Lucadea.com

19 March 202513 March 2025

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.

Have you ever visited the Milan Cathedral?
Add your own 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.

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

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

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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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/

15 March 20259 March 2025

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.

Do you know this splendid church in Lavagna and its churchyard?
Add your own 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 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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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

14 March 20257 March 2025

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.

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

L'interno della chiesa di San Luca nel cuore di Genova

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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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/

4 March 202516 March 2025

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.

Do you know the beautiful Umbrian village of Bevagna?
Add your own 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.

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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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

23 February 202521 February 2025

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.

Do you know the beautiful Danish city of Copenhagen?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

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.

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

19 February 202517 February 2025

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.

Do you know this church in Parma?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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

18 February 202520 March 2025

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?
Add your own 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:

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).
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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

16 January 202513 January 2025

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.

Do you know Mattarana?
Add your own 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.

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

14 January 202512 January 2025

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.

Do you know the city of Spoleto?
Add your own 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 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.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

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.

6 January 202514 March 2025

The Castellani Chapel in Santa Croce

La Cappella Castellani nella Basilica di Santa Croce a Firenze

The Castellani Chapel in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence.
The Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, famous for being the burial place of illustrious Italian personalities, is home to several chapels of extraordinary artistic and historical value. Among these, the Castellani Chapel stands out for its rich history and cultural significance.
The Castellani Chapel takes its name from the Castellani family, one of the oldest and most influential Florentine families. Located along the right side of the main nave of the basilica, the chapel was commissioned by the family during the 14th century, a period of great prosperity for Florence. The Castellani family, known for their devotion and patronage, wanted to create a sacred space that reflected their faith and social status.
The architectural structure of the chapel follows the typical Florentine Gothic style, characterized by pointed arches and cross vaults. The walls of the chapel are enriched with frescoes and stucco decorations, which show the mastery of the artists of the time.
One of the most notable features of the Castellani Chapel is the cycle of frescoes created by Agnolo Gaddi, a famous 14th-century painter. These frescoes, which represent scenes from the life of St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary, are exemplary of Florentine Gothic for their chromatic vivacity and the delicacy of the figures.
Over the centuries, the chapel has undergone various restoration interventions to preserve its works of art. One of the most significant restorations was carried out in the 19th century, when the chapel was the subject of a large recovery campaign that allowed the original beauty of the frescoes to be returned to the public.
The Castellani Chapel is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Florence. It represents a tangible example of the patronage of Florentine families and their contribution to the development of art and architecture in the city.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit the Basilica of Santa Croce to admire its many chapels, including the Castellani Chapel, evidence of an era in which Florence was at the center of the Renaissance and European culture.

Do you know or have you visited this beautiful church in Florence?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

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

This is the official website: santacroceopera.it.

To see all the photos of the basilica click here:

The Castellani Chapel, with a double span, was frescoed by his son Agnolo Gaddi with assistants and presents Stories of the saints Anthony the Abbot, John the Baptist, John the Evangelist and Nicholas of Bari. The tabernacle of the chapel is the work of Mino da Fiesole, while the painted cross is by Niccolò Gerini. The statues of the Robbian school represent Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, while among the tombstones, the one of Luisa Stolberg, Countess of Albany, stands out, a work in neo-Renaissance style by Luigi Giovannozzi and Emilio Santarelli based on a design by Charles Percier.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia