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1 August 20241 August 2024

The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva

Il soffitto absidale di Santa Maria sopra Minerva a Roma

The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome.
Santa Maria sopra Minerva is one of the most important churches in Rome and is located near the Pantheon, in the Pigna district. Built in the 13th century by the Dominican Friars, it is one of the rare examples of Gothic architecture in Rome, famous for its history, art and architecture.
The basilica stands on a site that was previously occupied by a pagan temple, initially attributed to the goddess Minerva, but which was actually dedicated to Isis. The name "sopra Minerva" derives from this ancient belief. The construction of the Gothic church began in 1280 and was completed at the beginning of the 14th century. Over the centuries, the church has undergone numerous modifications and restorations, while maintaining its Gothic character.

The interior of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is richly decorated and maintains its original Gothic structure. It has a three-nave plan with pointed arches and vaulted ceilings. The side aisles house several richly decorated chapels with important works of art.

The apse ceiling is particularly impressive, with a ribbed vault richly decorated with bright colors and intricate patterns. In the center of the apse is a large painting depicting religious scenes, which helps create a solemn and evocative atmosphere.

Other Elements of Interest are: the Funeral Monument of Saint Catherine of Siena (Saint Catherine of Siena is buried in the basilica, and her tomb is a place of great devotion) and Bernini's Elephant (in the square in front of the church there is an Egyptian obelisk supported by a statue of an elephant, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini; this monument is commonly known as the “Pulcino della Minerva”).

Santa Maria sopra Minerva is a place of great historical, artistic and religious importance, representing a unique example in the Roman architectural panorama for its Gothic style and the numerous works of art it houses.

Do you know the monuments of Rome? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

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

Here I leave you the official website of the basilica: santamariasopraminerva.it.

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

Here is where the basilica is located:

The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (in Latin basilica Sanctæ Mariæ supra Minervam) is a minor basilica in Rome located in the Pigna district, in Piazza della Minerva, near the Pantheon. It is one of the very few examples of Gothic architecture in Rome. The basilica houses the remains of several important figures including Catherine of Siena, proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970, the mystic painter Beato Angelico, proclaimed "Universal Patron of Artists" in 1984 and Pope Benedict XIII. Inside it preserves valuable works of art including frescoes by Melozzo da Forlì and Filippino Lippi.
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The apse ceiling of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome – Le plafond de l’abside de Santa Maria sopra Minerva à Rome – El techo del ábside de Santa María sopra Minerva en Roma – O teto da abside de Santa Maria sopra Minerva em Roma – Die Apsisdecke von Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rom – Trần nhà của Santa Maria sopra Minerva ở Rome

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

29 May 202429 May 2024

The magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa

La magnifica Cattedrale di San Lorenzo a Genova

The magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo, located in the heart of Genoa, is one of the most important and fascinating architectural testimonies of the city. This Gothic masterpiece, with Romanesque and Renaissance influences, is not only a religious symbol, but is also an important tourist attraction and a historical reference point for the Genoese.
The construction of the Cathedral of San Lorenzo began in the 9th century, on the remains of an earlier paleo-Christian basilica. However, much of the current building dates back to the 12th century, when the city of Genoa was at the height of its maritime and commercial power. Over the centuries, the cathedral underwent numerous modifications and extensions, which reflect the various architectural styles that followed one another.
The main portal, with its elaborate sculptural decorations, is a splendid example of Gothic art. The black and white stripes of the facade, made of marble, recall the Pisan influence and harmonize perfectly with the other Gothic and Romanesque elements of the building.
The facade of the cathedral is characterized by three richly decorated portals and a large central rose window. The two bell towers, one of which is incomplete, add an element of asymmetry that contributes to the unique charm of the building.
Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive. The naves are separated by marble and granite columns, and the ceilings are adorned with frescoes and decorations that tell biblical stories and local legends. Among the most significant works of art inside the cathedral, the Genoese “Holy Grail” stands out, a precious glass tray that, according to legend, was used during the Last Supper.

Another element of great interest is the Museo del Tesoro, located in the cathedral's basement. Numerous objects of inestimable value are preserved here, including relics, sacred vestments and jewels. Among the most famous treasures is the Sacro Catino, a green glass bowl that was believed to be the Holy Grail.
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is at the center of numerous religious and civil celebrations. The most important is the feast of San Giovanni Battista, the patron saint of Genoa, which is celebrated on June 24. During this day, the cathedral becomes the center of processions, religious events and celebrations that involve the entire city.
The cathedral also has a history of resilience. During the Second World War, a bomb fell on the cathedral, but miraculously did not explode, thus saving the building from serious damage. This event is still remembered by the Genoese as a sign of divine protection.

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is not only a place of worship, but a monument that tells the story of Genoa, its traditions and its art. Every corner of the cathedral, from the decorations of the facade to the internal naves, speaks of centuries of faith, culture and beauty. Visiting the Cathedral of San Lorenzo means taking a journey through time, immersing yourself in one of the most fascinating pages of Genoese history.

Have you ever visited the Cathedral of Genoa? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon EF-S 10-18.

If you are interested, this is the official website that updates you on Catholic initiatives and liturgies: chiesadigenova.it.

Here all the photos I took on a previous visit:

Here's where I took the photo from:

The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the most important place of Catholic worship in the city of Genoa, the metropolitan cathedral of the archdiocese of the same name. It was consecrated to the saint in 1118 by Pope Gelasius II when it was not yet finished and the facade was missing.
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The magnificent Cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa – La magnifique cathédrale de San Lorenzo à Gênes – La magnífica Catedral de San Lorenzo en Génova – A magnífica Catedral de San Lorenzo em Gênova – Die prächtige Kathedrale San Lorenzo in Genua – Nhà thờ tráng lệ San Lorenzo ở Genoa

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

11 December 202313 July 2024

The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua

La maestosità della facciata della Basilica di Sant'Antonio di Padova

The Majesty of the Facade of the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua.
In the heart of the beautiful city of Padua, there is a place of devotion, history and extraordinary architectural beauty: the Basilica of Saint Anthony. Its façade is one of the most significant testimonies of Italian Gothic art and an inviting gateway to the past and spirituality.
The façade of the Basilica of Saint Anthony is a superb example of Gothic architecture, which gives a feeling of majesty as soon as you approach. The intricate details, finely crafted sculptures and complex architectural elements are a celebration of sacred art. It is a place where art and faith meet in an extraordinary way.
If you look closely at the façade, you can discover a myriad of sculptures and reliefs, each with its own history and meaning. Sacred figures, episodes from the life of Saint Anthony and religious symbols adorn the surface, creating a mosaic of faith and devotion. These works of art are testimonies of artistic skill and spiritual commitment. In the center of the facade, a majestic door welcomes the faithful and visitors. Surrounded by finely decorated arches, it seems to invite everyone to enter and discover the magnificence of the interior of the basilica. Above the door, a large rose window creates a play of light inside the church, adding further charm to the building.

In addition to its beauty, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is a place of deep spirituality. Faithful and pilgrims come here to find comfort, inspiration and to honor the memory of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of the city. The façade serves as a starting point for a spiritual journey inside the basilica, where the quiet and solemnity allow for reflection and prayer.

Have you ever visited beautiful Padua? Add a comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Honor 20.

This is the official website of the basilica: santantonio.org.

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

The Pontifical Minor Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the main Catholic places of worship in the city of Padua, in the Veneto region. Known worldwide as the Basilica del Santo, or more simply as the Saint, it is one of the largest churches in the world and is visited annually by over 6.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the most venerated sanctuaries in the Christian world. However, it is not the city's cathedral, a title that belongs to the cathedral. The relics of Saint Anthony of Padua and his tomb are kept there.
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