The Red Lions Gate of Bergamo Alta

La Porta dei Leoni Rossi di Bergamo Alta

The Gate of the Red Lions in Bergamo Alta.
The Gate of the Red Lions is one of the most fascinating entrances to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located in the Città Alta of Bergamo. This portal, also known as the Northern Gate, opens into the left transept of the basilica and gives access to the splendid Piazza del Duomo.
The door is surmounted by a porch built by Giovanni da Campione in 1353, with important renovations at the end of the fourteenth century. The porch is supported by columns held up by two lions in Veronese marble, depicted standing. These lions are surrounded by figures of human beings and animals, creating a sculptural ensemble of great visual impact.
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a church of great historical and artistic importance. Built in the second half of the twelfth century, the exterior retains the original Romanesque-Lombard architectural lines, while the interior is decorated in Baroque style. The church was built to fulfill a vow made to the Madonna in 1133 by the people of Bergamo, so that she would protect the city from the plague.
The Porta dei Leoni Rossi is just one of the many elements that make the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore a place of great interest for visitors and lovers of history and art. If you have the opportunity to visit Bergamo, do not miss the opportunity to admire this architectural marvel.

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La Porta dei Leoni Rossi di Bergamo Alta

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

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

Where is the gate located:

The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is a church located in Bergamo Città Alta, in Piazza del Duomo. Built in the second half of the 12th century, the exterior retains the original Romanesque-Lombard architectural lines, while the interior is decorated in Baroque style (between 1600 and 1700). It was originally the baptismal church of the cathedral of San Vincenzo, built next to the complex of the episcopal curia of Bergamo.
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The Red Lions Gate of Bergamo Alta – La Porte des Lions Rouges à Bergame Alta – La Puerta de los Leones Rojos en Bérgamo Alta – O Portão dos Leões Vermelhos em Bérgamo Alta – Das Tor der Roten Löwen in Bergamo Alta – Cổng Sư tử đỏ ở Bergamo Alta

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

Santa Maria di Nazareth in Sestri Levante

Santa Maria di Nazareth a Sestri Levante

Santa Maria di Nazareth in Sestri Levante.
The white church, as I remember I always called it as a boy, stands right in the narrowest part of land between the two famous bays of Sestri Levante.
Its unmistakable gabled façade with four imposing columns, the clock in the tympanum and its twin bell towers.

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Santa Maria di Nazareth a Sestri Levante

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

Where is the Basilica located:

The presence of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of Nazareth was attested as early as 1368, but it was during 1604 that, following the transfer of a plot of land by the local nobleman Bernardo Bolasco, work was undertaken to build a new place of worship.
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The church of Santa Maria di Nazareth in the heart of Sestri Levante – L’église de Santa Maria di Nazareth au coeur de Sestri Levante – La iglesia de Santa María de Nazaret en el corazón de Sestri Levante – A igreja de Santa Maria di Nazareth no coração de Sestri Levante – Die Kirche Santa Maria di Nazareth im Herzen von Sestri Levante – Nhà thờ Santa Maria di Nazareth ở trung tâm Sestri Levante – 位于塞斯特里莱万特市中心的拿撒勒圣玛丽亚教堂 – セストリ レバンテの中心部にあるサンタ マリア ディ ナザレ教会

The Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi

La Basilica di Santa Chiara ad Assisi

The Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi.
The Basilica of Santa Chiara is one of the architectural jewels of Assisi, located in the square of the same name, in the southern part of the historic center. This Gothic church is dedicated to Saint Clare of Assisi, founder of the Order of the Poor Clares.
Construction of the basilica began in 1257, shortly after the death of Saint Clare, and was completed in 1265. The architect Filippo da Campello led the work, which incorporated the ancient Church of San Giorgio, where the remains of Saint Francis had been kept until 1230. In 1260, the remains of Saint Clare were transferred to the new basilica, and the solemn consecration took place in 1265 in the presence of Pope Clement IV.
The basilica has a Gothic style, with a simple but imposing façade, characterized by horizontal bands of pink and white stone. Inside, the church houses the famous Crucifix of San Damiano, which according to tradition spoke to Saint Francis. The crypt, built in 1850, houses the tomb of Saint Clare, discovered after centuries of research.
In addition to its historical and artistic importance, the Basilica of Saint Clare is a place of profound spirituality. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the basilica to pay homage to the saint and to participate in liturgical celebrations. The feast of Saint Clare is celebrated on August 11, while the discovery of her body is commemorated on September 23.

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La Basilica di Santa Chiara ad Assisi

La Basilica di Santa Chiara ad Assisi

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

This is the official website of the basilica: assisisantachiara.it.

To see all the photos of Assisi click here:

Where is the basilica located:

The church was built, after the death of Saint Clare, between 1257 and 1265, around the ancient church of San Giorgio, which until 1230 had housed the mortal remains of Saint Francis. The remains of the saint were transferred already in 1260, while the solemn consecration took place in 1265, in the presence of Clement IV. The construction works were carried out by the architect Filippo da Campello.
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The Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi – La basilique Santa Chiara d’Assise – La Basílica de Santa Clara en Asís – A Basílica de Santa Chiara em Assis – Die Basilika Santa Chiara in Assisi – Vương cung thánh đường Santa Chiara ở Assisi

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

The wonderful Basilica dei Fieschi in San Salvatore

La meravigliosa Basilica dei Fieschi a San Salvatore di Cogorno

The wonderful Basilica dei Fieschi in San Salvatore di Cogorno.
The Basilica dei Fieschi of San Salvatore, also known as the Basilica dei Fieschi, is an extraordinary example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture located in the hamlet of San Salvatore, in the municipality of Cogorno, near Genoa, in Liguria.
The basilica was built starting in 1244, on the initiative of Innocent IV, born Sinibaldo Fieschi, belonging to the noble Fieschi family. The decision to build this place of worship was taken during the Pope's stay in Genoa, while he was on his way to the Council of Lyon. During the council, the Fieschi village and county suffered an attack by the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, causing significant damage. Work resumed in 1252 and the basilica was consecrated by Adrian V, Ottobuono Fieschi, nephew of Innocent IV.
The Basilica dei Fieschi represents a fusion between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The structure includes Romanesque elements such as the sturdy columns of the central nave and the portal decorated with pilasters. At the same time, the height of the nave, the pointed arches and the rose window are typical of the Gothic style. The square bell tower, with mullioned windows, adds a distinctive touch to the architecture of the basilica.
The basilica has played a fundamental role in the development of the territory, serving as a destination for pilgrims heading to Rome along the Via Francigena. In 1860, the basilica was recognized as a national monument for its beauty and historical importance. Today, the Basilica dei Fieschi is considered one of the best preserved Romanesque buildings in Liguria.
The Basilica dei Fieschi di San Salvatore is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the rich history and culture of Liguria. Its unique architecture and fascinating history continue to attract visitors and scholars from all over the world.

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La meravigliosa Basilica dei Fieschi a San Salvatore di Cogorno

Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 28.

Click here to see all the photos taken outside and inside the Basilica over time:
foto gallery

Here is also a nice video that I recorded inside the Basilica:

Where is the basilica located:

The Basilica of San Salvatore dei Fieschi – also known simply as the Basilica of the Fieschi – is a Catholic place of worship located in the hamlet of San Salvatore dei Fieschi, in Piazza Innocenzo IV, in the municipality of Cogorno 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. It has the dignity of a minor basilica.
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The Basilica of the Fieschi of San Salvatore – La Basilique des Fieschi de San Salvatore – La Basílica de los Fieschi de San Salvatore – A Basílica do Fieschi de San Salvatore – Die Basilika der Fieschi von San Salvatore – Vương cung thánh đường Fieschi của San Salvatore

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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:

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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