The view of Genoa and the bell tower of the church of Santa Maria delle Vigne

La vista su Genova e il campanile di S. Maria delle Vigne

The view of Genoa and the bell tower of S. Maria delle Vigne.
Genoa, with its unique charm and its thousand-year history, offers breathtaking views that capture the essence of the city. Among the most suggestive panoramic points, the Spianata Castelletto stands out for its beauty and historical importance.
Genoa is a vertical city, built between the sea and the hills, which offers numerous panoramic points from which to admire its beauty. The Spianata Castelletto is a balcony suspended over the historic center, from which you can enjoy a romantic view of the slate roofs, the port and the sea. This panoramic point is particularly appreciated for its ability to offer a complete and suggestive view of the city, making it an ideal place to take photographs and enjoy moments of tranquility.
The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Vigne is one of the oldest churches in Genoa, located in the Maddalena district. Built in the 10th century, the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and represents an important Marian sanctuary. The bell tower, dating back to the Romanesque period, is the only original structure that remained after the transformations that took place in the following centuries.
The church of Santa Maria delle Vigne was built on a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in the 6th century. The bell tower, with its Romanesque structure, is a symbol of the history and spirituality of Genoa. The basilica has been expanded and renovated over the centuries, with significant interventions in the 13th and 18th centuries.
The bell tower of Santa Maria delle Vigne, with its central position and its height, offers a privileged view of the city. By climbing the tower, you can admire Genoa from above, with its narrow streets, historic buildings and the port. It is an ideal place to reflect on the history and beauty of this unique city.

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La vista su Genova e il campanile di S. Maria delle Vigne

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Tamron 16-300.

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

Here is where the church is located:

The view of Genoa and the bell tower of the church of Santa Maria delle Vigne – La vue de Gênes et le clocher de l’église Santa Maria delle Vigne – La vista de Génova y el campanario de la iglesia de Santa Maria delle Vigne – A vista de Génova e a torre sineira da igreja de Santa Maria delle Vigne – Der Blick auf Genua und den Glockenturm der Kirche Santa Maria delle Vigne – Quang cảnh Genoa và tháp chuông của nhà thờ Santa Maria delle Vigne

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://genovaturismo.it/genova-dall-alto/
– https://acchiappamappa.com/genova-dallalto/
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Maria_delle_Vigne
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_delle_Vigne

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/

The large churchyard of Santo Stefano in Lavagna

L'ampio sagrato di Santo Stefano a Lavagna

The large churchyard of Santo Stefano in Lavagna.
The churchyard of the Basilica of Santo Stefano in Lavagna is famous for its beautiful risseu, mosaics made from black and white pebbles arranged in geometric patterns. The basilica itself, located in the town of Lavagna in Liguria, is an imposing structure that dominates the town and the surrounding sea.
The Basilica of Santo Stefano in Lavagna has a fascinating history that dates back many centuries. The first mention of a religious building on the site dates back to the 6th century, although some sources suggest it may be even older. Originally, there was a signal tower for sailors on the site, next to which the first church was built.
Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous changes and restorations. In 1060, it was elevated to a collegiate church and became an important ecclesiastical center under the protection of the Holy See of Rome. The noble Fieschi family, who dominated the region, always had a special regard for the church, considering it a religious reference point of their dominion.
The current structure of the basilica was completed in 1668, with the consecration taking place in 1703. In 1921, Pope Benedict XV elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.
The basilica is also known for its richly decorated interior and for the churchyard with the characteristic black and white pebble mosaics, typical of the Ligurian tradition.

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L'ampio sagrato di Santo Stefano a Lavagna

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

Here is where the church is 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.
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The churchyard of the church of Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Le cimetière de l’église de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – El cementerio de la iglesia de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – O adro da igreja de Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Der Kirchhof der Kirche Santo Stefano a Lavagna – Sân nhà thờ Santo Stefano a Lavagna – 圣斯特凡诺拉瓦尼亚教堂的墓地 – サント ステファノ ア ラヴァーニャ教会の墓地

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– http://www.comune.lavagna.ge.it/content/chiese-e-monumenti
– https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g194788-d7785459-Reviews-Basilica_di_Santo_Stefano-Lavagna_Italian_Riviera_Liguria.html

The interior of the church of San Luca in the heart of Genoa

The interior of the Church of San Luca in the heart of Genoa.
In the heart of the historic center of Genoa, the Church of San Luca represents a jewel of the Genoese Baroque. Founded in 1188 by Oberto Spinola, the church was rebuilt in the 17th century, maintaining its historical and artistic charm.
The interior of the Church of San Luca is a riot of art and decoration. The works of Domenico Piola, Filippo Parodi and Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, known as Grechetto, adorn the walls and altars. Piola, a master of fresco, created vivid and detailed scenes that capture the eye and the imagination.
Among the most significant works is the Adoration of the Shepherds by Grechetto, a masterpiece that illuminates the high altar. The sculptures of Filippo Parodi, including the Immaculate Conception and the Deposed Christ, add a three-dimensional dimension to the beauty of the church.
The interior decoration is an extraordinary example of harmony between architecture, painting and sculpture. The trompe-l’œil techniques used by Anton Maria Haffner create optical illusions that expand the space and add visual depth.
Today, the Church of San Luca continues to be an active place of worship, linked to the noble Spinola family. Every member of the family, wherever they are in the world, maintains a special bond with this church, which represents an important piece of their history and identity.

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Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.

Here is where the church is located:

The interior of the church has a Greek cross plan with a single nave slightly elongated and ending in a semicircular apse. The marble high altar is the work of Daniello Solaro (1649), also the author of the numerous marble ornaments that enrich the temple. The vaults and walls of the church feature a cycle of frescoes, created in the last decade of the seventeenth century by Domenico Piola with the collaboration of his son Paolo Gerolamo and the quadraturist Antonio Maria Haffner, author of the frames and painted architecture.
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The interior of the church of San Luca in the heart of Genoa – L’intérieur de l’église de San Luca au coeur de Gênes – El interior de la iglesia de San Luca en el corazón de Génova – O interior da igreja de San Luca, no coração de Génova – Das Innere der Kirche San Luca im Herzen von Genua – Nội thất nhà thờ San Luca ở trung tâm Genoa

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.spinola.it/chiesa-di-san-luca/

The steps of the church of San Francesco in Bevagna

La scalinata della chiesa di San Francesco a Bevagna

The steps of the church of San Francesco in Bevagna.
While discovering the magnificent village of Bevagna, in Umbria, I immediately found this glimpse with this beautiful stone staircase that leads to the beautiful church dedicated to San Francesco.
Just one of the many glimpses that the village offers.

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La scalinata della chiesa di San Francesco a Bevagna

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's where the staircase is located:

Filippo Silvestri (Bevagna, 22 June 1873 – Portici, 10 June 1949) was an Italian entomologist. His subsequent career developed within this structure, becoming director of the Istituto superiore agrario of Portici between 1920 and 1930 and bringing it to worldwide fame. The collection of insects of the institute, which includes about two thousand species collected by Silvestri in over half a century of activity, is still considered among the most important in the world.
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The steps of the church of San Francesco in Bevagna – L’escalier de l’église de San Francesco à Bevagna – La escalera de la iglesia de San Francisco en Bevagna – A escadaria da igreja de San Francesco em Bevagna – Die Treppe der Kirche San Francesco in Bevagna – Cầu thang của nhà thờ San Francesco ở Bevagna

The bell tower of Vor Frelser Kirke in Copenhagen

Il campanile della Vor Frelser Kirke a Copenaghen

The bell tower of Vor Frelser Kirke in Copenhagen.
Vor Frelser Kirke (Church of Our Saviour) is one of Copenhagen's most iconic attractions, located in the Christianshavn district. This baroque church is most famous for its bell tower with an external spiral staircase that wraps around the spire, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Construction of Vor Frelser Kirke began in 1682 based on the plans of architect Lambert van Haven and it was consecrated in 1695. However, the bell tower with its distinctive spiral staircase was only added in 1752 by architect Lauritz de Thurah. The staircase winds counterclockwise, a detail that has fueled an urban legend that the architect committed suicide by jumping from the spire after realizing his mistake.
The exterior spiral staircase consists of 400 steps that lead to the top of the bell tower, at a height of 90 meters. Climbing these steps is a unique experience that allows you to admire the architectural details of the spire up close and enjoy spectacular views of Copenhagen.
Another distinctive feature of Vor Frelser Kirke is its carillon, which plays melodies every hour from 8 am until midnight. This adds a musical touch to the already charming atmosphere of the church.
In addition to being a major tourist attraction, Vor Frelser Kirke is also an active parish church that serves around 8,000 people. Its baroque architecture and rich history make it a true national treasure of Denmark.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Tamron 16-300.

This is the official website: vorfrelserskirke.dk.

Click here to see all the photos of the Danish capital.
foto gallery

Here is where the church is located:

The bell tower of Vor Frelser Kirke in Copenhagen – Le clocher du Vor Frelser Kirke à Copenhague – El campanario de Vor Frelser Kirke en Copenhague – A torre sineira do Vor Frelser Kirke em Copenhaga – Der Glockenturm der Vor Frelser Kirke in Kopenhagen – Tháp chuông Vor Frelser Kirke ở Copenhagen

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Our_Saviour,_Copenhagen

The interior of the church of Santa Cristina in Parma

L'interno della chiesa di Santa Cristina a Parma

The interior of the church of Santa Cristina in Parma.
Some time ago now, I was inside this beautiful church in Parma. I still had the photo of it.

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L'interno della chiesa di Santa Cristina a Parma

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

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

The church of Santa Cristina is a Catholic place of worship with baroque forms, located in Strada della Repubblica 23 in Parma, in the province and diocese of Parma. The original church of Santa Cristina dates back to at least the 10th century and in the early Middle Ages marked the eastern limit of Parma (the church also gave its name to one of the city gates, the one that opened onto the Via Emilia towards Reggio). The apse of the building was oriented to the east and the facade faced the current Piazza Garibaldi.
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The interior of the church of Santa Cristina in Parma – L’intérieur de l’église de Santa Cristina à Parme – El interior de la iglesia de Santa Cristina en Parma – O interior da igreja de Santa Cristina em Parma – Das Innere der Kirche Santa Cristina in Parma – Nội thất nhà thờ Santa Cristina ở Parma

The beautiful San Lorenzo in Genoa

La bellissima cattedrale di San Lorenzo a Genova

The beautiful cathedral of San Lorenzo in Genoa.
If I'm in the center of Genoa I always try to pass in front of the cathedral to admire its beauty.
In fact, I have several posts and photos of this splendid church and I always try to enhance its magnificence in my shots.

Have you ever visited the Cathedral of Genoa?
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La bellissima cattedrale di San Lorenzo a Genova

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:
foto gallery

Here's where I took the photo from:

Saint Lawrence was one of the seven deacons of Rome, where he was martyred in 258 during the persecution ordered by the Roman Emperor Valerian in 257. The Catholic Church venerates him as a saint. Since the 4th century, Lawrence has been one of the most venerated martyrs in the Church of Rome. Constantine I was the first to build a small oratory on the site of his martyrdom. This building was enlarged and embellished by Pelagius II (579-590).
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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 Church of San Giovanni Battista in Mattarana

La facciata della chiesa di San Giovanni Battista a Mattarana

The facade of the church of San Giovanni Battista in Mattarana.
A small village, in the province of La Spezia, with its simple but beautiful church dedicated to San Giovanni.

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La facciata della chiesa di San Giovanni Battista a Mattarana

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 church is located:

The facade of the church of San Giovanni Battista in Mattarana – La façade de l’église de San Giovanni Battista à Mattarana – La fachada de la iglesia de San Giovanni Battista en Mattarana – A fachada da igreja de San Giovanni Battista em Mattarana – Die Fassade der Kirche San Giovanni Battista in Mattarana – Mặt tiền nhà thờ San Giovanni Battista ở Mattarana

The Cathedral of Spoleto: a masterpiece of art and history

Il Duomo di Spoleto: uncapolavoro di arte e storia

Spoleto Cathedral: a masterpiece of art and history.
Spoleto Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is one of the architectural jewels of Umbria. Located in the heart of the city of Spoleto, this magnificent building is an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture, enriched with Gothic and Renaissance elements.
The construction of the Cathedral began in the 12th century, after the destruction of the previous cathedral by the troops of Frederick Barbarossa. The façade, completed in 1207, is characterized by a Byzantine mosaic depicting Christ Blessing, the work of the master Solsternus. This mosaic is one of the oldest and most precious examples of Byzantine art in Italy.
The interior of the Cathedral is equally fascinating, with a central nave and two side naves that lead to the apse frescoed by Filippo Lippi. The frescoes, created between 1467 and 1469, narrate episodes from the life of the Virgin Mary and are considered among the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. The cathedral also houses a 12th-century crucifix by Alberto Sozio and a 14th-century polychrome wooden statue of the Madonna.
Next to the cathedral stands the bell tower, built in the 15th century, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Spoleto. The cathedral complex also includes the Diocesan Museum and the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia, which houses works of sacred art and historical artifacts of great value.
The Spoleto Cathedral is not only a place of worship, but also a center of cultural activities. Every year, the cathedral hosts concerts, exhibitions and events that attract visitors from all over the world. The “Art of the Spirit” itinerary allows you to explore the monumental complex in depth, admiring the works of art up close and discovering historical curiosities.
Visiting the Spoleto Cathedral is an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply looking for a place of peace and reflection, you will find in this cathedral a treasure trove of beauty and spirituality.

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Il Duomo di Spoleto: uncapolavoro di arte e storia

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

Here is the official website: duomospoleto.it.

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 Cathedral of Spoleto: a masterpiece of art and history – Cathédrale de Spolète : un chef-d’œuvre d’art et d’histoire – Catedral de Spoleto: una obra maestra de arte e historia – Catedral de Spoleto: uma obra-prima de arte e história – Kathedrale von Spoleto: ein Meisterwerk der Kunst und Geschichte – Nhà thờ Spoleto: một kiệt tác nghệ thuật và lịch sử

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