Tag: church

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San Matteo square and the Abbey in the heart of Genoa

Piazza San Matteo e l'abbazia nel cuore di Genova

San Matteo square and the Abbey in the heart of Genoa.
In the beating heart of Genoa, among the intricate streets of the historic center, there is a hidden jewel of rare beauty and extraordinary historical importance: Piazza San Matteo and its Abbey. This corner of the city, less known than other tourist destinations, contains centuries of history, art and culture, offering visitors a privileged glimpse of medieval and Renaissance Genoa.
Piazza San Matteo is closely linked to the powerful Doria family, one of the most influential in the Republic of Genoa. It was Andrea Doria, a famous admiral and prominent figure of the 16th century, who transformed this square into the symbol of the power of his family. The square was renovated in 1278, when the Dorias decided to build their residences there, creating a unique and fascinating architectural complex.
The buildings overlooking Piazza San Matteo are characterized by typical medieval architecture, with black and white marble facades, a distinctive sign of the Genoese nobility of the time. The tower houses, which rise majestically, tell of a time when noble families built these structures not only as homes, but also as symbols of power and security.
In the heart of the square stands the Abbey of San Matteo, founded in 1125 by Martino Doria, another illustrious member of the family. This church, which initially served as the private chapel of the Doria family, is an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture, enriched with Gothic and Renaissance elements over the centuries.
The interior of the abbey is a true treasure chest of artistic treasures. Among the masterpieces kept there are works by Luca Cambiaso, one of the greatest Genoese painters of the sixteenth century, and by Giovanni Battista Castello, known as il Bergamasco. The adjacent cloister, with its elegant arches and columns, offers an oasis of peace and reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Piazza San Matteo and its abbey are not just testimonies of the past, but living places that continue to pulsate with culture and memory. Every year, cultural events and demonstrations enliven the square, making it a meeting point for Genoese and visitors. Guided tours allow you to discover the stories and secrets that lie behind every stone, making each visit a unique experience.

San Matteo square and the Abbey are an essential stop for those who want to know the true essence of Genoa. This hidden corner of the city offers a journey through time, through history, art and tradition, revealing the most authentic and fascinating face of the Superba. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply curious, a visit to Piazza San Matteo will give you unforgettable emotions and discoveries.

Have you ever visited this church and especially its cloister?
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Piazza San Matteo e l'abbazia nel cuore di Genova

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

There is also a nice official website: parrocchiasanmatteo.org.

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

Martino Doria, who entered the Benedictine friars of the Abbey of San Fruttuoso di Capodimonte after becoming a widower, obtained permission from Bishop Sigifredo to build a small church on land owned by the family near the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The dedication of the new church to San Matteo was linked to his profession as a tax collector, just like the Dorias, who therefore made him their patron.
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Here is where the abbey is located:

The square dedicated to Saint Matthew and the abbey in the heart of Genoa – La place dédiée à Saint Matthieu et l’abbaye au coeur de Gênes – La plaza dedicada a San Mateo y la abadía en el corazón de Génova – A praça dedicada a São Mateus e a abadia no coração de Gênova – Der dem Heiligen Matthäus und der Abtei gewidmete Platz im Herzen von Genua – Quảng trường dành riêng cho Thánh Matthew và tu viện ở trung tâm Genoa

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

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The alley of Mattarana a small village in Liguria

Il caruggio di Mattarana un piccolo borgo in Liguria

The caruggio of Mattarana a small village in Liguria.
Some time ago I went to eat ravioli in a famous trattoria in Mattarana, a small Ligurian village in the province of La Spezia.
After lunch I took a stroll around the village to take some photos and this is the main caruggio, with the church at the end, around which the few houses were built.

Have you ever visited Mattarana?
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Il caruggio di Mattarana un piccolo borgo in Liguria

Photo taken with Honor 20.

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

Here is where the village is located:

The caruggio of Mattarana a small village in Liguria – Le caruggio de Mattarana est un petit village de Ligurie – El caruggio de Mattarana es un pequeño pueblo de Liguria – O caruggio de Mattarana é uma pequena aldeia da Ligúria – Das Caruggio von Mattarana ist ein kleines Dorf in Ligurien – Caruggio của Mattarana là một ngôi làng nhỏ ở Liguria
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The porticoes and the Basilica of Santo Stefano in via XX

I portici e la Basilica di Santo Stefano in via XX a Genova

The porticos and the Basilica of Santo Stefano on Via XX in Genoa.
Via XX Settembre, one of the main arteries of Genoa, is famous for its elegant porticos and the historic Basilica of Santo Stefano. This place is a meeting point between modern architecture and the centuries-old history of the city.
The porticos of Via XX Settembre are a symbol of elegance and functionality. Built in the 19th century, the porticos provide shelter and shade to pedestrians, allowing them to stroll along the street in any weather condition. The imposing columns and neoclassical arches create an atmosphere of grandeur and refinement. Under the porticos, there are luxury boutiques, cafés and historic shops that add to the charm of this iconic street.
Located in the heart of Via XX Settembre, the Basilica of Santo Stefano is an architectural jewel that dates back to the 5th century. The church is a remarkable example of Genoese Romanesque architecture, with its simple yet elegant façade and interior rich in history and art.
The basilica was built on the ruins of an older church and has undergone numerous modifications and restorations over the centuries. The current structure, with its single nave and side chapels, still retains elements of the original Romanesque style. Inside, you can admire frescoes, sculptures and works of sacred art that tell the religious and cultural history of Genoa.
Via XX Settembre and the Basilica of Santo Stefano represent a meeting point between the past and the present of Genoa. The arcades, with their timeless elegance, and the basilica, with its thousand-year history, offer visitors a unique experience of discovery and contemplation.
Walking under the arcades of Via XX Settembre and visiting the Basilica of Santo Stefano is a journey through the history, art and culture of Genoa. These emblematic places are a must for anyone who wants to discover the beating heart of the city.

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I portici e la Basilica di Santo Stefano in via XX a Genova

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

Here's where I took the photo from:

The porticoes and the Basilica of Santo Stefano in via XX in Genoa – Les portiques et la basilique de Santo Stefano dans la via XX à Gênes – Los pórticos y la Basílica de Santo Stefano en via XX en Génova – Os pórticos e a Basílica de Santo Stefano na via XX em Génova – Die Portiken und die Basilika Santo Stefano in der Via XX in Genua – Các mái cổng và Vương cung thánh đường Santo Stefano qua XX ở Genoa

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

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Michelangelo's Christ of Minerva in Rome

Il Cristo della Minerva di Michelangelo a Roma

Michelangelo's Christ of Minerva in Rome.
In the heart of Rome, in one of the oldest and most evocative neighborhoods of the city, stands the majestic church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. Inside this sacred building, among works of art of inestimable value, stands out the statue of the Christ of Minerva, a masterpiece sculpted by the famous Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti.
The statue of the Christ of Minerva, also known as the Risen Christ or Christ of the Pietà, is an imposing marble sculpture depicting Jesus Christ after the resurrection. Commissioned by a young Dominican friar, Fra' Ludovico di Pietro in 1514, the work was designed to adorn the high altar of the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. However, the original design included a statue of the Virgin Mary, but was later changed when Michelangelo accepted the commission.
The statue took several years to complete and was completed around 1521. Michelangelo masterfully worked the white marble, creating an extraordinary work that continues to amaze today with its beauty and realism.
The statue of the Christ of Minerva shows Christ in a solemn and calm pose, with his body erect and leaning on the cross. His serene face and intricate anatomical details give the work an extraordinary sense of life and spirituality.
The statue of the Christ of Minerva fits into the artistic and cultural context of the Italian Renaissance, a period of fervent creativity and spiritual renewal. Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all time, left an indelible mark on the artistic panorama of the time with works such as David, the Pietà and the Sistine Chapel. His skill in modeling marble and capturing the essence of humanity has influenced generations of subsequent artists.
The statue of Christ of Minerva represents a high point in Michelangelo's career and an icon of the Italian Renaissance. With its timeless beauty and profound spiritual meaning, it continues to inspire and move visitors who venture into the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. It is an extraordinary work of art that reminds us of the greatness of human ingenuity and the power of faith.

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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:
foto gallery

Here is where the basilica is located:

The Christ of Minerva is a marble statue (h. 205 cm) by Michelangelo Buonarroti, made in 1519-1520 approximately and now preserved in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome. In 1514 Michelangelo, although he was bound by an exclusive contract with the Della Rovere heirs to work on the tomb of Julius II, did not refuse lucrative private commissions, such as the one received from Bernando Cencio, canon of St. Peter's in the Vatican, Mario Scappucci, Pietro Paolo Castellano and Metello Vari for a resurrected Christ, to be placed in the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
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Michelangelo’s Christ of Minerva statue in Rome – Statue du Christ de Minerve de Michel-Ange à Rome – Estatua del Cristo de Minerva de Miguel Ángel en Roma – Estátua do Cristo de Minerva de Michelangelo em Roma – Michelangelos Christus-Minerva-Statue in Rom – Tượng Chúa Kitô Minerva của Michelangelo ở Rome – 米开朗基罗在罗马的密涅瓦基督雕像 – ローマにあるミケランジェロのミネルヴァのキリスト像

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

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Santa Maria degli Angeli, the Porziuncola, near Assisi

Santa Maria degli Angeli, la Porziuncola

Santa Maria degli Angeli, Porziuncola, near Assisi.
Also known as Porziuncola, it is one of the most sacred churches in Assisi. Located in the hamlet of the same name, this basilica is closely linked to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Porziuncola was built in the 12th century as a small chapel where Saint Francis would retreat to pray. In 1569, by order of Pope Pius V, work began on the construction of the large Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli to protect and guard the Porziuncola and other sacred places linked to Saint Francis. The basilica was completed in 1679.
The basilica was designed by Galeazzo Alessi and Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola. The structure is in Baroque and Mannerist style, with a monumental façade that houses a gilded bronze statue of the Madonna. The interior is characterized by a central nave and two side naves, with side chapels.
Inside the basilica are some of the most sacred places linked to Saint Francis:
– The Porziuncola: The small chapel where Saint Francis retreated to pray and where he received the stigmata.
– The Chapel of the Transit: The place where Saint Francis entered eternal life.
– The Rose Garden: A garden where Saint Francis loved to retreat to meditate.
The basilica hosts numerous celebrations and special events, including the liturgical feast of Saint Francis and other solemnities linked to his life and his message of peace and love for nature.
The basilica also houses a museum with works of art and objects related to the life of Saint Francis and the history of the Porziuncola.
Santa Maria degli Angeli is a place of great spiritual and historical importance, which attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Visiting it is a touching and enriching experience, which allows you to immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.

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Santa Maria degli Angeli, la Porziuncola

Santa Maria degli Angeli, la Porziuncola

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

To see all the photos of Assisi click here:

The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is a Roman Catholic church located in Assisi, in the hamlet of the same name, built to a design by Galeazzo Alessi with interventions by Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola starting from the second half of the sixteenth century. It has the dignity of a Papal Basilica and inside it is the Porziuncola, the chapel where Francis of Assisi gathered in prayer, and for this reason the center of Franciscan spirituality. At the top of the facade of the temple stands the statue of the Madonna in gilded bronze modeled by Colasanti and cast by the Fonderia Artistica Ferdinando Marinelli of Florence.
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Saint Mary of the Angels, the Porziuncola – Santa Maria degli Angeli, la Porziuncola – Santa Maria degli Angeli, la Porciúncula – Santa Maria degli Angeli, a Porciúncula – Santa Maria degli Angeli, die Porziuncola – Santa Maria degli Angeli, Porziuncola

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.porziuncola.org/basilica.html

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Santo Stefano seen from the alley of Lavagna

Santo Stefano vista dal caruggio di Lavagna

Santo Stefano seen from the caruggio of Lavagna.
The caruggio and the Basilica of Santo Stefano are probably the two symbols of Lavagna and in these shots I tried to show you both.

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Photo taken with Honor 20.

Where is the basilica located:

The collegiate basilica of Santo Stefano is a Catholic place of worship in the municipality of Lavagna, in Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, in the metropolitan city of Genoa. The church is the seat of the parish of the same name of the vicariate of Chiavari-Lavagna of the diocese of Chiavari. In May 1921, Pope Benedict XV elevated it to the rank of minor basilica.
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Santo Stefano seen from the alley of Lavagna – Santo Stefano vu de l’allée de Lavagna – Santo Stefano visto desde el callejón de Lavagna – Santo Stefano visto do beco de Lavagna – Santo Stefano von der Gasse von Lavagna aus gesehen – Santo Stefano nhìn từ con hẻm Lavagna
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The facade of the Funchal Cathedral

La facciata della Cattedrale di Funchal

The Facade of Funchal Cathedral.
In the heart of the picturesque city of Funchal on the enchanting island of Madeira, stands the majestic Funchal Cathedral, an architectural gem that has enchanted visitors and worshippers for centuries. Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, this imposing structure is a symbol of faith, history and timeless beauty.
Funchal Cathedral has centuries of history, dating back to the mid-15th century when the first Portuguese settlers settled in Madeira. Built on a site that once housed a modest church, the cathedral has undergone several renovations and extensions over the years, reflecting the architectural styles that have evolved over the centuries.
When approaching Funchal Cathedral, your eye is immediately drawn to its imposing façade and intricate architectural details. The structure features a mix of styles, with Gothic and Manueline influences blending together in a fascinating blend. The façade, adorned with an ornate portal and intricate reliefs, conveys a sense of grandeur and sacredness.
The interior of the cathedral does not disappoint the expectations raised by the exterior. The naves, with their decorated altars and majestic columns, create an atmosphere of solemnity and devotion. The high altar is a masterpiece of baroque art, enriched by sacred paintings and gilded ornaments that capture the gaze of visitors.
Funchal Cathedral is the spiritual heart of the island of Madeira. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, the cathedral is a sacred place of worship, frequented by believers and pilgrims from all over the world. Religious celebrations held inside the cathedral offer a unique experience of spiritual connection and reflection.
Among the gems of Funchal Cathedral is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, a small but sumptuous side chapel. Decorated with sacred works of art and finely crafted ornaments, the chapel exudes an aura of sacredness and contemplation. It is a favorite place for silent prayer and individual reflection.
In addition to being a place of worship, Funchal Cathedral attracts many tourists and history and architecture enthusiasts. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the cathedral's rich history and admire up close the artistic details that make it a timeless masterpiece.

Funchal Cathedral is not only an architectural landmark but also a pillar of faith and culture in Madeira. With its spiritually-filled history and breathtaking architecture, the cathedral continues to be a must-see destination for anyone visiting this fascinating Portuguese island. Funchal Cathedral is much more than a building; it is a monument that celebrates the beauty, history and spirituality of Madeira.

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La facciata della Cattedrale di Funchal

La facciata della Cattedrale di Funchal

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

Click here per vedere tutte le foto di Funchal:
foto gallery

Where is the cathedral located:

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the Catholic cathedral of Funchal, Portugal, and the seat of the Diocese of Funchal. It is located in the center of the city, not far from the marina, in the area called Campo del Duca. Its construction began in the late 1400s. It was the first important church built on the island. Previously, there was a church near the beach of Calhau, but as the number of inhabitants increased thanks to the flourishing sugar cane trade, the church could no longer accommodate all the faithful, so it was decided to build a larger one in the center of the city.
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The facade of the Funchal Cathedral in the island of Madeira – La façade de la cathédrale de Funchal sur l’île de Madère – La fachada de la Catedral de Funchal en la isla de Madeira – A fachada da Catedral do Funchal, na ilha da Madeira – Die Fassade der Kathedrale von Funchal auf der Insel Madeira – Mặt tiền của Nhà thờ Funchal ở đảo Madeira – 马德拉岛丰沙尔大教堂的正面 – マデイラ島のフンシャル大聖堂のファサード

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

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Inside the Cathedral of NS dell’Orto in Chiavari

All'interno della Cattedrale di NS dell'Orto a Chiavari

Inside the Cathedral of NS dell’Orto in Chiavari.
The beautiful cathedral of Chiavari photographed a little while ago.

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All'interno della Cattedrale di NS dell'Orto a Chiavari

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

The Cathedral of Nostra Signora dell’Orto is a Catholic place of worship located in the municipality of Chiavari, in Piazza Nostra Signora dell’Orto, in the metropolitan city of Genoa. Episcopal seat of the diocese of Chiavari, it is also a Marian sanctuary and seat of the homonymous parish of the vicariate of Chiavari-Lavagna.
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The interior of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Garden in Chiavari – L’intérieur de la cathédrale Notre-Dame du Jardin de Chiavari – El interior de la Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Jardín en Chiavari – O interior da Catedral de Nossa Senhora do Jardim em Chiavari – Das Innere der Kathedrale Unserer Lieben Frau vom Garten in Chiavari – Nội thất của Nhà thờ Đức Mẹ Vườn ở Chiavari – 基亚瓦里花园圣母大教堂的内部 – キアヴァリの庭の聖母大聖堂の内部
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The magnificent Spoleto Cathedral and its churchyard

Il magnifico Duomo di Spoleto ed il suo sagrato

The magnificent Cathedral of Spoleto and its churchyard.
If you find yourself in Spoleto, you cannot miss a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cathedral of Spoleto. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, built between 1151 and 1227, is the city's main place of worship and an Italian national monument.
The cathedral's façade is a real spectacle, with its central rose window and golden mosaics that sparkle in the sun. Inside, you can admire frescoes by Filippo Lippi, which tell the stories of the Virgin Mary, and works by Pinturicchio.
Every year, during the Festival dei Due Mondi, the cathedral becomes one of the most evocative places of the event, hosting concerts and shows that pay homage to its beauty and history.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit this extraordinary example of art and spirituality. The Cathedral of Spoleto awaits you for a journey through time and beauty!

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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 cathedral located:

The cathedral was built between 1151 and 1227 on the site of a pre-existing building; it was part of the Vaita De Domo. It was consecrated by Pope Innocent III in 1198. Inside, in the apse, there is the valuable cycle of frescoes by Filippo Lippi Stories of the Virgin, painted in the last years of the artist's life, between May 1467 and September 1469.
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The magnificent Spoleto Cathedral and its churchyard – La magnifique cathédrale de Spolète et son cimetière – La magnífica catedral de Spoleto y su cementerio – A magnífica Catedral de Spoleto e o seu adro – Die prächtige Kathedrale von Spoleto und ihr Kirchhof – Nhà thờ Spoleto tráng lệ và sân nhà thờ của nó

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

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The main altar of the church of Sao Joao in Funchal

L'altare maggiore della chiesa di Sao Joao a Funchal

The main altar of the church of Sao Joao in Funchal.
The Igreja de São João Evangelista do Colégio do Funchal is a religious building in the city of Funchal, on the island of Madeira.
I visited it, by chance, a few months ago and took a couple of photos of the splendid gilded wooden altar.

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

Click here per vedere tutte le foto di Funchal:
foto gallery

Here is where the church is located:

Funchal is a Portuguese municipality, the capital of the autonomous region of Madeira. Funchal is the largest city on the island; it was founded in 1421 by João Gonçalves Zarco and was elevated to city status by King Manuel I in 1508. Today Funchal is a modern city, located in a unique area, where the geological conformation creates a natural amphitheater that surrounds the entire city, starting from the port and reaching up to 1200 meters of its highest slopes. This natural protection attracted the first inhabitants who formed the initial nucleus of Funchal.
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The main altar of the Sao Joao church in Funchal – Le maître-autel de l’église Sao Joao de Funchal – El altar mayor de la iglesia de Sao Joao en Funchal – O altar-mor da igreja de São João no Funchal – Der Hauptaltar der Sao Joao-Kirche in Funchal – Bàn thờ chính của nhà thờ Sao Joao ở Funchal – 丰沙尔圣若昂教堂的主祭坛 – フンシャルのサン・ジョアン教会の主祭壇