumphant piazzas, large enough to feature a semi-annual 350 year old summer bareback horse race called the “Palio delle Contrade.” The Piazza’s surface is divided inato nine segments by colored paving stones, symbolizing the Council of Nine. Their members governed the city in her medieval heyday. The Council met at the Palazzo Pubblicoon the eastern part of the square.

Torre del Mangia towering above of the Palazzo Pubblico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The residents of Siena were fierce rivals of the Florentines. The distinctive 330 foot city watch tower Torre del Mangia bears witness to their intense rivalry. Climb to the summit of the Gothic Cathedral; the summit of the tower offers a superb panoramic view of Tuscany.

Throughout the centuries, the residents preserved their city’s Gothic appearance, acquired between the 12th and 15th centuries. In this period, the work of many artists including Duccio, the Lorenzetti brothers and Simone Martini influenced the course of European art. Many artists were influenced by Byzantium of the late 15^th century. The entire historic city center of Siena, built around the Piazza del Campo, was devised as a work of art that blends into the surrounding landscape. In the southwestern quadrant of the city, the Duomo houses masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini and Donatello. Visit Ambrogio Lorenzetti’s, “Allegory of Good and Bad Government” (1318), in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena.

There are many Holiday Events is Siena and other charming provinces of Tuscany:

In the Province of Siena

“Un Natale Speciale” in the town of Chiusi from December 6-25

The Feast of San Lucia on December 13th in the Church of Saint Lucia in Siena

Festa dell’Olio in mid-December

A New Year’s Eve Concert in Piazza del Campo in Siena

“Mostra dei Presepi” is the 16th Annual event in Bottolle (Citta dei Presepi) in Sinalunga Siena from December 12th to January 16th

In Montepulciano attend the Festa e Fiera di Natale

More Events in Tuscany

In Equi Terme witness the “Presepi Viventi”–living Nativity Scenes

Fiera de San Michelle on December 8th in Lucca

The Barga Chocolate Festival on December 4th and 5th in Lucca

In Lucca between December 25 and January 1st there are weekly Puccini concerts at the Basilica of St. John

In Arezzo attend the Honey Festival on December 12-13 in Piazza Risorgimento

Slow Christmas Exhibition in Cutigliano Pistoia from December 4th-12th

Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista

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

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Filed under Christmas in Italy, ebooks, IPad, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Renaissance Artists, Siena, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, UNESCO WOrld Heritage Sites in SIcily, vino con vista, Wine, Wine Festivals in Italy

Tagged as Arezzo, Arts and Entertainment, Basilica of San Domenico, Christmas in Italy, Equi Terme, Italy, Lucca, Montepulciano, Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza del Campo, Siena, Simone Martini, Tuscany

November 28, 2012 · 10:21 am

Buon Natale: Interesting Holiday Events in Florence Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

Florence is the world’s celebrated jewel of Renaissance art and architecture. It is famous for perfect voluptuous domes and intimate restaurants with perfect steaks and wine. The Uffizi is the perfect art museum and and the Palazzo Pitti has the perfect Royal apartments. The Accademia has the perfect sculptures and the Baptistry has the perfect doors. Even the tombs are perfect at Santa Croce. The leather is perfect, the silk is perfect and the perfume made at Santa Maria Novella is perfect.

Accademia – DSC 1177 ep (Photo credit: Eric.Parker)

Via Tornabuoni is a perfect street for shopping with designer powerhouses like Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Enrico Coveri, Roberto Cavalli and Emilio Pucci willing to sell you holiday goodies. Even the Piazzas are perfect! Florence is the perfect UNESCO site with many perfect “Vino con Vista” opportunities.

English: Loggia dei Lanzi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Florence rose to economic and cultural pre-eminence under the mighty Medici dynasty in the 15^th and 16th centuries. The churches, galleries and palaces contain the world’s largest concentration of Renaissance artand sculpture.

loggia dei lanzi florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Perseus holding the head of Medusa, by Benvenuto Cellini, Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence; Italie Français : Persée tenant la tête de Méduse, par Benvenuto Cellini, Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence, Italie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Palais Pitti, Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The city was built on the site of an Etruscan settlement, and has 600 years of extraordinary artistic activity. It is an incredibly compact city for walking. Walk to the Piazzale Michelangeloat sunset for a perfect glimmering moonlit cityscape. Marvel at Florence’s panoramic glory as the cloak of darkness descends over her dimly lit splendor.

“The Rape of Polyxena”, sculpture by Pio Fedi (1816-1892), in 1866 : Loggia dei Lanzi, Florence, Italy. Photo by Thermos. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Natural and man-made disasters have threatened the city’s wealth of art history and perfection. In 1966, the Arno River’s devastating flood destroyed or severely damaged Florentine treasures. In 1993, a mafia bomb exploded near the Uffizi and severely damaged the gallery. The Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge to escape Nazi bombs.

Loggia dei Lanzi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Her glorious past is evident in the monumental grandeur and perfection of her structures: the 13th-century cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, the Church of Santa Croce, the Uffizi, Santa Maria Novella, the Galleria dell’Accademia, the Bargello and the Pitti Palace. Works of art history grace every public building. Landmark cloisters, chapels and refectories are galleries of perfect Renaissance art.

The façade of Santa Maria Novella, completed by Leon Battista Alberti in 1470. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Loggia dei Lanzi (Photo credit: **Mary**)

Stroll the Via dei Calzaiuoli, between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Signoria and imagine the creative genius that flourished in this city; evidenced by the works in the Loggia dei Lanzi. The Loggia was originally designed to shelter dignitaries watching civic ceremonies.

The Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna, in the Loggia dei Lanzi in Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This elegant, compact city, is bounded on the southern side by the glistening Arno River. Distinctive works of great masters such as Giotto, Brunelleschi, Botticelli and Michelangelo adorn every nook and cranny of this perfectly majestic city. Visit Florence during the holidays for the perfect vacation.

Perfect Holiday Events in Florence:

German Christmas Market in Piazza Santa Croce from December 1- 19

“Florence Noel” at the Stazione Leopoldo from December 4-12

“Fierucola di Natale” in Piazza Santo Spirito on December 19th

Christmas Party in Gambassi Terme on December 4-5

17th Annual “Sagra Antichi Sapori di Toscana” at Lastra a Signa December 3-8

“Sagra del Tartufo e Antichi Sapori del Mugello” in Borgo San Lorenzo December 8-12

Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista

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

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Filed under Christmas in Florence Italy, ebooks, Florence Italy, IPad, Italian art, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Arno, Arno River, Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Florence Italy, Florence, Florence Cathedral, Gambassi Terme, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guide, Loggia dei Lanzi, Palazzo Pitti, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Santa Croce, Piazzale Michelangelo, Renaissance, Renaissance art, Renaissance Florence, Santa Croce, Santa Maria del Fiore, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany, vino con vista, Who is buried at Santa Croce in Florence, World Heritage Site

October 14, 2012 · 11:32 am

“Bonfire of the Vanities” in Florence Italy in 1497

San Marco Convent (1440) is the former monastery of the Dominicans in Florence, Italy. It was commissioned by Cosimo the Elder Medici. The history of the cloisters, dormitories and cells is linked to Fra Angelico, Fra Bartolomeo and contoversial Friar Girolamo Savonarola. Friar Girolamo Savonarola was the Prior of the convent. The convent is a museum now. During the 15th century, it was the home of two famous Dominicans: the painter Fra Angelico and the preacher, Girolamo Savonarola. The convent’s library was built by Michelozzo. It has a famous collection of manuscripts.

Fra Angelico, Annunciation at the top of the stairs, San Marco (Photo credit: profzucker)

The convent contains most of Fra Angelico’s work since he spent most of his life at San Marco. Two of may favorites are: “Last Judgment” (1432-35) and “The Annunciation” (1450). The annunciation is at the top of the stairs in San Marco.

Girolamo Savonarola (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Annunciation, painted by Fra Angelico (1387-1455) (Florence) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fra Bartolomeo’s portrait of “Savonarola” is shown in this post and is located in the Museum of San Marco. Girolamo Savonarola was an eloquent and persuasive Dominican priest and the perpetrator of a “Bonfire of the Vanities” in the Piazza della Signoria.

c. 1437-1446 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

He used his puritanical influence to denounce decadent objects including art and books and encouraged Florentine residents to torch immoral objects that led to moral corruption. This was before the days of Sarbannes-Oxley and Enron.

Execution of Girolamo Savonarola in the Piazza della Signoria, Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plaque commemorating the spot where Girolamo Savonarola was executed in the Piazza Della Signoria, Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The theocratic leader with an aversion for evil and dishonesty was ultimately hanged and burned in 1498 in Piazza della Signoria. There is a plaque commemorating this spot in Piazza Della Signoria.

La Predica di Savonarola (Photo credit: Morkai79)

View at Piazza della Signoria from the front balcony of Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is a great Vino con Vista Site in Florence. When you admire his portrait in the Dominican convent of San Marco that was painted by Fra Bartolomeo in 1498 look at the Latin inscription. It says: “Portrait of the Prophet Jerome of Ferrara, sent by God.”

Monument to Girolamo Savonarola in Piazza Savonarola, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dr. Eveann Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

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

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Tagged as Annunciation, Bonfire of the Vanities, Dominican Order, Florence, Fra Angelico, Fra Bartolomeo, Girolamo Savonarola, History, Italy, Last Judgment, Palazzo Pitti, Piazza della Signoria, Renaissance Florence, San Marco, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany, unesco, vino con vista, What is the BOnfire of the Vanities, Where is Piazza della Signora, Who is Savonarola, World Heritage Site

October 12, 2012 · 9:36 am

It’s Always Halloween in San Gimignano Italy

: Image via Wikipedia

San Gimignano delle belle Torri is 32 miles southwest of Florence. It is considered the Manhattan of Tuscany. The majestic skyline of noble towers was built for defensive purposes and as a symbol of status and wealth.

Many towns, such as San Gimignano, were enclosed with walls, causing crowding and the building of tower houses. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It served as an important relay point for pilgrims traveling to or from Rome on the Via Francigena.

San Gimignano view from torre grossa 5 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The patrician families who controlled the town built 72 tower houses (some as high as 50 meters) as symbols of their wealth and power. The Torre Grossa is still open to the public. Although only 13 of the original towers have survived, San Gimignano has retained its feudal atmosphere and appearance.

San Gimignano view from torre grossa 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You probably didn’t know about the Spooky Musuem in San Gimignano where you can celebrate Halloween all year long! Visit the Museo Pena di Morte.

Panforte at a shop in San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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Filed under ebooks, Gelato, IPad, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Italian Wine, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Museo Pena di Morte, oenogastronomic, Renaissance Art, Rome, San Gimignano, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites, World's Best Gelato

Tagged as Florence, Halloween, It's Always Halloween in San Gimignano Italy, Italy, italy travel, Manhattan, Museo della Tortura in San Gimignano Italy, Museo Pena di Morte in San gimignano Italy, Rome, San Gimignano, Travel and Tourism, travel guides, Tuscany, Via Francigena, vino con vista, Wine, World Heritage Site

August 13, 2012 · 10:23 am

Il Palio dell’Assunta 2012 in Siena Italy in August

Selva jockey Salasso celebrates victory (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Siena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Italy. Siena’s yellowish-brown historical buildings are the embodiment of a gothic medieval city. Her golden age came to a screeching halt with the plague called the Black Death of 1348.

Witness the glorious historical Il Palio dell’Assunta 2012 in Siena, a bareback horse race around the Piazza del Campo. It lasts for about 90 seconds. The race features jockeys from Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods or Contrade.

WHEN: Palio dell’Assunta on August 16, 2012 follows the Palio di Provenzano, which took place on July 2, 2012.

WHERE: Il Campo, in Siena Tuscany

Enlightened travelers will love this charming city in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone about 21 miles south of Florence. Order a bottle of wine at a cafe in the shell-shaped brick Piazza del Campo is one of Italy’s most triumphant piazzas, large enough to feature a medieval semi-annual 350-year-old summer bareback horse race called the “Palio delle Contrade” www.paliosiena.com.

Here’s a video of the event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C7AyhpWXgoE

Image Palio dell’Assunta (16/08/2006) – Siena (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Palazzo Pubblico, Piazza Del Campo, Siena, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The victor of the Palio celebrates with a massive town dinner (cena). Sometimes the horse wins without a jockey. The piazza’s surface is divided into nine segments by colored paving stones, symbolizing Siena’a original Council of Nine. Their members governed the city in her medieval heyday.

English: Flag bearer of the contrada della Pantera during a parade at the piazza del Campo, Siena. Français : Porte-drapeau de la contrada della Pantera drant un défilé sur la plae du Campo à Sienne. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The council met at the Palazzo Pubblico on the eastern part of the square. In Siena visit Italy’s most famous Enoteca on Piazza Matteotti housed within the Medici fortress, order from among 1000 wines from more than 50 producers. Then take the Chianti Road (La Chiantigiana) through the magnificent Tuscan countryside revered and replicated in Renaissance paintings.

Italiano: Piazza del Campo, Siena, Italia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While you are visiting Siena, sip some Sant’ Antimo Terre du Siena in the Campo with some pappardelle con leper, pappa al pomodoro or Costata alla Fiorentina.

The Tuscan hillsides provide the ideal micro-climates for Sangiovese and Trebbiano grapes. Visit the Italian Library of Wine in Siena owned by the Italian government to showcase their finest wines. The outdoor terrace is a great “vino con vista” venue. Check out this wine selection: http://www.ilpalio.org/winecellar.html

Palio di Siena – Provenzano – Partenza quarta Prova (Photo credit: Janus Kinase)

If you want to learn about the 17 ”Contrade” (0riginally there were about fifty-nine) from their official Palio Website visit: www.ilpalio.org

“Here is a partial list of their names, emblems and colours grouped into “Terzi” or “Terzieri” (in olden times the town was divided into three sections called: “Terziere di Città”, “Terziere di San Martino” and “Terziere di Camollia”).

Terziere di Città
“AQUILA (Eagle) a double-headed eagle with imperial symbols. Yellow with black and blue bands. CHIOCCIOLA (Snail) a snail. Yellow and red with blue bands. ONDA (Wave) a swimming dolphin wearing a crown. White and blue. PANTERA (Panther) a rampant panther. Red and blue with white bands. SELVA (Forest) a rhinoceros bearing a huge tree hung with hunting implements. Green and orange-yellow with white bands. TARTUCA (Tortoise) a tortoise. Yellow and blue.”

Terziere di San Martino
“CIVETTA (Owl) an owl. Black and red with white bands. LEOCORN0 (Unicorn) a unicorn. White and orange-yellow with blue bands. NICCHIO (Shell) a seashell. Blue with yellow and red bands. TORRE (Tower) an elephant with a tower on its back. Dark bordeaux red with white and blue bands. VALDIMONTONE or simply MONTONE (Ram) a rampant ram. White and yellow with red bands.”

Terziere di Camollia
“BRUCO (Caterpillar) a caterpillar. Yellow and green with blue bands. DRAGO (Dragon) a flying dragon. Red and green with yellow bands. GIRAFFA (Giraffe) a giraffe. White and red. ISTRICE (Porcupine) a porcupine. White, red, black and blue bands. LUPA (She-Wolf) the Roman She-Wolf suckling the twins. Black and white with orange-yellow bands. OCA (Goose) a crowned goose with the cross of Savoia round its neck. White and green with red bands.

The “Contrade” first appeared in the middle of the 15th century to celebrate certain solemn events. They were represented by special wooden devices shaped like animals, like a giraffe, a dragon, a porcupine, a she-wolf, a caterpillar, a goose etc.”

Banners of the Contrade sold before the beginning of the race (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Click on this link for UNESCO photos of Siena: http://www.ourplaceworldheritage.com/custom.cfm?action=WHsite&whsiteid=717#

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

Italiano: Un momento della Prova in Piazza del Campo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thousands of spectators, coming from all the world, fill the Piazza del Campo to capacity on the day of the Palio di Siena (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Filed under Il Palio dell'Assunta 2012 in Siena Italy in August, Il Palio dell'Assunta 2012 in Sienna Italy in August, Italy Travel Guides

Tagged as Campo, Contrada, Horse racing, Il Palio dell'Assunta 2012 in Siena Italy in August, Il Palio dell'Assunta 2012 in Sienna Italy in August, Italian Wine from Siena, Italy, Palazzo Pubblico, Palio di Siena, Piazza del Campo, Siena, Tuscany, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

July 16, 2012 · 11:07 am

Taylor Street’s Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago

Trevi Fountain – The fountain filled with coins, from another perspective. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are you going to Taylor Street’s Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago? You can engage in the “Great Grape Stomp” at the Vintage Lounge and take your picture in front of the replica of the Trevi Fountain or participate in the Meatball Eating Contest.

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

You have to go to Rome to see the real Trevi Fountain.

A 5×5 segment panorama taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 24-105mm f/4L IS lens. Stitched with rectilinear projection to keep lines straight. This view is about 100 degrees horizontally, close to the upper practical limit of rectilinear projection. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italian neighborhoods in Chicago celebrate summer with annual traditions in historic Italian neighborhoods. Taylor Street was the port-of-call for many Italians who immigrated to Chicago from the shores of southern Italy. This landmark Southern Italian neighborhood hosts an annual “Festa Italiana” from August 9-12, 2012.

Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

This year you can see the Legendary Drifters perform on Friday night and Sunday night! Listen to them play their famous repertoire including: “On Broadway”, “Dance with Me”, “Saturday Night at the Movies“, “Under the Boardwalk”, “There Goes my Baby”, “This Magic Moment“ and “Save the Last Dance for Me”. There are plenty of dancing opportunities at this annual event.

Legendary Drifters at Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

Legendary Drifters perform on Taylor Street Italian Festival 2012

On Broadway (song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hours: Thur 5 – 9pm, Fri 5 – 10pm, Saturday 12 – 11pm, Sun 12 – 9pm

The Drifters’ Golden Hits (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHERE: Little Italy

Address: Taylor St. at Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60606

In Little Italy, Chicago, some Italian language signage is visible (eg. Banca Italiana) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s the 2012 Entertainment Line-up from their FaceBook Page:

Ron Hawking; The Legendary Drifters; Dominic Mantuano; Moreno Fruzzetti; Tony Spavone; Peter Guerin; John Vincent; Packy Angelo Ciaravino; Aaron Caruso Hairbangers Ball; This Must Be the Band (Talking Heads tribute); Mike & Joe; The Breakfast Club; Your Villian My Hero; Liquid Soul; Hot Sauce Committtee; Jaw Potato and more!

Here’s the entertainment schedule from the webpage:

Taylor Street

Thursday, August 9 through Sunday, August 12

Festa Hours: Thursday 5pm to 10 pm / Friday 5pm to 10pm / Saturday 12pm to 10pm / Sunday 12pm to 9pm

Thursday

5:00 Opening Introductions / Anthem’s 6:00 Jaw Potato 5:30 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

5:30 Joe Martino & The Volare Dancers 8:00 Breakfast Club 7:30 TBD

6:45 Packy Angelo Ciaravino

8:15 Moreno Fruzzetti

Friday

5:00 Joe Martino & The Volare Dancers 5:00 Ten Foot Tail 5:30 Brooklyn James

7:00 The Legendary Drifters 6:15 Your Villain My Hero 7:30 Nick Pontarelli

8:15 Moreno Fruzzetti 8:00 This Must Be The Band

Saturday

1:00 Dick Sisto featuring Bobby Broom Trio 12:30 Acoustic Generation 1:00 TBD

2:30 Rosebud Chef Demo, Michael Ponzio 2:30 Brooklyn James 3:00 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

3:30 Packy Angelo Ciaravino 4:00 Hot Sauce Committee 3:30 Grape Stomping Contest, Vintage Lounge

4:30 Italian Fashion by Zzazz Productions 6:00 Liquid Soul 5:00 Hurricane Reggae

5:00 Tony Spavone 8:00 Mike & Joe 7:00 TBD

5:45 Peter Guerin 9:00 Dj’s Dominic Cantore & Lenny Laino

6:30 Aaron Caruso

7:15 Dominic Mantuano

8:45 Ron Hawking

Sunday

12:30 Packy Angelo Ciaravino 1:00 Acoustic Generation 1:00 Dick Sisto featuring Bobby Broom Trio

2:30 Rosebud Chef Demo, Michael Ponzio 3:00 Nick Pontarelli 3:00 Hurricane Reggae

3:30 John Vincent 5:00 Liquid Soul 5:00 Packy Angelo Ciaravino

4:45 Tony Spavone 7:00 Hairbangers Ball 7:00 Brooklyn James

5:45 Peter Guerin

6:45 Aaron Caruso

There Goes My Baby (The Drifters song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8:00 The Legendary Drifters

Here’s a link to the schedule:

http://www.festaitaliana2012.com/upload/ScheduleBandsPublish072712.pdf

There’s also a fun Italian Festival held annually over Father’s Day Weekend at 24th and Oakley in Chicago. For information on that Festival visit: http://wp.me/pRq9Q-3Ea

Here’s a short video of the Festival

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Za3laHrq66I

Cover of The Drifters

They anticipate 55,000 visitors to the historic Italian neighborhood over the weekend and many will be Italian American. Many suburban Italians, whose roots trace back to Taylor Street maintain a regular pilgrimage to “the old neighborhood” on the near-west side.

Taylor Street Italian Festival in Chicago

RoseBud Restaurant on Taylor Street During the Festival 2012

Many businesses have been in this neighborhood for many generations like Chicago’s legendary Gonnella bread family.

Alex Dana runs the famed Rosebud Chain in Chicago and has earned his own street sign in the neighborhood. The Taylor Street location has an incredible outdoor space for dining alfresco.

Another one of my favorite Taylor Street eateries is Tuscany with multiple locations throughout the Chicagoland area. Try the Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich or the Pork Chop Vesuvio.

The festival is a mecca for foodies who want to enjoy Italian cuisine and listen to live entertainment on multiple stages.

This weekend when you attend the annual event on Taylor Street on the near-west side of Chicago, you can enjoy treats from the food booths of legendary establishments like Rosebud, Pompei and Francesca’s as well as new-comers like Ethyl’s Beer and Wine Dive.

Trattoria-style restaurants, the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the historic Roman Catholic churches like the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and Holy Family populate Chicago’s most popular Little Italy precinct.

Visit Joe DiMaggio Piazza with the fountain. Enjoy a frozen lemonade from Mario’s Italian Lemonade or an Italian Beef sandwich. I enjoyed the “Juicy” (dipped in gravy) combination beef/sausage from The Patio food booth and the baked clams from Pompei. All of my friends that are not from Chicago make fun of the way I say “saaaa-sage.”

Buy some olive oil from the “Italian Iron Chef”. The Conte di Savoia Italian grocer and deli are offering meatball sandwiches, Italian subs and Italian desserts. Scafuri’s bakery will all be offering tasty cookies. Don’t forget to take a stroll in Arrigo (Peanut) Park to see the statue of Columbus.

Piazza DiMaggio on Taylor street in Chicago

Last year, I went on Thursday night so I could see the “Bronx Wanderers” at the Italia Stage. On Sunday night, attendees listened to the Rat Pack Tribute to Frank, Dean and Sammy. There is also a Rock Stage with live entertainment.

English: Chicago-style deep dish pizza from the original Pizzeria Uno (restaurant credited with originating the style) in Chicago, Illinois (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Italian West-Fest will be held on the same weekend in August in Addison Illinois on Route 53 and Lake Street with entertainment by Onesti @ www.oshows.com.

You can see the Bronx Wanderers and James Darren!

Here’s a list of Italian Festivals around the country: http://www.niaf.org/research/festivals.asp

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

The Bronx Wanderers on Taylor street in Chicago

Live Music on Taylor Street in Chicago

Festa Pasta Vino in Little Tuscany in Chicago (vinoconvistablog.me)
Festa Italiana Presents Artisans for 2012 Festa Italiana July 19-22nd 2012 (valorieschleicher.wordpress.com)

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Filed under Attractions in Chicago, Chicago, Chicago Architecture, Chicago Art, Chicago Hotels, Chicago Restaurants, Italian Festivals in Chicago, Taylor Street's Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago

Tagged as A Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 on Taylor Street in Chicago, Annual Taylor Street Festival in Chicago, Bronx Wanderers in Chicago on Taylor Street, Chicago, Chicago metropolitan area, Drifters, Festa Italiana, Festa Italiano in Chicago on Taylor Street, Illinois Medical District, Italian, Italian American, Italian beef, Italian cuisine, Italian Festivals in the USA, Italian people, Italy, Joe DiMaggio, Mppn Dpggoe James Darren in Chicago at West Fest in Addison, National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, Taylor Street's Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012, Taylor Street's Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago, Tuscany, United States

June 2, 2012 · 11:32 am

Picture yourself in Florence Italy: Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune

: Image via Wikipedia

Bartolomeo Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune (1575) is located in the Piazza della Signoria. It is my favorite fountain in Florence and it depicts the Roman god of the sea surrounded by water nymphs and was built to commemorate Tuscan naval victories. The face of the large figure of Neptune bears a resemblance to Cosimo I. Ammanati worked for Duke Cosimo I and served as an architect on the Pitti Palace.

Neptune

Beneath the statue there is a coach drawn by seahorses.

The edge of the fountain is surrounded by bronze figures of Naiads, Tritons and Satyrs.

The lion at the base of the statue represents the Florentine Republic.

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

To learn more about Florence read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides. Now available for your iPad.

Tuscan Sun Festival 2012 in Florence Italy

Piazza San Giovanni (Florence) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Tuscan Sun Festival is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of music, lifestyle and arts. This year it will be held in Florence instead of Cortona where it is usually held.

There are evening musical performances and daytime events including art exhibitions and workshops with visual artists. The festival includes discussions with literary figures at Palazzo Strozzi.

Attend Culinary sessions with some of Tuscany’s chefs and winemakers. Here’s a link to the Gastronomic adventures: http://www.tuscansunfestival.com/culinarywine/

Food events fall under the Festival Heading of ‘Nuove Tradizioni’. The multi-disciplinary event venues range from the town’s 400-seat Teatro Signorelli to famous squares like Piazza Signorelli and hotels.

WHEN: June 11-18, 2012

Cover of Angela Gheorghiu

Artists include: soprano Angela Gheorghiu, flautist Sir James Galway, mezzo-soprano Susan Graham, violinist Nigel Kennedy, cellist Nina Kotova, pianist Valentina Lisitsa, pianist Ivo Pogorelich, actor John Malkovich, directors Gabriele Lavia and Maurizio Scaparro as well as violinist Maxim Vengerov, who will appear in Teatro della Pergola.

Cover of James Galway

At Angela Gheorghiu’s concert June 12th, she will appear with the Orchestra del Maggio Fiorentino at the Teatro Nuovo. The Romanian star will “receive the designation as a UNESCO Artist for Peace for promoting respect for diversity and understanding through music.”

Monument to Girolamo Savonarola in Piazza Savonarola, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“In 2003, the Tuscan Sun Festival was born, and has matured into an annual event that continues to be artist-led while simultaneously embracing the proud spirit of the local community.” The Tuscan Sun Festival regularly presents prominent musicians and celebrates the lifestyle of Tuscany.

Too bad Girolamo Savonarola isn’t around for this one! Tickets are available at: Tuscan Sun Festival

For more information visit www.tuscansunfestival.com

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

Tag Archives: Tuscany

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Buon Natale: Holiday Events in Tuscany

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“Bonfire of the Vanities” in Florence Italy in 1497

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

It’s Always Halloween in San Gimignano Italy

Il Palio dell’Assunta 2012 in Siena Italy in August

Taylor Street’s Taste of Italy at Festa Italiana 2012 in Chicago

Picture yourself in Florence Italy: Ammanati’s Fountain of Neptune

Tuscan Sun Festival 2012 in Florence Italy

Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival 2012 in Florence Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

The Ten Most Seductive Places to Drink Wine in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

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