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12 December 20248 December 2024

The beautiful Fuga gate in the city of Spoleto

La bella Porta Fuga nella città di Spoleto

The beautiful Porta Fuga in the city of Spoleto.
The city of Spoleto, located in the heart of Umbria, is rich in history and charm. Among its most precious treasures is the Porta Fuga, an ancient gate that tells stories of courage and resistance.
The Porta Fuga takes its name from a legendary episode that occurred in 217 BC. During Hannibal's invasion, the inhabitants of Spoleto managed to repel the Carthaginian army by throwing boiling oil from the nearby Torre dell'Olio. This act of heroic defense gave the gate its name, which means "gate of escape", in reference to the invaders' retreat.
Originally built during the Roman era, the Porta Fuga has been subsequently modified over the centuries. Experts believe that the current structure dates back to the late 12th century. The gate was raised in 1655 for the visit of Christina of Sweden, and these changes are still visible today.
Today, Porta Fuga is not only a historical monument, but also a symbol of Spoleto’s identity and resilience. Walking along Via Porta Fuga, you can almost hear the echoes of past battles and imagine the determination of the ancient Spoletini.
For those visiting Spoleto, Porta Fuga is a must-see. Located in the first city wall, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Spoleto’s defensive past. Not far away is the Torre dell’Olio, another historic structure that completes the picture of this legendary era.
Porta Fuga is more than just a gate; it is a silent witness to Spoleto’s history. Every stone tells a story of courage and resistance, making this place a key point of interest for anyone who wants to discover the deep roots of this fascinating Umbrian city.

Do you know Spoleto?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

To see all the photos I took in the city click here:

Where is the gate located:

The street takes its name from the gate that was part of the city walls in Roman times, before the medieval development of the village of San Gregorio. Later it took the name of Porta Fuga to allude to the legendary episode of the expulsion of Hannibal's Carthaginian army under the walls of Spoleto (217 BC), driven away by the jet of boiling oil that the people of Spoleto threw from the nearby Torre dell'Olio.
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The beautiful Fuga gate in the city of Spoleto – La belle porte d’évasion dans la ville de Spoleto – La hermosa puerta de escape en la ciudad de Spoleto – A bela porta de fuga na cidade de Spoleto – Die schöne Fluchttür in der Stadt Spoleto – Cửa thoát hiểm tuyệt đẹp ở thành phố Spoleto

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.

12 December 202412 December 2024

The yellow Calendula: a flower of sun and health

La gialla Calendula: un fiore di sole e di salute

Yellow Calendula: a flower of sunshine and health.
Calendula, known scientifically as Calendula officinalis, is an annual herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family, loved for its bright yellow-orange flowers. Native to the Mediterranean area, calendula is cultivated throughout the world not only for its ornamental beauty, but also for its extraordinary medicinal and cosmetic properties.
Calendula grows up to 70 cm in height and has lanceolate and slightly hairy leaves. Its flowers, which bloom from spring to autumn, are composed of bright and radiant petals arranged around a central disk. The plant prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil, and is relatively easy to grow, making it a popular choice in gardens and vegetable patches.

Calendula has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its healing properties. Some of its medicinal applications include:
– Anti-inflammatory and healing action: Calendula extracts are known to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. They are often used in ointments and creams to treat cuts, abrasions, minor burns and dermatitis.
– Antimicrobial properties: Calendula has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal effects, helping to prevent skin infections.
– Skin health support: Calendula products are common in skin care due to their ability to moisturize and soothe irritation. It is especially useful for sensitive skin or skin with eczema.
– Herbal teas and infusions: Calendula can also be used in the form of herbal teas, which can help soothe digestive upset and aid digestion.

In addition to its medicinal properties, calendula is highly valued in the cosmetics industry. Calendula extracts are often included in skin and hair care formulations. Its emollient and soothing abilities make it an ideal ingredient in moisturizers, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. Additionally, calendula is used in baby products due to its gentleness.
Growing calendula is easy, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Here are some growing tips:

– Exposure: Plant calendula in an area that receives full sun to obtain abundant blooms.
– Soil: prefers well-drained and fertile soil. Adding compost can improve growth.
– Watering: calendula requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought, but avoid waterlogging.
– Flower harvesting: calendula flowers can be harvested regularly to promote continuous flowering. They can be used fresh or dried to prepare herbal teas, extracts or ointments.

The marigold is often associated with the sun because of its bright color and its ability to follow the sun's path across the sky. In many cultures, it is a symbol of love, beauty, and fidelity. In the language of flowers, the marigold also represents grief and compassion, symbolizing the feelings of those who are grieving.

In conclusion, calendula is not only a decorative element of the garden, but also a plant with numerous benefits for health and beauty. Whether used in medicinal preparations, cosmetics or simply as part of a flower garden, the yellow calendula continues to shine like a little sun, bringing with it well-being and vitality.

Do you like this flower?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Tamron 16-300.

The nursery I went to is: Gaggero Nurseries in Carasco.

The name of the genus derives from the Latin Calendae, a word with which the Romans indicated the first day of the month, given that it flowers continuously more or less throughout the summer. The scientific name of the genus was defined by the botanist Carl Linnaeus (or Linnaeus) (1707-1778) in the publication "Species Plantarum" ( Sp. Pl. 2: 921 ) of 1753.
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The yellow marigold: a flower of sun and health – Le souci jaune : une fleur de soleil et de santé – La caléndula amarilla: una flor de sol y salud. – O calêndula amarelo: uma flor de sol e saúde – Die gelbe Ringelblume: eine Blume der Sonne und Gesundheit – Cúc vạn thọ màu vàng: loài hoa của mặt trời và sức khỏe

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

11 December 20246 December 2024

Wisteria blooming in spring in Sestri Levante

Il glicine fiorito in primavera a Sestri Levante

Wisteria blooming in spring in Sestri Levante.
When in spring, between April and May, the wisteria blooms, you can find truly magnificent corners to photograph.
Like these benches, on the seafront promenade in Sestri Levante, which have this truly spectacular pergola of wisteria plants.

Have you ever seen this spot on the walk in bloom?
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Photo taken with Honor 20.

Here's where this point is located:

Wisteria grow by wrapping themselves around any support, both clockwise (like W. floribunda) and counterclockwise. The Wisteria collection at the Gardens of Villa della Pergola in Alassio is considered the most important in Italy today, with about 40 different types of the Wisteria species.
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Wisteria blooming in spring in Sestri Levante – La glycine fleurit au printemps à Sestri Levante – La glicina florece en primavera en Sestri Levante – As glicínias florescem na primavera em Sestri Levante – Glyzinien blühen im Frühling in Sestri Levante – Hoa tử đằng nở vào mùa xuân ở Sestri Levante

11 December 20248 December 2024

The many volcanoes of Timanfaya park in Arrecife

I tanti vulcani del parco Timanfaya ad Arrecife

The many volcanoes of Timanfaya Park in Arrecife.
Timanfaya National Park, located on the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Spain. A few kilometers from the city of Arrecife, this park offers a unique lunar landscape, characterized by a vast expanse of volcanoes and lava flows that testify to the power and beauty of nature.
Timanfaya Park covers an area of approximately 51 square kilometers and is the result of volcanic eruptions that occurred between 1730 and 1736, with another significant eruption in 1824. These events completely redesigned the landscape of the island, creating over 100 volcanoes of different sizes and shapes. The force of the eruptions buried entire villages and transformed the ecosystem, making the land barren but at the same time extraordinarily fascinating.
Among the many volcanoes that populate the park, some of the most notable include:
– Montañas del Fuego: These “Mountains of Fire” represent the heart of the park. Here you can see geothermal demonstrations that show how the heat beneath the surface is still active. Temperatures a few meters deep can reach 400°C.
– Caldera Blanca: With a crater about 1.2 kilometers in diameter, it is one of the most impressive volcanoes in the park. A hiking trail allows you to reach the summit and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view.
– Montaña Rajada: Known for its distinctive streaks of solidified lava, it offers a perfect example of how different lava flows have overlapped over time.
Despite the arid and volcanic terrain, Timanfaya is home to a surprising variety of plant species adapted to extreme conditions. Succulent plants and lichens are particularly common. The fauna, although limited, includes some reptiles, insects and birds that have found ways to thrive in this harsh environment.
Timanfaya is one of Lanzarote's main tourist attractions. Every year, thousands of visitors explore the park through guided tours, hiking trails and camel rides. The visitor centre offers detailed information on the park's geological and biological history, as well as interactive displays.
The park authorities are strongly committed to the conservation of Timanfaya's fragile ecosystem. Access is regulated and there are strict regulations to ensure that tourism does not damage the environment. Sustainability is at the heart of the park's policies, with measures including the use of renewable energy and careful management of water resources.
Visiting Timanfaya National Park is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The volcanic landscape, with its changing colours and bizarre shapes, seems to have come from another world. Geothermal demonstrations and the opportunity to walk on land that still pulses with volcanic heat make the visit not only an opportunity for recreation, but also an opportunity to better understand the dynamics of our planet.

In conclusion, the Timanfaya volcanoes represent not only an important natural resource, but also a cultural and scientific heritage of inestimable value. Arrecife, with its proximity to the park, offers an ideal base to explore this wonder of nature and lose yourself in the beauty and mystery of its volcanic landscapes.

Do you know the island of Arrecife?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Tamron 16-300.

To see all the photos I took in the park, click here:

Timanfaya National Park is a national park that extends over the southern portion of Tinajo and the northern portion of Yaiza, in Lanzarote, Spain. The park occupies a significant part of the southwestern quadrant of the island of Lanzarote.
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The many volcanoes of the Timanfaya park in Arrecife – Les nombreux volcans du parc Timanfaya à Arrecife – Los numerosos volcanes del parque de Timanfaya en Arrecife – Os muitos vulcões do parque Timanfaya em Arrecife – Die vielen Vulkane des Timanfaya-Parks in Arrecife – Nhiều ngọn núi lửa của công viên Timanfaya ở Arrecife

The text of the post was written with the help of ChatGPT, a language model from OpenAI.

10 December 202410 December 2024

Dei tagliolini freschi al tartufo gustati a Genova

Dei tagliolini fresci al tartufo gustati a Genova

Dei tagliolini freschi al tartufo gustati a Genova.
Sono diventato un amante del tartufo abbastanza recentemente ma ora, tutte le volte che lo trovo in un menú, lo ordino.
Qualche tempo fa ero con mia moglie nel centro storico di Genova e siamo andati a pranzare in questo famoso ristorante.
A parte l’atmosfera molto curata, sfruttando i locali molto antichi in cui sono i tavoli, devo dire che il menú era eccellente e questi tagliolini freschi al tartufo erano veramente buonissimi!

Do you like pasta with truffle?
or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

This is the restaurant's website: labucadisanmatteo.com.

A truffle is the fruiting body of an underground Ascomycota fungus. Most truffles belong to the genus Tuber, but there are also other genera of fungi belonging to this category including Geopora, Peziza, Choiromyces, Leucangium and over a hundred others. Truffles belong to the class Pezizomycetes and, with a few exceptions, to the order Pezizales. Truffles are mycorrhizal fungi, and therefore grow close to the roots of trees. The dispersal of truffle spores occurs thanks to mycophages, animals that feed on mushrooms.
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Fresh tagliolini with truffles enjoyed in Genoa – Tagliolini frais aux truffes dégustés à Gênes – Tagliolini frescos con trufas disfrutados en Génova – Tagliolini fresco com trufas apreciado em Génova – Frische Tagliolini mit Trüffeln, genossen in Genua – Tagliolini tươi với nấm cục được thưởng thức ở Genoa

10 December 202410 December 2024

The decorations of the El Indio shop in Barcelona

The decorations of El Indio store in Barcelona.
Located in the heart of Barcelona, “El Indio” is one of the most emblematic historic stores in the city. This store, founded in 1870, is an important testimony to Catalan Art Nouveau, also known as Modernism. With its long history and commitment to preserving tradition, El Indio continues to be a point of reference for both residents and visitors.
El Indio is located in a historic building that still retains many of the original features that reflect the Modernism era. Its sumptuously decorated windows, wrought iron details and colorful tiles are perfect examples of this artistic style that has profoundly influenced the architecture and design of Barcelona.
Founded as a high-quality fabric store, El Indio has maintained a reputation for excellence and refinement over the years. The name “El Indio” refers to the exoticism and elegance of fabrics from the East, which were highly prized during the store’s heyday.
It has been closed for some time now.
El Indio was not just a store, but also a cultural symbol of Barcelona. Its enduring presence in the city’s commercial landscape makes it a living example of how tradition can be preserved and enhanced over time. Attention to detail and quality make El Indio a unique place where history and modernity meet.
El Indio is centrally located, easily accessible by public transport. Its proximity to major tourist attractions, such as La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, makes it an ideal destination for anyone wishing to explore the historic heart of Barcelona.
El Indio is more than just a store; it is a living piece of Barcelona’s history. With its fascinating modernist architecture and constant commitment to quality and tradition, it continues to be an unmissable place for anyone who wants to discover the authenticity and elegance of Catalan culture.

Do you know Barcelona?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is where the palace is located:

The decorations of the El Indio store in Barcelona – Les décorations du magasin El Indio à Barcelone – La decoración de la tienda El Indio de Barcelona – As decorações da loja El Indio em Barcelona – Die Dekorationen des El Indio-Ladens in Barcelona – Đồ trang trí của cửa hàng El Indio ở Barcelona

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.

9 December 20246 December 2024

A glimpse of via Alessandro Manzoni in Lavagna

Uno scorcio di via Alessandro Manzoni a Lavagna

A glimpse of Via Alessandro Manzoni in Lavagna.
Via Alessandro Manzoni in Lavagna is a place that enchants with its beauty and historical charm. This street, located in the heart of the city, offers visitors a journey through time, among historical buildings and evocative atmospheres.
Walking along Via Manzoni, you can admire the facades of the ancient houses, many of which date back to the 19th century. These buildings, with their unique architectural details, tell stories of a rich and vibrant past. The colored shutters, the flowered balconies and the solid wooden doors contribute to creating a welcoming and picturesque atmosphere.
In conclusion, this glimpse represents a perfect example of how beauty and history can coexist in harmony. It is a place that deserves to be visited and experienced, to fully appreciate the charm of this enchanting Ligurian city.

Do you know the beautiful town of Lavagna?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

Here is the spot where I took this photo:

A glimpse of via Alessandro Manzoni in Lavagna – Un aperçu de la via Alessandro Manzoni à Lavagna – Un vistazo a via Alessandro Manzoni en Lavagna – Um vislumbre da via Alessandro Manzoni em Lavagna – Ein Blick auf die Via Alessandro Manzoni in Lavagna – Một cái nhìn thoáng qua về Alessandro Manzoni ở Lavagna

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.

9 December 20246 December 2024

The Barreirinha Beach Resort in Madeira

Il complesso balneare della Barreirinha a Madeira

The Barreirinha beach complex in Funchal on the island of Madeira.
From the ship, docked in the port of Funchal, I always see this blue (or aquamarine) building and I decided to photograph it and find out more about it.
It is a beach complex, with sunbeds, a restaurant and a bar where you can enjoy a relaxing day.
The elevator column is very characteristic.

Have you ever been to Madeira Island?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Tamron 16-300.

To see all the photos of Funchal click here:

Where is the complex located:

The archipelago is made up of two major islands, Madeira and Porto Santo, three smaller uninhabited islands, known as the Desertas, and two smaller islands, also uninhabited, called the Savage Islands. The largest island is Madeira. The archipelago, together with Cape Verde, the Azores and the Canaries, forms Macaronesia; the Azores and Madeira are part of Portugal, the Canaries are part of Spain and Cape Verde, once Portuguese, is now an independent republic.
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The Barreirinha seaside complex in Funchal on the island of Madeira – Le complexe balnéaire de Barreirinha à Funchal sur l’île de Madère – El complejo costero Barreirinha en Funchal, en la isla de Madeira – O complexo balnear da Barreirinha no Funchal, na ilha da Madeira – Der Strandkomplex Barreirinha in Funchal auf der Insel Madeira – Khu phức hợp ven biển Barreirinha ở Funchal trên đảo Madeira

8 December 20243 December 2024

The trees of Mazzini Avenue in Sestri Levante

Gli alberi di Viale Mazzini a Sestri Levante

The trees of Mazzini Avenue in Sestri Levante.
Along Viale Mazzini, the road that crosses my town longitudinally and that changes name continuously (via Aurelia, via Fascie), there is a row of trees that I believe are plane trees.

Do you know this avenue in Sestri?
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Photo taken with Honor 20.

Where is this street located:

The trees of Viale Mazzini in Sestri Levante – Les arbres de Viale Mazzini à Sestri Levante – Los árboles de Viale Mazzini en Sestri Levante – As árvores da Viale Mazzini em Sestri Levante – Die Bäume der Viale Mazzini in Sestri Levante – Những cái cây ở Viale Mazzini ở Sestri Levante

8 December 20246 December 2024

The tower of the Nicolosio Lomellino palace in Genoa

La torre del palazzo Nicolosio Lomellino a Genova

The tower of the Nicolosio Lomellino palace, known as the minaret or the mirador, in Genoa.
Every time I happen to pass by Piazza del Portello (to tell the truth, it hasn't happened to me that many times...) I keep my nose in the air to see this tower that is right above the monumental Giuseppe Garibaldi gallery.
The last time I took a photo of it and, to write this post, I discovered that it is part of the splendid Nicolosio Lomellino palace, which has its main entrance on via Garibaldi, and is called the Mirador or Minaret Tower (for its Arabesque style).

Do you know this tower in Genoa?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

This is the official website of the palace: palazzolomellino.org.

Here's where the tower is located:

Minaret of a mosque?… no, the sixteenth-century Mirador of Palazzo Nicolosio Lomellini, the tower, later expanded in the 18th century, with which the coral lords of Tabarca intended to amaze their guests and stun them with wonder.
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