Some slamming arches in the village of Trevi

Alcuni archi di sbatacchio nel borgo di Trevi in Umbria

Some slam arches in the village of Trevi in ​​Umbria.
In the heart of the medieval village of Trevi, you can admire some fascinating slam arches, architectural structures that not only embellish the narrow streets of the historic center, but also perform a fundamental function of anti-seismic consolidation.
The slam arches, also known as contrast arches, were introduced as a preventive measure against seismic damage. These arches connect the facades of opposite buildings, creating a solid structure that counteracts horizontal thrusts during earthquakes. Their presence is particularly evident in narrow streets, where the limited space does not allow the use of traditional buttresses.
These arches are often built in brick and can have one or more overlapping orders. Their low arch shape is designed to maximize compressive strength and prevent the overturning of the facades. Furthermore, some arches are reinforced with metal chains embedded in the masonry, which further increase the structural stability of the connected buildings.
Walking through Trevi, the slam arches offer suggestive views and represent a tangible example of how traditional architecture can be integrated with advanced technical solutions for the safety of buildings. Their conservation is essential not only to maintain the aesthetics of the village, but also to preserve the historical memory of the construction techniques of the past.

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Alcuni archi di sbatacchio nel borgo di Trevi in Umbria

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

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

Here is where the village is located:

In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance it had its best period, characterized by extraordinary trade that favored its economic prosperity (it was called "the dry port"), still testified today by the numerous buildings in the historic center, worthy of appearing in much larger cities, and the economic growth was accompanied by lively cultural and social activity. Already in 1469, to favor the circulation of money a Jewish banker was called, one of the few professions to which those men were authorized, and despite this he was persecuted and later one of the very first Monti di Pietà was erected, followed later by the Monte Frumentario and various other charitable and welfare institutions.
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Some slamming arches in the village of Trevi in ​​Umbria – Quelques arches cliquetantes dans le village de Trevi en Ombrie – Algunos arcos que suenan en el pueblo de Trevi en Umbría – Alguns arcos barulhentos na aldeia de Trevi, na Úmbria – Einige klappernde Bögen im Dorf Trevi in ​​Umbrien – Một số mái vòm lạch cạch ở làng Trevi ở Umbria

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://ilcapochiave.it/2017/11/14/gli-archetti-di-sbatacchio-presidi-antisismici-premoderni/

An alley with several arches in the village of Spello

Un vicolo con diversi archi nel borgo di Spello

An alley with several arches in the village of Spello.
One of the many alleys that can be admired while walking in the beautiful village of Spello in Umbria.
A sbatacchio arch and an archivolt in this view.

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Un vicolo con diversi archi nel borgo di Spello

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

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

Here is where the village is located:

Spello (Hispellum in Latin) is an Italian municipality in the province of Perugia in Umbria. It is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and boasts the Orange Flag tourist-environmental quality brand, awarded by the Italian Touring Club. Spello was founded by the Umbrians and then named Hispellum in Roman times; it was then registered with the Lemonia tribe. Later declared "Colonia Giulia" by Caesar and "Splendidissima Colonia Julia" by Augustus, because it supported him in the war of Perugia; after the victory of Augustus, he himself ceded to Hispellum a good part of the territories governed by Perusia and the dominion of the city of Spello extended to the sources of the Clitunno, which were previously under the possession of Mevania. Later it was called "Flavia Costante" by Constantine. Ancient Spello was considered one of the most important cities in Roman Umbria.
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An alley with several arches in the village of Spello – Une ruelle avec plusieurs arches dans le village de Spello – Un callejón con varios arcos en el pueblo de Spello. – Um beco com vários arcos na aldeia de Spello – Eine Gasse mit mehreren Bögen im Dorf Spello – Một con hẻm có nhiều mái vòm ở làng Spello

The facade of a colorful house in Burano

La facciata di una casa colorata a Burano

The facade of a colorful house in Burano.
From my last trip to Burano (almost three years ago now) I found this photo again that I hadn't published yet.
A splendid yellow house with blue shutters.
It looks like a cartoon!

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La facciata di una casa colorata a Burano

Photo taken with Canon EOS M100 and lens Canon EF-M 11-22.

To see all the photos I took on the island click here:

Here is where the island is located:

Burano is a town of 2,270 inhabitants that stands on four islands in the northern Venetian lagoon. It is part of the municipality of Venice and in particular of the municipality of Venice-Murano-Burano. It is connected by a bridge to the island of Mazzorbo, which has become a sort of appendix. The town is known for its typical brightly colored houses and for the centuries-old artisan needlework of Burano lace.
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The facade of a colorful house in Burano – La façade d’une maison colorée à Burano – La fachada de una casa colorida en Burano – A fachada de uma casa colorida em Burano – Die Fassade eines farbenfrohen Hauses in Burano – Mặt tiền của ngôi nhà đầy màu sắc ở Burano

The steps of Pianciani square in Spoleto

La scalinata di piazza Pianciani a Spoleto

The steps of Piazza Pianciani in Spoleto.
The steps of Piazza Pianciani are one of the most suggestive corners of Spoleto, a city rich in history and culture. This staircase, built in the early twentieth century, is a fascinating example of urban architecture that combines functionality and aesthetic beauty.
The square dedicated to Luigi Pianciani, an important Italian politician and patriot, is located in front of the family palace. Until 1923, the area was characterized by a sloping lawn that allowed carts to climb towards Via Fontesecca. However, with the intention of creating a flat square, it was decided to build a staircase. After various discussions and controversies, the project of the architect Ugo Tarchi was approved, which included a double staircase with a balustrade.
The double-arm staircase is a distinctive element of the square. It leads to Via Fontesecca, one of the most picturesque streets of Spoleto, where medieval and Renaissance buildings overlook, such as the overpass of Palazzo Leoncilli with its balconies and loggias. The staircase not only beautifies the square, but also serves as a connection between different parts of the city, making it easier for visitors to access.
Over the years, the staircase has suffered damage, including a vehicle accident that partially destroyed the left side. However, it was faithfully rebuilt and restored in 2020 thanks to the sponsorship of Lucente srl. This intervention has allowed the beauty and integrity of the staircase to be preserved, ensuring that it continues to be a point of reference for citizens and tourists.
Today, Piazza Pianciani and its staircase are places for the inhabitants of Spoleto and visitors to meet and socialize. The square is often animated by cultural events and demonstrations, making it a vital center of city life. The staircase, with its elegance and history, continues to enchant all who visit it, offering a breathtaking view of the city and a direct connection to Spoleto's historical past.

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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 staircase located:

The double-armed staircase that embellishes the square, built in the early twentieth century, leads to one of the most evocative streets of Spoleto, via Fontesecca, where medieval and Renaissance buildings overlook: an example is the overpass of Palazzo Leoncilli, with balconies and loggias. At the top of the street you continue to the Duomo (on the left) or to Piazza del Mercato (on the right).
Continua e approfondisci sul sito del Comune

The steps of Pianciani square in Spoleto – Les marches de la place Pianciani à Spolète – Las escaleras de la plaza llamada Pianciani en Spoleto – Os degraus da praça chamada Pianciani em Spoleto – Die Stufen des Platzes namens Pianciani in Spoleto – Bậc thang của quảng trường có tên Pianciani ở Spoleto

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://myspoleto.it/pagina/scalinata-di-piazza-pianciani/

The archivolt that leads to the central square of Trevi

L'archivolto che porta alla piazza centrale di Trevi

The archivolt that leads to the central square of Trevi.
To get to the central square of Trevi (Piazza Mazzini) you have to pass under this archivolt below the Palazzo Comunale.

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L'archivolto che porta alla piazza centrale di Trevi

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

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

Here is where the village is located:

In the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance it had its best period, characterized by extraordinary trade that favored its economic prosperity (it was called "the dry port"), still testified today by the numerous buildings in the historic center, worthy of appearing in much larger cities, and the economic growth was accompanied by lively cultural and social activity. Already in 1469, to favor the circulation of money a Jewish banker was called, one of the few professions to which those men were authorized, and despite this he was persecuted and later one of the very first Monti di Pietà was erected, followed later by the Monte Frumentario and various other charitable and welfare institutions.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

The archivolt that leads to the central square of Trevi – L’archivolte qui mène à la place centrale de Trevi – La arquivolta que conduce a la plaza central de Trevi – A arquivolta que conduz à praça central de Trevi – Die Archivolte, die zum zentralen Platz von Trevi führt – Archivolt dẫn đến quảng trường trung tâm Trevi

Details of the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia

Particolari della Fontana Maggiore di Perugia

Details of the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia.
The Fontana Maggiore in Perugia, located in the center of Piazza IV Novembre, is one of the city's symbolic monuments and a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture. Built between 1275 and 1278, the fountain celebrates the arrival of water in the city's acropolis thanks to a new aqueduct.
The fountain was designed by Frà Bevignate da Cingoli and built with the collaboration of Boninsegna Veneziano, a hydraulic engineer, and the famous sculptors Nicola Pisano and Giovanni Pisano. The structure is composed of two concentric polygonal marble basins, surmounted by a bronze cup adorned with female figures from which the water flows.
The lower basin is decorated with 50 panels representing the months of the year, each accompanied by its zodiac symbol. These panels depict scenes of daily life and agricultural work, giving dignity to material work. Furthermore, there are representations of the liberal arts, philosophy, biblical figures and the history of Rome.
The upper basin, on the other hand, is adorned with high reliefs representing historical and mythological figures and allegorical figures. The statues are arranged to form a compass rose, with the four main ones placed at the cardinal points and the other twenty in relation to these.
The fountain is also famous for its enigmatic bronze group of female figures, known as "the water carriers". The symbolic meaning of this sculpture is still a matter of debate today, since there is no explicit mention in the inscription on the basin.

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Particolari della Fontana Maggiore di Perugia

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

To see all the photos of Perugia, click here:

Here's where the fountain is located:

The Fontana Maggiore, located in the center of Piazza IV Novembre (formerly Piazza Grande), is the symbolic monument of the city of Perugia. The monumental fountain was built by Umberto the Master between 1278 and 1280 to celebrate the arrival of water in the city's acropolis, thanks to the new aqueduct.
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Details of the Fontana Maggiore in Perugia – Détails de la Fontana Maggiore à Pérouse – Detalles de la Fontana Maggiore en Perugia – Detalhes da Fontana Maggiore em Perugia – Details der Fontana Maggiore in Perugia – Thông tin chi tiết về Fontana Maggiore ở Perugia

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.secretumbria.it/en/fontana-maggiore-great-fountain-perugia/
– https://turismo.comune.perugia.it/poi/fontana-maggiore

The Mammoth Facade of Milan Cathedral

La mastodontica facciata del Duomo di Milano

The massive façade of the Milan Cathedral.
The façade of the Milan Cathedral, officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is one of the most extraordinary examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. Construction of the Cathedral began in 1386 and the façade, which is one of the most iconic parts of the building, was completed in 1805.
The façade of the Milan Cathedral is a true mosaic of architectural styles, the result of centuries of work and different influences. Initially designed in Gothic style, the façade underwent numerous modifications over the centuries, incorporating elements of the Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-Gothic. This mix of styles makes the façade of the Cathedral unique in its kind, testifying to the complex construction history of the complex.
The façade is characterized by five sections that suggest the presence of the internal naves, with six buttresses surmounted by spires. The five portals and the windows above date back to the 17th century, while the central balcony is from 1790 and the three neo-Gothic windows are from the 19th century. The bas-relief decoration of the portals was sculpted at the time of Archbishop Borromeo based on designs by Cerano, and the statues of the Apostles and Prophets on the consoles are all from the 19th century.
One of the distinctive features of the façade of Milan Cathedral is the extraordinary abundance of sculptures. These works, which cover a time span from the 14th to the 20th century, were created by masters of various origins. The stained glass windows, also part of the grandiose decorative cycle, have been replaced over the centuries, with few original examples from the 15th and 16th centuries still visible.

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La mastodontica facciata del Duomo di Milano

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.

This is the official website of the cathedral: duomomilano.it.

Click here if you want to see all the photos I took:
foto gallery

Here is where the cathedral is located:

Symbol of the Lombard capital, and located in the homonymous square in the center of the metropolis, it is dedicated to Santa Maria Nascente. It is the largest church in Italy.
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The Mammoth Facade of Milan Cathedral – La façade gigantesque de la cathédrale de Milan – La gigantesca fachada de la Catedral de Milán – A gigantesca fachada da Catedral de Milão – Die Mammutfassade des Mailänder Doms – Mặt tiền khổng lồ của Nhà thờ Milan

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://blog.urbanfile.org/2016/02/27/milano-duomo-quanti-progetti-per-la-facciata-del-duomo/

A beautiful terrace among the alleys of Padua

Un bel terrazzo tra i vicoli di Padova

A beautiful terrace among the alleys of Padua.
Padua is a charming city located in the Veneto region, in northern Italy. Wandering through the alleys of the large historic center you can come across very beautiful buildings like the one photographed and published in this article.
Padua is one of the oldest cities in Italy, with a history dating back to the 13th century BC. Founded, according to legend, by the Trojan prince Antenor, the city played an important role during the Roman and medieval eras. In the 14th century, under the rule of the Carraresi, Padua became a significant cultural center, contributing to the Italian Renaissance.
Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Its illustrious professors and students include Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus. The university is still a center of academic and research excellence today.
Monuments and Attractions:
– The Scrovegni Chapel: famous for its frescoes by Giotto, it is one of the masterpieces of medieval art.
– The Prato della Valle: one of the largest squares in Europe, surrounded by statues and canals.
– The Basilica of Sant’Antonio: known simply as “Il Santo”, it is an important place of pilgrimage.
– The Botanical Garden: the oldest university botanical garden in the world, founded in 1545 and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Padua is known as “the city of the three withouts”:
– The Café without doors: the Caffè Pedrocchi, once open 24 hours a day.
– The Meadow without grass: the Prato della Valle, which in the past was a marshy area.
– The Saint without a name: the Basilica of Sant’Antonio, called simply “The Saint” by the Paduans.
Today, Padua is a lively and dynamic city, with a population of over 200,000. It is an important economic and cultural center, with numerous events, festivals and a rich gastronomic scene.

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Un bel terrazzo tra i vicoli di Padova

Photo taken with Honor 20.

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

The city was one of the cultural capitals of the fourteenth century, thanks to the presence of the lordship of the Carraresi or Da Carrara, who made Padua one of the main centers of pre-humanism. Between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, an impressive cultural movement devoted to the ancient developed in conjunction with Florence, which would transform into the Paduan Renaissance and influence the artistic landscape of the entire northern Italy of the fifteenth century. In Padua there are two sites declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the botanical garden, the oldest in the world, and the cycles of frescoes from the fourteenth century, preserved in eight building complexes including the Scrovegni Chapel.
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A beautiful terrace among the alleys of Padua – Une belle terrasse dans les ruelles de Padoue – Una hermosa terraza en las callejuelas de Padua. – Um belo terraço nas ruelas de Pádua – Eine wunderschöne Terrasse in den Gassen von Padua – Một sân thượng tuyệt đẹp trong các con hẻm ở Padua

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

An access from the lakeside to Lake Garda in Salò

Un accesso dal lungolago al lago di Garda a Salò

An access from the lakeside to Lake Garda in Salò.
The lakeside of Salò is one of the most charming spots in the city. It extends for about 3 kilometers along the gulf, offering a panoramic walk with spectacular views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you will find numerous cafes, ice cream parlors and restaurants where you can stop for a relaxing break. It is a pedestrian area, perfect for a quiet walk, both during the day and in the evening, when the lights of the city reflect on the water creating a magical atmosphere.
Salò is a town rich in history and culture. Here are some highlights:
– Centro Storico: Characterised by narrow streets and colourful houses, Salò’s historic centre is a charming place to wander around and discover quaint shops and artisan workshops.
– Duomo di Salò: The church of Santa Maria Annunziata, with its unfinished façade, is an example of Renaissance architecture and houses valuable works of art.
– Palazzo della Magnifica Patria: This historic building houses the Salò Museum, where you can learn about the history of the town and the surrounding region.
– Cedral Tassoni: The historic company that produces the famous Cedrata Tassoni is based in Salò, and its history is closely linked to that of the town.
Salò is also a great base for exploring other towns on Lake Garda, thanks to its central location and easy ferry and bus connections.

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Un accesso dal lungolago al lago di Garda a Salò

Photo taken with Honor 20.

Click here to see all the photos.
foto gallery

In October 1943, the Italian Social Republic, known as the Republic of Salò, was founded between Salò and Gargnano. The presence in the Lombard town of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the booths for journalists and the translation service for foreign press releases, which issued all the official press releases of the Republic, meant that the latter was known by the name of the city, even though the capital officially remained Rome.
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An access from the lakeside to Lake Garda in Salò – Accès depuis les rives du lac de Garde à Salò – Acceso desde la orilla del lago al lago de Garda en Salò – Acesso da margem do lago ao Lago de Garda em Salò – Zugang vom Seeufer zum Gardasee in Salò – Lối đi từ bờ hồ đến Hồ Garda ở Salò

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

Strolling through the little bridges and canals of Venice

A passeggio tra i ponticelli e i canali di Venezia

Walking among the little bridges and canals of Venice.
It's been several years now since I was in the Serenissima and took this photo.
But I think that the images of the canals and the little bridges that cross them are always beautiful.

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A passeggio tra i ponticelli e i canali di Venezia

Photo taken with Canon EOS M100 and lens Canon EF-M 11-22.

To see all the photos I took in Venice here:
foto gallery

The city was the capital of the Serenissima Republic of Venice for 1100 years and is known in this regard as the Serenissima, the Dominant and the Queen of the Adriatic: for its urban peculiarities and its artistic heritage, it is universally considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, declared, together with its lagoon, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which has contributed to making it the second Italian city after Rome with the highest tourist flow.
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Strolling through the little bridges and canals of Venice – Se promener parmi les ponts et les canaux de Venise – Caminando entre los puentes y canales de Venecia – Caminhando entre as pontes e os canais de Veneza – Spaziergang zwischen den Brücken und Kanälen von Venedig – Đi bộ giữa những cây cầu và kênh đào của Venice