The former Costa Firenze in port in Tenerife

La ex Costa Firenze in porto a Tenerife

The former Costa Firenze in port in Tenerife.
When I was on board the Costa Firenze a couple of years ago I took many photos of the ship while it was in port.
Here we were on the dock in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

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La ex Costa Firenze in porto a Tenerife

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

Costa Firenze is the fifth Vista-class cruise ship built at the Marghera shipyard. Originally designed for the Chinese market by Costa Asia, a subsidiary of the Italian shipping company Costa Crociere, following the COVID-19 pandemic it was subsequently deployed for the European market.
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The former Costa Firenze in port in Tenerife – L’ancien Costa Firenze au port de Tenerife – La antigua Costa Firenze en el puerto de Tenerife – O antigo Costa Firenze no porto de Tenerife – Die ehemalige Costa Firenze im Hafen auf Teneriffa – Costa Firenze trước đây ở cảng Tenerife

One of the facades of the Sagrada Familia

Una delle facciate della Sagrada Familia

One of the facades of the Sagrada Familia.
The Sagrada Familia, the iconic basilica in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudí, is famous for its three facades, each of which tells a different part of the life of Christ. Of these, the Passion Facade is perhaps the most austere and dramatic, representing the suffering and death of Jesus.
Work on the Passion Facade began in 1954, almost thirty years after Gaudí's death. Unlike the Nativity Facade, which was rich in detail and decoration, Gaudí imagined the Passion Facade as a more sober and austere work, inspired by the skeletal structure he had experimented with in the Crypt of Colonia Güell.
Oriented towards the west, the facade is supported by six large oblique pillars reminiscent of sequoia trunks. Above them, a pyramid-shaped pediment is composed of eighteen bone-shaped columns, surmounted by a large cross with a crown of thorns and three adoring angels. This austere and linear design is in stark contrast to the decorative richness of the Nativity Facade.
The Passion Facade has three portals, dedicated respectively to Faith, Hope and Charity. The doors, created by the artist Josep Maria Subirachs, are decorated with texts that recount the last days of Jesus, rather than with vegetal motifs as in the Nativity Facade.
– The Portal of Charity: The central portal is separated by a mullioned window with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, symbols of the beginning and the end. The side doors feature scenes from the Passion according to the Gospels of Matthew and John.
– The Portal of Faith: This portal is dedicated to Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, with a representation of the full moon indicating the time period of the scene.
Subirachs’ sculptures add an extra layer of drama to the façade. The tormented and disturbing figures represent Christ’s suffering during the crucifixion in an extremely realistic way. The straight lines and geometric shapes of the sculptures are unique compared to the rest of the basilica, underlining the austerity of Gaudí’s design.

The Passion Facade of the Sagrada Familia is a masterpiece of drama and symbolism. Every detail, from the bone-shaped columns to the tormented sculptures, helps tell the story of Christ’s suffering and death in a powerful and moving way. This façade not only reflects Gaudí’s artistic vision, but also his deep faith and commitment to creating a work that transcends time.

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Photo taken with Honor 20.

This is the official website of the Basilica: sagradafamilia.org.

Per vedere tutte le foto che ho scattato alla chiesa clicca here:
foto gallery

Where is the cathedral located:

The Passion façade was begun in 1954 according to the drawings and explanations that Gaudí had left. The towers were finished in 1976 and since then work has been carried out on the sculptural decoration. Gaudí designed this façade while recovering from Malta fever in Puigcerdà in 1911. Dedicated to the Passion of Jesus, it aims to reflect the suffering of Christ in his crucifixion, as a ransom for the sins of men.
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One of the facades of the Sagrada Familia – Une des façades de la Sagrada Familia – Une des façades de la Sagrada Familia – Uma das fachadas da Sagrada Família – Eine der Fassaden der Sagrada Familia – Một trong những mặt tiền của Sagrada Familia

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://sagradafamilia.org/en/
– https://notiziescientifiche.it/i-10-migliori-libri-su-gaudi/
– https://www.abitare.it/it/ https://scholar.google.com.sg/schhp?hl=it

The active volcano Cumbre Vieja in La Palma

Il vulcano attivo Cumbre Vieja a La Palma

The active volcano Cumbre Vieja in La Palma.
The Cumbre Vieja volcano, located on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, is known for its significant volcanic activity and its impact on the environment and local communities. Its latest eruption, which began on September 19, 2021 and ended on December 13, 2021, was one of the longest and most devastating in the island's history.
The 2021 eruption was the first on the island since 1971 and had a huge impact. Lava covered over 1,000 hectares, destroying more than 3,000 buildings and forcing the evacuation of around 7,000 people. The lava flow reached the sea, creating a new peninsula and an extensive system of lava tubes.
The eruption had devastating consequences for the environment and the local economy. Banana, avocado and grape crops, which are essential to the island’s economy, have been severely damaged. In addition, air quality has been compromised due to toxic gas emissions, causing respiratory problems among the local population.
Authorities have established an exclusion zone around the lava flow to protect the population from associated dangers, such as explosions and toxic gases. The island’s recovery has been a long and complex process, with extensive damage estimated at around €843 million.
The Cumbre Vieja volcano remains a powerful and unpredictable natural force. Lessons learned from the 2021 eruption are crucial to improving prevention and response measures for future volcanic eruptions, ensuring the safety of local communities and the protection of the environment.

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Il vulcano attivo Cumbre Vieja a La Palma

Il vulcano attivo Cumbre Vieja a La Palma

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

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

Where is the volcano located:

The active volcano Cumbre Vieja in La Palma – Le volcan actif Cumbre Vieja à La Palma – El volcán activo Cumbre Vieja en La Palma – O vulcão ativo Cumbre Vieja em La Palma – Der aktive Vulkan Cumbre Vieja auf La Palma – Núi lửa đang hoạt động Cumbre Vieja ở La Palma

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

The eccentric chimneys of Casa Milà in Barcelona

Gli eccentrici fumaioli di Casa Milà a Barcellona

The eccentric chimneys of Casa Milà in Barcelona.
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona, ​​designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Among its most distinctive features are the eccentric chimneys located on the roof of the building.
The roof of Casa Milà is a true masterpiece of design, with a series of chimneys that look like modern sculptures. These elements are not only decorative, but also functional, as they serve to ventilate the building. Gaudí transformed these technical elements into works of art, using organic shapes and curves that recall nature.
Gaudí was known for his ability to draw inspiration from nature and incorporate natural elements into his works. The chimneys of Casa Milà are no exception: their sinuous shapes and intricate details are reminiscent of rocks sculpted by wind and water. This innovative approach has made Casa Milà a perfect example of modernist architecture.
Visiting the roof of Casa Milà is a unique experience that allows you to admire not only the chimneys, but also a panoramic view of Barcelona. The terrace is open to the public and offers a path that guides visitors through the various sculptures, creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
The eccentric chimneys of Casa Milà are an extraordinary example of Gaudí's ingenuity and his ability to transform functional elements into works of art. A visit to La Pedrera is not complete without a walk on its roof, where architecture and nature merge in an unforgettable experience.

Have you ever visited Casa Milà or Barcelona?
Se sì, cosa ti ha colpito di più? Se no, ti piacerebbe visitarla un giorno? Aggiungi un comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Gli eccentrici fumaioli di Casa Milà a Barcellona

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

This is the official website of the house: lapedrera.com.

Here is where the palace is located:

Casa Milà was built between 1906 and 1913 by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, ​​Spain, at number 92 Passeig de Gràcia, in the expansion area of ​​Eixample, commissioned by Roser Segimon and Pere Milà.
Casa Milà is located in the heart of the Eixample, a neighborhood that arose in the second half of the 19th century based on a design by Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer, who resolved the dramatic housing emergencies of the historic neighborhood by building a dense network of wide, perpendicular, uniform streets and large, airy, bright building complexes.
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The eccentric chimneys of Casa Milà in Barcelona – Les cheminées excentriques de la Casa Milà à Barcelone – Las excéntricas chimeneas de la Casa Milà de Barcelona – As excêntricas chaminés da Casa Milà em Barcelona – Die exzentrischen Schornsteine ​​der Casa Milà in Barcelona – Những ống khói lập dị của Casa Milà ở Barcelona

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.barcelonacheckin.com/it/r/guida_barcellona/articoli/casa-mila-interno-facciata-tetto
– https://visitarebarcellona.com/pedrera-casa-mila/
– https://www.barcellonafacile.it/cosa-vedere/casa-mila-pedrera/

An alley in the historic center of Cadiz in Spain

Un vicolo del centro storico di Cadice in Spagna

An alley in the historic center of Cadiz in Spain.
The alleys in the historic center of this Spanish town have all the typical charm of cities built around a port.
Even though the style of the houses is very different, the views remind me a lot of the alleys in the center of Genoa.

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Photo taken with Canon EOS M100 and lens Tamron 16-300.

To see all the photos of the Spanish city, click here:
foto gallery

Here's where the town is located:

It is probably the oldest city founded in the western Mediterranean area by the Phoenicians in the 11th century BC, although its birth is now officially dated back to the end of the 8th century BC.
Founded with the original name of Gadir (in Phoenician: Gdr, fortress, with the same etymology as Agadir in Morocco) on what was once a small archipelago and now a single island, to exploit the rich trade routes with the Atlantic Ocean in the copper and tin trade. In ancient Greece it was known as Gadeira and in the times of the Roman Empire as Gades from which the current gentilic name of gaditano derives.
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An alley in the historic center of Cadiz in Spain – Une ruelle dans le centre historique de Cadix en Espagne – Un callejón en el centro histórico de Cádiz en España – Um beco no centro histórico de Cádis, Espanha – Eine Gasse im historischen Zentrum von Cadiz in Spanien – Một con hẻm ở trung tâm lịch sử của Cadiz ở Tây Ban Nha

The roof of the gatehouse of Park Guell in Barcelona

Le forme del tetto della portineria del Parco Guell a Barcellona

The shapes of the roof of the gatehouse of Park Güell in Barcelona.
The roof of the gatehouse of Park Güell in Barcelona is one of the most iconic works of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. This roof, which covers the caretaker's house (Casa del Guarda), is characterized by a wave-shaped covering and covered with colored mosaics, a technique called "trencadís" that Gaudí often used in his works.
Park Güell is one of the masterpieces of the architect Antoni Gaudí, located in Barcelona. Initially conceived as a residential complex, the project was transformed into a public park. Construction began in 1900 and was completed in 1914, and the park was officially opened to the public in 1926.
The staircase and the Salamander (Dragon). At the main entrance to the park, a large staircase leads to the Sala Hipóstila. The staircase is adorned with a colorful mosaic salamander, one of the most recognizable symbols of the park.
Sala Hipóstila. This space was originally designed as a covered market for the residential complex. It is composed of 86 Doric columns that support a roof decorated with mosaics. The structure is an example of Gaudí's ability to combine functionality and aesthetic beauty.
The Serpentine Bench. The central square of the park is surrounded by a long serpentine bench, covered with colorful mosaics. The bench offers panoramic views of Barcelona and is a perfect example of Gaudí's use of trencadís.
The Viaducts. The park is crossed by a series of viaducts designed to allow the passage of pedestrians and carriages without disturbing the natural environment. These viaducts are made of local stone and integrate perfectly into the landscape.
The Casa del Guarda. Located near the main entrance, the Casa del Guarda was intended to house the park's caretaker. The roof of the house is decorated with colorful mosaics and has a wavy shape characteristic of Gaudí's style.
Park Güell is an extraordinary example of Catalan modernism, an artistic and architectural movement that developed at the end of the 19th century. Gaudí, with his unique vision, managed to create a place that harmoniously combines nature, art and architecture. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
Park Güell is a very popular tourist attraction and offers visitors the chance to explore one of Gaudí's most creative works. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during high season, to avoid long queues. The park is also a perfect place for quiet walks, artistic photography and to enjoy spectacular views of Barcelona.

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Le forme del tetto della portineria del Parco Guell a Barcellona

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

This is the official website of the park: parkguell.barcelona.

To see all the photos of the park click here:
foto gallery

Here's where the park is located:

Park Güell (Parc Güell in Catalan and Park Güell in its original name) is a 17.18-hectare public park with gardens and architectural elements located in the upper part of the city of Barcelona, ​​on the southern slope of Mount Carmel. Conceived as an urban complex, it was designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernism, under the direction of the entrepreneur Eusebi Güell and inaugurated as a public park in 1926.
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The shapes of the roof of the gatehouse of Park Guell in Barcelona – Les formes du toit de la guérite du Parc Guell à Barcelone – Las formas del tejado de la garita del Parque Güell de Barcelona – As formas do telhado da portaria do Parque Guell em Barcelona – Die Formen des Daches des Torhauses des Park Güell in Barcelona – Hình dáng mái cổng của công viên Guell ở Barcelona

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

An elegant palace on the Rambla of Tenerife

Un palazzo elegante sulla rambla di Santa Cruz di Tenerife

An elegant building on the Rambla of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
When you arrive by ship in Santa Cruz de Tenerife you cannot miss a stroll along the pedestrian shopping street that is right in front of the port.
This is one of the beautiful buildings that is at one of the many crossroads of this street.

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Un palazzo elegante sulla rambla di Santa Cruz di Tenerife

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

To see all the photos I took over time in Tenerife click here:

Here's exactly where this palace is located:

An elegant palace on the rambla of Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Un élégant bâtiment sur la Rambla de Santa Cruz à Tenerife – Un elegante edificio en la Rambla de Santa Cruz en Tenerife – Um elegante edifício na Rambla de Santa Cruz em Tenerife – Ein elegantes Gebäude an der Rambla von Santa Cruz auf Teneriffa – Một tòa nhà trang nhã trên Rambla của Santa Cruz ở Tenerife

A spectacular sky starting from Cadiz

Un cielo spettacolare in partenza da Cadice

A spectacular sky at sunset departing from Cadiz.
Last year when I was on board the ex Costa Firenze departing from the port of Cadiz we were able to admire this truly incredible sky!
Another Costa ship also made an appearance, if I remember correctly the Costa Pacifica.

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Photo taken with Honor 20.

To see all the photos of the Spanish city, click here:
foto gallery

A spectacular sky at sunset leaving from Cadiz – Un ciel spectaculaire au coucher du soleil au départ de Cadix – Un cielo espectacular al atardecer partiendo desde Cádiz – Um céu espetacular ao pôr-do-sol a partir de Cádis – Ein spektakulärer Himmel bei Sonnenuntergang ab Cadiz – Bầu trời ngoạn mục lúc hoàng hôn khởi hành từ Cadiz

The fountain in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios in Cadiz

La fontana di Plaza de San Juan de Dios a Cadice

The fountain in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios in Cadiz.
Located in the heart of Cadiz, the Plaza de San Juan de Dios is one of the most iconic squares in the city. This square, also known as the Plaza del Ayuntamiento due to the presence of the town hall, is a place of great historical and cultural importance.
One of the most charming elements of the square is undoubtedly its beautiful fountain. This decorative fountain, surrounded by exotic palm trees, adds a touch of elegance and serenity to the environment. The fountain is a popular meeting point for both residents and tourists, offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city.
The Plaza de San Juan de Dios was built in the 16th century and has undergone several transformations over the years. Its current configuration is the result of two distinct phases of construction, the first neoclassical and the second with a more modern style. This mix of architectural styles gives the square a unique and charming character.
In addition to the fountain, the square is surrounded by historic buildings and offers a variety of restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine. It is the ideal place for a relaxing stroll or a break during a day of exploring the city.
If you are in Cadiz, you cannot miss a visit to the Plaza de San Juan de Dios and its charming fountain. This corner of paradise in the heart of the city is sure to leave you with an unforgettable memory.

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La fontana di Plaza de San Juan de Dios a Cadice

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

To see all the photos of the Spanish city, click here:
foto gallery

Here's where the fountain is located:

The fountain in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios in Cadiz – La fontaine de la Plaza de San Juan de Dios à Cadix – La fuente de la Plaza de San Juan de Dios de Cádiz – A fonte da Plaza de San Juan de Dios em Cádis – Der Brunnen auf der Plaza de San Juan de Dios in Cadiz – Đài phun nước ở Plaza de San Juan de Dios ở Cadiz

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.viviandalucia.com/cadiz/cosa-vedere-cadice/
– https://www.wanderlustitalia.it/cosa-vedere-cadice-plaza-san-juan-de-dios/
– https://viaggieparaggi.com/escursioni-da-siviglia-cadice-in-giornata/

The persuasive shapes of Casa Milà in Barcelona

Le forme suadenti di Casa Milà a Barcellona

The seductive forms of Casa Milà, known as La Pedrera, Barcelona.
Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, is one of the most iconic buildings in Barcelona and one of the most famous works of the architect Antoni Gaudí. Located in the heart of the Eixample district, this masterpiece of modernist architecture attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year, fascinated by its innovative structure and bold design.
Casa Milà was commissioned by Pere Milà i Camps and his wife, Roser Segimon, who wanted a luxurious and distinctive residence. Gaudí accepted the commission and worked on the project from 1906 to 1912. The result was a building that challenged the architectural conventions of the time, introducing organic forms and innovative structural solutions.
The construction of Casa Milà was not without controversy. Gaudí’s bold forms and unconventional techniques attracted much criticism and opposition, so much so that the nickname “La Pedrera” (the stone quarry) was originally coined in a derogatory sense. However, over time, the building has been recognized as a masterpiece of modernist architecture.
Casa Milà is famous for its sinuous forms and organic appearance, reminiscent of the waves of the sea. The stone facade is characterized by curved lines and irregular surfaces, without right angles, which give the building a dynamic and constantly moving appearance. The wrought iron balconies, designed by the artist Josep Maria Jujol, add an additional artistic touch with their intricate and almost vegetal designs.
One of the most distinctive elements of Casa Milà is the roof, which houses a series of sculptural chimneys, air vents and ventilation towers. These elements are not only functional, but also form a true artistic landscape, transforming the roof into a unique panoramic terrace. The chimneys, in particular, are famous for their shapes that recall warriors or fantastic creatures.
Gaudí implemented numerous structural innovations in Casa Milà. The building has no internal load-bearing walls, thanks to a steel and reinforced concrete structure that allows for great flexibility of the interior spaces. This approach made it possible to create apartments with free plans, adaptable to the needs of the residents.
Another innovation was the use of a natural ventilation system, which used air currents to keep the interior of the building cool, reducing the need for artificial ventilation. In addition, Gaudí designed an underground garage, a very modern feature for the time.
Casa Milà represents the pinnacle of Gaudí's modernist architecture and embodies his vision of an architecture integrated with nature. The organic forms, decorative details and innovative use of materials reflect Gaudí’s desire to create buildings that were in harmony with the natural environment and that responded to the functional needs of their inhabitants.
In 1984, Casa Milà was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing its universal value and its historical and artistic importance. Today, the building houses a cultural center and a museum dedicated to Gaudí’s life and work, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the original interiors and see his extraordinary creations up close.
Visiting Casa Milà is an immersive experience that allows you to fully appreciate Gaudí’s brilliance. The interior spaces, with their flowing lines and decorative details, offer a fascinating glimpse into life in the Modernista era. The roof terrace, with its stone sculptures, offers panoramic views of the city of Barcelona and is one of the highlights of the visit.
The museum inside Casa Milà presents a wide range of informative materials, models and objects that illustrate Gaudí's creative process and the history of the building's construction. Interactive displays and thematic routes make the visit educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Have you ever visited this monument in Barcelona?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Le forme suadenti di Casa Milà a Barcellona

Le forme suadenti di Casa Milà a Barcellona

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

This is the official website of the house: lapedrera.com.

Here is where the palace is located:

Casa Milà was built between 1906 and 1913 by Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona, ​​Spain, at number 92 Passeig de Gràcia, in the expansion area of ​​Eixample, commissioned by Roser Segimon and Pere Milà.
Casa Milà is located in the heart of the Eixample, a neighborhood that arose in the second half of the 19th century based on a design by Ildefons Cerdà i Sunyer, who resolved the dramatic housing emergencies of the historic neighborhood by building a dense network of wide, perpendicular, uniform streets and large, airy, bright building complexes.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

The seductive shapes of Casa Milà, known as La Pedrera, Barcelona – Les formes convaincantes de la Casa Milà, connue sous le nom de la Pedrera, Barcelone – Las formas persuasivas de la Casa Milà, conocida como la Pedrera, Barcelona – As formas persuasivas da Casa Milà, conhecida como la Pedrera, Barcelona – Die überzeugenden Formen der Casa Milà, bekannt als la Pedrera, Barcelona – Những hình dáng đầy sức thuyết phục của Casa Milà, được mệnh danh là la Pedrera, Barcelona

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