Tag Archives: unesco

May 27, 2013 · 11:26 am

Palladian Villas of the Venato are a UNESCO site in Italy

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Andrea di Pietro (1508-1580) was known as Palladio. He 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.

Vicenza was founded in the 2^nd century B.C. and prospered under Venetian rule from the 15^th to 18^th centuries. A large concentration of Andrea Palladio’s distinctive buildings are concentrated in or near the town of Vicenza that gained UNESCO status in 1994.

Interior from La Rotunda by Andrea Palladio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Palazzo del Capitanio, Vicenza. Arch. Andrea Palladio (1565) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Villa Rotonda, Veneto, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The distinctive “Palladian” architectural style was transported from Vicenza and ultimately influenced architects around the world. His concepts of balance and grace changed the paradigm for urban design and architectural excellence. His architectural principles inspired the White House, Monticello and many of the buildings constructed in St. Petersburg by Russian Czars. He was profoundly influenced by classical Roman architecture and the work of Vitruvius.

Engraving from Colen Campbell, Vitruvius Britannicus vol. 3, 1725. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To learn more about UNESCO sites in Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

Antoni Gaudi’s Amazing UNESCO “Vino con Vista” Park Guell in Barcelona Spain (vinoconvistablog.me)
Flamboyant Flamenco: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Spain (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Filed under ebooks, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Northern Italy, Palladio, UNESCO, Venato, Venice, Vicenza Italy, Vincenza, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Andrea Palladio, Palladian architecture, unesco, Vicenza, Vitruvius

May 25, 2013 · 11:46 am

Ring in the New Year at the Umbria Winter Jazz Festival in Orvieto Italy

The delightful town of Orvieto is perched halfway between heaven and earth on a plateau over 900 feet above sea level. Take a funicular to the top of the cliff to visit the medieval historic center.

Orvieto Le Dôme-Façade-Ombrie-Italy- (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Orvieto has one of the most spectacular cathedrals in Italy! The town’s crowning jewel; the Romanesque-Gothic Duomo was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio. I love Lorenzo Maitani‘s bas-reliefs. The marble reliefs on the facade depict scenes from the Old and New Testament at the base of the pilasters on the front of the church. The fourth pier on the right of the Duomo shows the damned and the Ressurection of the Flesh. These scenes are similar to Michelangelo’s Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel.

The Cathedral was started in 1290 when Pope Nicholas IV blessed the first stone. The inside and the outside of the Duomo are covered with basalt and travertine stripes. The façade has glistening mosaics including “The Coronation of the Virgin” in the central gable. A 14^th century rose-shaped stained glass window by Orcagna is surrounded by carved statues of saints.

English: Genesis : Creation of Eve; marble relief on the left pier of the façade of the cathedral; Orvieto, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Genesis : Adam and Eve, the original sin; marble relief on the left pier of the façade of the cathedral; Orvieto, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every year, this charming town hosts the annual Umbria Winter Jazz Festival between December 29th and January 2nd. The events include 400 artists with 250 concerts including performances by Chick Corea, Stefano Bollani and other notable jazz performers.

Chick Corea, photo taken at live performance in 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Listen to Chick Corea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnSC0tRmya4 and Stefano Bollani http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18V_Leje19A. Tickets are available at www.umbriajazz.com.

Attend the outdoor Jazz Concert on New Year’s Eve. Stay for the Gospel Performance in front of the Cathedral on New Year’s Day.

Visit the Museum next door to the Duomo in the former Papal Palace to see sculptures by Andrea Pisano and Luca Signorelli’s beautiful “Mary Magdalene.” Orvieto’s shops are loaded with painted pottery. One of the local artists makes beautiful bowls and furniture carved from olive wood. There are plenty of cafes, wine bars and restaurants. Visit the Piazza del Popolo and try Orvieto’s famous D.O.C. wine.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides and

Highlights From The Umbria Jazz Festival On JazzSet

I Love Caravaggio

Caravaggio (Photo credit: Carmen Alonso Suarez)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Sacrifice of Isaac (detail) – WGA04139 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio, Resurrection (Photo credit: Martin Beek)

I love art and Caravaggio is one of my favorite artists. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was a famous Baroque Italian artist.

A portrait of the Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio (1572-1610) (Michelangelo Merisi)

Michelangelo Merisi, named Caravaggio, Italian painter, was born in Caravaggio in 1571 and died in Porto Ercole in 1610. Caravaggio trained as a painter in Milan under Simone Peterzano who trained under Titan. He moved to Rome in his early twenties. He died at the age of 38 of a fever in Porto Ercole in Tuscany.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Fortune Teller – WGA04082 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

caravaggio (Photo credit: u m a m i)

Between 1592, “when Caravaggio arrived in Rome, to the end of Gregory XV Ludovisi’s pontificate in 1623 was one of the greatest artistic period’s of all time.” Many great artists converged on Rome in that period: Caravaggio, Annibale Carracci, Guido Reni and Rubens.

Rome has many of Carravaggio’s masterpieces. They are on display in churches, museums, places and former residences of nobility. Travel to Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese and the Vatican City to view his work.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Calling of Saint Matthew (detail) – WGA04117 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio depicted his subjects with intense realism. His revolutionary use of light is a technique known as Chiaroscuro that blended shifts of light and dark. This is also called Tenebrism. Tenebrism uses dramatic illumination “where there are violent contrasts of light and dark and darkness becomes a dominating feature of the image.”

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Calling of Saint Matthew (detail) – WGA04115 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew (detail) – WGA04123 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

His first public commissions in Rome were about Saint Matthew the Apostle: the Martyrdom of Saint Matthew and the Calling of Saint Matthew. These were completed between 1599-1600 for the Contarelli Chapel in the church of the French congregation, San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew (detail) – WGA04125 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Martyrdom of St Matthew – WGA04121 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Between these two paintings in the chapel, he also painted The Inspiration of Saint Matthew in the altar in 1602. These three adjacent canvases by Caravaggio in the Contarelli chapel represent the story from the Gospel of Matthew.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Inspiration of Saint Matthew – WGA04128 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, cappella Contarelli. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One of my favorite Caravaggio paintings is Bacchus (the Roman god of wine). You can find Caravaggio’s Bacchus at the Uffizi Museum in Florence, Italy.

Image via Wikipedia

If you want to go on a Caravaggio Treasure Hunt in Rome you can also visit the Galleria Doria Pamphili for more paintings.

Just a short walk from Piazza Venezia in the Galleria Doria Pamphilj on Piazza del Collegio. Admire “Riposo dalla fuga in Egitto”, “Maddalena” and “San Giovanni Battista”.

[ C ] Caravaggio – Judith Beheading Holofernes (1599) (Photo credit: Cea.)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Martha and Mary Magdalene – WGA04101 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At Galleria Doria Pamphili on Via del Corso you can admire the “Rest on the Flight from Egypt”

Michelangelo Caravaggio 027 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rest on the Flight into Egypt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

and “Pentilent Mary Magdalene”

Michelangelo Caravaggio 002 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

2. Then visit the Church of St. Augustine to see the “Madonna of the Pilgrims”

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Madonna di Loreto – WGA04156 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Musicians (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Sick Bacchus – WGA04072 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – Medusa – WGA04108 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Borghese gallery (Piazzale Scipione Borghese, www.galleriaborghese.it/ has many pieces; the world’s greatest collection including: ”Giovane con la canestra di frutta”, “Bacchino malato”, “San Girolamo”, “Madonna dei Palafrenieri”, “Davide con la testa di Golia” and finally “San Giovannino”.

“San Francesco in meditazione” in the church of the Cappuccini Convento on Via Veneto is also attributed to Caravaggio, while the mythical “Narciso” and the “Decapitazione di Oloferne” are in the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica di Palazzo Barberini.

Other masterpieces by the great Lombard artist can be found in the Corsini Galleria on Via della Lungara (“San Giovanni Battista nel Deserto”), in the Vatican Museum (“Deposizione di Cristo”), in the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Piazza del Popolo (“Converzione di San Paolo” and the “Crocefissione di San Pietro”); in Sant’Agostino on Via della Scrofa (“Madonna dei Pellegrini”). Finally in San Luigi dei Francesi on the piazza of the same name there is a series of paintings which tell the story of Saint Matthew in the Cappella Contarelli of the church, they are: “Vocazione”, “Il Martirio”, and “San Matteo e l’Angelo”. In the Casino Ludovisi, the last remains of the Villa Ludovisi on Via Lombardia, Caravaggio created frescos in oil on the walls of the alchemy laboratory, painting “Giove, Nettuno and Plutone” in triumph around the sun.

2010 marked the 400th anniversary of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s death. He was 39 when he died and had spent half of his life painting professionally. While Caravaggio’s passing came as no huge surprise to his contemporaries, the rest of us have been trying to flesh out his chronology ever since. See, when he painted, he painted in bursts and, usually, out of necessity. There seem to have been long intervals in between painting bursts when life, flight and threats of imprisonment and/or execution took over. Given the circumstances and doing the math, quite a few too many Caravaggio canvases have surfaced over the centuries to be credible.

To learn more about Italy read Dr. Lovero’s Travel Guides . They are available at www.vino-con-vista.com

Vatican Museums (Photo credit: ocad123)

How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums (vinoconvistablog.me)
Caravaggio ‘ was killed by the Knights of Malta’ (telegraph.co.uk)
Book Review: Caravaggio – Painter of Miracles by Francine Prose (todworner.wordpress.com)

Book Review: Caravaggio – Painter of Miracles by Francine Prose (todworner.wordpress.com)

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Filed under Bacchus the Roman God of Wine, Caravaggio, ebooks, Florence, IPad, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Tuscany, Uffizi, vino con vista, Wine Festivals, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Bacchus the Roman god of wine, Caravaggio, Caravaggio's Bacchus the God of Wine, Contarelli Chapel, Donatello, Florence, Florence attractions, Florence Travel Guides, Giotto, House of Medici, italian food, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Leonardo da Vinci, Lorenzo Medici, Michelangelo, Nicola Pisano, Palazzo Pitti, Pitti Palace, Porto Ercole, Renaissance art, Rome, Simone Peterzano, Sistine Chapel, Sistine Chapel ceiling, Tenebrism, The god of wine, Travel and Tourism, Tuscany Travel Guides, Uffizi, unesco, Vasari Corridor, Vatican Museums, vino con vista, Who is Bacchus, Who painted Bacchus, Who was vasari, World Heritage Site

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)

Image via Wikipedia

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

Image via Wikipedia

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.

Image via Wikipedia

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.

Image via Wikipedia

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

Image via Wikipedia

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–

Silent Night Holy Night: A Vatican Christmas (vinoconvistablog.me)
From Rome, With Love – A City Holidays Were Made For (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
Francesco Borromini’s Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Travel to Italy – Rome and Venice (vino-con-vista.info)

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Filed under Ancient Rome, ebooks, IPad, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Pantheon, Renaissance Art, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

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

April 8, 2013 · 8:31 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 6, 2013 · 11:09 am

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

: Image via Wikipedia

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

Urbino (Photo credit: kekkoz)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Galleria Nazionale delle Marche (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

Urbino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Urbino, Marche, Italia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Italiano: Veduta della città di Urbino dalla collina del castello. Si ammira la Cattedrale e il Palazzo Ducale sulla sinistra. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

February 13, 2013 · 12:29 pm

Ten Spectacular Destinations for Carnival

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English: Diablada Ferroviaria in the Carnival de Oruro, Bolivia. Español: Diablos de la Diablada Ferroviaria de Oruro en el Carnaval de Oruro en Bolivia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Carnival is celebrated before Lent in many countries around the world in radically different forms http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKKC1vRiB8&feature=fvst. The word “carnival” is derived from the Latin word carne vale which translates into farewell to meat. On Shrove Tuesday (March 8, 2011) in Britian they make pancakes. In other countries they wear wild costumes with exotic masks and have parades and parties that last for days.

English: Arcangel San Miguel in the Carnival of Oruro, Bolivia. Español: Arcángel San Miguel de la Gran Tradicional y Auténtica Diablada Oruro, en el Carnaval de Oruro 2009. Bolivia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Español: En la foto, el Arcangel Miguel dirigiendo una tropa de diablos de la Fraternidad Artistica y cultural “La Diablada”, en el dia del diablo y del moreno del Carnaval de Oruro “Obra maestra del patrimonio oral e intangible de la humanidad”, UNESCO. La Diablada, danza primigenia de Oruro. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I have compiled a list of ”You Tube” Videos of interesting places to witness the festivities. Some of the locations like Benche Belgium and Oruro Bolivia are listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity sites.

1. Via Reggio Carnevale in Italy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siak0NgyApE&feature=related

2. Rio de Janeiro Brazil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QvxuYceHmY&feature=fvst

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Deutsch: Karneval in Rio de Janeiro. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3. The Canary Islands in Spain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voGeEOYaUXk

Map of the Canary Islands. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Venice Italy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqWFz5VsDLU&feature=pyv&ad=6639910676&kw=venice%20carnival

5. New Orleans in the USA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTYcgnqAzqE

6. Trinidad http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OvILlTRwqo

7. Cologne Germany http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXAMEmfdgeE&feature=related

8. Benche Belgium http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-oJoCj98BE

9. Oruro Bolivia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0ocXXwWkOc&feature=related

English: Diablada Ferroviaria of Oruro, Bolivia in the Carnival of Oruro 2009. Español: Diablada Ferroviaria de Oruro, Bolivia en el Carnaval de Oruro 2009. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

10. Basel Switzerland http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBUYS-Mg5s0&feature=related

To learn more about festivals in Italy read Vino con Vista Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero’s Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites

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Filed under Carnevale in Italy, Carnevale in Tuscany, Carnival in Italy, Fat Tuesday, Fat Tuesday in New Orleans, Italian art, Italian Food, Italian Food and Wine, Mardi Gras, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro Brazil Carnival, Shrove Tuesday, Via Reggio Carnevale in Italy

Tagged as Bolivia, Canary Islands, Carnevale, Carnevale in Venice Italy, Carnival, Carnival Cruise Lines, Carnival in Benche Belgium, Carnival in Oruro Bolivia, Fat Tuesday, Intangible cultural heritage, Italy, Lent, Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Shrove Tuesday, Trinidad Carnival, unesco, UNESCO Intangible Heritage list, United States, Venice

December 4, 2012 · 9:47 am

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

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

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

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

Bressanone (Photo credit: davideoneclick)

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

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

Holiday Events with Germanic traditions and Italian flavors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 20, 2012 · 10:59 am

Valle d’Aosta in Italy: Dominated by the Four Queens of the Alps

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The beautiful landscapes and shimmering glaciers of Valle d’Aosta are surrounded by some of the highest majestic mountains in Europe including Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Cervino and Gran Paradiso. Skiers flock to downhill and cross country runs while wine lovers trek the Route des Vins with the highest vineyards in Europe.

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

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

This is Italy’s smallest region and the official languages are French and Italian. It borders Switzerland to the north and France to the west. In the towns of Avise, Lillianes or Chatillon, attend the annual Chestnut Hunt the last Sunday in October.

English: Map of the regione Valle d’Aosta. Italiano: Mappa della Regione Valle d’Aosta. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Castello di Saint-Pierre, Valle d’Aosta, Italy. Polski: Zamek w Saint-Pierre, Dolina Aosty, Włochy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are vestiges of Roman domination throughout the region. Archeological sites include a forum, a Roman Theater and a Roman bridge and aqueduct. This area is also famous for having the largest casino in Europe–the Casino de la Vallee.

Foodies will devour fontina cheese and the famous beefsteak “alla valdostana” or civet alla valdostana made from marinated chamois and hare sprinked with grappa. Try some Valle d’Aosta Pinot Nero or Torrette Superiore with these delightful meals.

The Valle d’Aosta Alpine vineyards are Italy’s window to Switzerland. The vineyards are generally terraced and are located on the sunny side of the mountains. Orchards and vineyards line the valley. Fresian cows graze in the pastures. The highest vineyards in Europe are located in Morgex-LaSalle. Stop in the village of Morgex and have a glass of the prestigious Blanc de Morgex. The village houses a chalet with a tasting room and a restaurant.

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

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

Aquileia is a UNESCO site in Friuli-Venezia Giulia Italy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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