The house with the sundial in the Bay of Silence

La casa con la meridiana in Baia del Silenzio

The House with the Sundial in the Bay of Silence.
In the heart of Sestri Levante, overlooking the enchanting Bay of Silence, stands a house that draws attention for an unusual detail: a sundial painted on its facade. This building, known as "the house with the sundial," is a small architectural gem that combines beauty, history, and mystery. The sundial, which once served to measure the passage of time using sunlight, is now more decorative than functional. Curiously, it is located in an area that is often shaded, likely due to the construction of the nearby Palazzo Rizzi, which may have compromised its exposure to the sun. This detail fuels the theory that the sundial was created before the palace was built, or that it was conceived as a simple ornament.
The house overlooks the Bay of Silence, one of the most famous and beloved inlets in Liguria. Its calm, transparent waters, framed by buildings in soft colors, create a suspended, almost unreal atmosphere. Those who stay in this house describe a unique experience, where time seems to slow down and every detail invites contemplation. The 19th-century structure retains the charm of period Ligurian homes, with welcoming interiors and authentic architectural details. The Bay of Silence has inspired artists, writers, and scientists: from Hans Christian Andersen to Guglielmo Marconi, Richard Wagner, and Arthur Van Schendel. The house with the sundial fits perfectly into this context, like a canvas reflecting the light and emotions of those who observe it. Visiting this place means not just admiring a picturesque building, but immersing yourself in a tale of light, sea, and history. It is an invitation to rediscover the value of time, marked not by digital clocks, but by the sun caressing the stones and waves.

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La casa con la meridiana in Baia del Silenzio

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

Here is where the palace is located:

The house with the sundial in the Bay of Silence – La maison avec le cadran solaire dans la baie du Silence – La casa con el reloj de sol en la Bahía del Silencio – A casa com o relógio de sol na Baía do Silêncio. – Das Haus mit der Sonnenuhr in der Bucht der Stille – Ngôi nhà có đồng hồ mặt trời ở Vịnh Im Lặng

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

The monumental Venus Gate in Spello, Umbria

La monumentale Porta Venere a Spello in Umbria

The monumental Porta Venere in Spello, Umbria.
In the heart of Umbria, nestled within the Roman walls of Spello, Porta Venere stands as a majestic gateway to the past. Built in the Augustan era, this monumental gate is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture still visible in central Italy. Its name evokes the goddess of beauty, but its structure speaks of ingenuity, power, and continuity.
Made of travertine, Porta Venere features three arches: a larger central arch, flanked by two smaller lateral ones. Framing the whole are the famous Towers of Propertius, two dodecagonal towers that dominate the scene with their grandeur and symmetry. The towers' name is a tribute to the Latin poet Sextus Propertius, who according to tradition was born in Spello, although there is no certain proof.
The gate was not just an access point: it was a symbol. It marked the boundary between the city and the outside world, between Roman civilization and the Umbrian countryside. Even today, crossing it is like taking a small journey back in time. The stones worn by the passage of time, the harmonious proportions, the light filtering between the towers: everything contributes to creating a suspended, almost sacred atmosphere. Porta Venere is also a landmark for those visiting Spello during the Infiorata, the famous floral festival that transforms the village into a carpet of colors and scents every year. During those days, the gate becomes both a frame and a threshold, welcoming thousands of visitors and offering one of the most photographed views of Umbria. Today, as then, Porta Venere continues to tell stories. Of emperors and poets, of stones and flowers, of borders and hospitality. It is a monument that is not simply observed: it demands to be passed through, experienced, and listened to.

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La monumentale Porta Venere a Spello in Umbria

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 village is located:

Spello (Hispellum in Latin) is an Italian municipality in the province of Perugia in Umbria. It is part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy and boasts the Orange Flag tourist-environmental quality brand, awarded by the Italian Touring Club. Spello was founded by the Umbrians and then named Hispellum in Roman times; it was then registered with the Lemonia tribe. Later declared "Colonia Giulia" by Caesar and "Splendidissima Colonia Julia" by Augustus, because it supported him in the war of Perugia; after the victory of Augustus, he himself ceded to Hispellum a good part of the territories governed by Perusia and the dominion of the city of Spello extended to the sources of the Clitunno, which were previously under the possession of Mevania. Later it was called "Flavia Costante" by Constantine. Ancient Spello was considered one of the most important cities in Roman Umbria.
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The monumental Venus Gate in Spello, Umbria – La monumentale porte de Vénus à Spello, Ombrie – La monumental Puerta de Venus en Spello, Umbría – O monumental Portão de Vénus em Spello, Úmbria – Das monumentale Venustor in Spello, Umbrien – Cổng Venus hoành tráng ở Spello, Umbria

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porta_Venere_(Spello)
– https://www.e-borghi.com/it/umbria/perugia-spello/2-cose-da-vedere/1337-porta-venere.html
– https://www.umbriatourism.it/it/-/spello

The painted window in the alleyway in Sestri Levante

La finestra che inganna il tempo in caruggio a Sestri

The painted window in the alleyway of Sestri Levante.
In the alleyway of Sestri Levante, where every wall tells a story and every corner holds an unexpected detail, there is a window that challenges the gaze. Painted with precision on a light-colored wall, without shutters or frames, it appears like a real opening, but it is only an illusion. The plaster becomes a canvas, and the painting imitates shadows and depth with such mastery that it confuses even the most attentive eye.
At the center of this fiction, however, lies a real, rounded window, almost a skylight set in the wall. Small, discreet, authentic. It is as if reality wanted to enter the game, breaking through the painted surface to assert its presence. The light filtering through that real opening creates a subtle contrast with the false shadow surrounding it, giving rise to a composition that blends art and architecture, deception and truth.
Those passing through the alleyway, perhaps distracted by the slow pace of the morning or the colors of the shops, often stop in front of this window. Some photograph it, others observe it in silence. It's a detail that doesn't demand attention, but rather captures it. A small urban masterpiece that invites us to look more closely, to distinguish the real from the painted, to be surprised by the beauty hidden in the folds of everyday life.

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

Where is the window located?

The painted window in the alleyway in Sestri Levante – La fenêtre peinte dans la ruelle de Sestri Levante – La ventana pintada en el callejón de Sestri Levante – A janela pintada no beco em Sestri Levante – Das bemalte Fenster in der Gasse in Sestri Levante – Cửa sổ sơn trong con hẻm ở Sestri Levante

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

Water reflections on a green leaf

Riflessi d'acqua su una foglia verde

Reflections of water on a green leaf.
A leaf, intensely green, presents itself to the lens like a small work of natural art. Its smooth and vibrant surface is dotted with perfectly defined water droplets, like carefully arranged transparent pearls. Each drop refracts the light, capturing fragments of the sky and surrounding shadows, transforming into tiny mirrors that tell the world on a smaller scale.
The leaf's texture, visible in its finest details, guides the gaze along veins that resemble paths. The green is deep, saturated, almost velvety, and contrasts with the liquid brilliance of the drops, creating a visual balance that relaxes and enchants. There is no wind, there is no rush: the scene is suspended, as if time had decided to stop for contemplation.
This image is not just a photograph: it is an invitation to slow down, to the wonder hidden in simple things. It is proof that even a leaf can become a protagonist, if observed carefully. And that water, in its purest form, can tell stories of light, silence, and beauty.

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Riflessi d'acqua su una foglia verde

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

Water reflections on a green leaf – Reflets de l’eau sur une feuille verte – Reflejos del agua sobre una hoja verde – Reflexos da água numa folha verde – Wasserspiegelungen auf einem grünen Blatt – Hình ảnh phản chiếu của nước trên một chiếc lá xanh

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

The alleyway of Sestri on a February morning

Il caruggio di Sestri in una mattinata di febbraio

The alleyway of Sestri Levante on a February morning.
On a February morning, the alleyway of Sestri Levante comes alive under a clear sky that peeks out between the rooftops, limpid like a promise of spring. The air is fresh but gentle, and the light refracts off the colorful facades, caressing the open shutters and flower-filled balconies discreetly.
The shops are already open, their illuminated windows telling stories of everyday life: freshly baked bread, light fabrics, carefully stacked books. The shopkeepers greet you with familiarity, the shutters are raised, and the hushed chatter accompanies the steps of those passing through the alleyway. Some stop for a coffee, others for a quick chat, while the scent of focaccia mingles with the salty breeze wafting from the Bay of Silence.
The alleyway, usually crowded in the summer months, retains a more intimate beauty in February. The trattoria signs hang motionless, the still-empty tables await their first customer. The traveler's footsteps echo on the ancient stones, and every corner seems to hold a secret, a memory, a fragment of life.
Walking here, in this clear light and this industrious quiet, is like entering a page not yet written. The village offers itself unhurriedly, with its gentle voice and its sincere rhythm. And the alleyway, on this February morning, becomes an invitation to slow down, to look, to feel.

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Il caruggio di Sestri in una mattinata di febbraio

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

The alleyway of Sestri Levante on a February morning – La ruelle de Sestri Levante un matin de février – El callejón de Sestri Levante una mañana de febrero – O beco de Sestri Levante numa manhã de Fevereiro. – Die Gasse von Sestri Levante an einem Februarmorgen – Con hẻm Sestri Levante vào một buổi sáng tháng Hai

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://beach-weather.com/Southern-Europe/Italy/Liguria/Italian-Riviera/Sestri-Levante/averages/February/
– https://en.climate-data.org/europe/italy/liguria/sestri-levante-13790/t/february-2/
– https://it.weatherspark.com/m/62159/2/Condizioni-meteorologiche-medie-nel-mese-di-febbraio-a-Sestri-Levante-Italia
– https://weather-and-climate.com/sestri-levante-liguria-it-February-averages

Chicken cooked on the volcano in Timanfaya

Pollo cotto sul vulcano a Timanfaya

Chicken cooked on the volcano in Timanfaya.
In Timanfaya National Park on the island of Lanzarote, you can enjoy chicken cooked using the volcano's natural heat. El Diablo restaurant, located within the park, uses a grill placed over a geothermal cavity to cook meat and other dishes. The heat from underground reaches temperatures of around 400°C, enough to cook food without the use of fire or electricity.
The chicken served is simple, well-cooked, and tasty. It cooks evenly, with a golden crust and a juicy texture. There are no visible flames, but the heat rising from the ground is constant and powerful. It's a cuisine that harnesses natural energy in spectacular ways.
The restaurant was designed in 1970 by César Manrique, an artist and architect who helped enhance the landscape of Lanzarote. The structure blends in with the volcanic environment, offering a suggestive view of the surrounding lava flows and craters.
Eating chicken cooked by the volcano is a unique experience, combining gastronomy and geology. Timanfaya National Park is one of the most visited destinations on the island, and El Diablo restaurant is a must-see for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary.

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

To see all the photos I took in the park, click here:
foto gallery

Timanfaya National Park is a national park that extends over the southern portion of Tinajo and the northern portion of Yaiza, in Lanzarote, Spain. The park occupies a significant part of the southwestern quadrant of the island of Lanzarote.
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Chicken cooked on the volcano in Timanfaya – Poulet cuit sur le volcan de Timanfaya – Pollo cocinado en el volcán de Timanfaya – Frango cozido no vulcão em Timanfaya – Auf dem Vulkan in Timanfaya gekochtes Hühnchen – Gà nấu trên núi lửa ở Timanfaya

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.wanderlustchloe.com/el-diablo-lanzarote-volcano-restaurant/
– https://www.elconfidencial.com/viajes/2024-10-28/restaurante-canarias-cocina-con-calor-volcan-timanfaya_3992325/
– https://www.tripadvisor.it/ShowUserReviews-g1800432-d1498570-r614870538-Restaurante_El_Diablo-Tinajo_Lanzarote_Canary_Islands.html

Spaghetti alla marinara at Sergio's in Sestri

Spaghetti alla marinara da Sergio

Spaghetti alla marinara at Sergio's in Sestri.
At Osteria Da Sergio, in Sestri Levante but outside the center, I ate a simple and well-made plate of spaghetti alla marinara. The place isn't a typical rustic osteria, but a casual restaurant with generous portions and honest cuisine.
The spaghetti was al dente, topped with a flavorful and well-balanced sauce. Mussels, clams, and calamari were present in good quantities, cooked to perfection and generously distributed. The dish was plentiful, no-frills, but tasty.
The service was quick and courteous. The atmosphere is quiet, suitable for those seeking a hearty meal without too many pretensions. Despite its somewhat secluded location, the place is well-known among locals who appreciate seafood cuisine made with fresh ingredients.
In short: a good plate of spaghetti alla marinara, served without exaggeration but with substance. Worth a visit if you're in the area and want a hearty, flavorful meal.

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Spaghetti alla marinara da Sergio

Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.

It doesn't have a website, I'll leave you with the reviews of TripAdvisor.

Spaghetti alla marinara at Sergio’s in Sestri – Spaghetti alla marinara chez Sergio à Sestri – Espaguetis a la marinara en casa de Sergio en Sestri – Esparguete alla marinara no Sergio’s em Sestri – Spaghetti alla Marinara bei Sergio in Sestri – Spaghetti alla marinara tại Sergio’s ở Sestri

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

Bones and Mystery in the Heart of Milan

Milano - Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

Bones and mystery in the heart of Milan.
In the historic center of Milan, just steps from the Duomo, lies a surprising and disturbing place: the Sanctuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa. This 13th-century church houses an ossuary chapel where thousands of human bones decorate the walls in a dramatic and symbolic way.
The history of the sanctuary has medieval origins. Next to the ancient hospital of Santo Stefano, a cemetery for the deceased was built. When space began to run out, the bones were collected in a chapel, creating an ossuary that over time transformed into a true monument to memory.
The bones, collected from hospitals, prisons, and cemeteries, are carefully arranged in ornamental motifs along the walls. Skulls, femurs, and tibias form frames, columns, and decorations that frame the space with an effect as macabre as it is fascinating. At the center of the vault, an eighteenth-century fresco depicts the Triumph of Souls, adding an artistic touch to the space.
This space is not only an architectural curiosity, but also an invitation to reflect on the transience of life and spirituality. The exposed bones are not intended to frighten, but rather to remind us of the fragility of existence and the Christian hope of resurrection.
San Bernardino alle Ossa is now open to visitors and represents an unmissable stop for those who wish to discover an unusual and profound side of Milan. A place where art, faith, and history intertwine in a unique way, leaving an indelible impression on those who visit.

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Milano - Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

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

This is the official website of the sanctuary: sanbernardinoalleossa.it.

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

Here is where the palace is located:

The church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is a church in Milan, located in Piazza Santo Stefano. Also referred to in the past as San Bernardino ai Morti, it is particularly known for its seventeenth-century ossuary chapel, whose walls are mostly covered with bones to form true baroque decorations.
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The Sanctuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan – Le sanctuaire de San Bernardino alle Ossa à Milan – El Santuario de San Bernardino alle Ossa en Milán – O Santuário de San Bernardino alle Ossa em Milão – Das Heiligtum San Bernardino alle Ossa in Mailand – Thánh địa San Bernardino alle Ossa ở Milan

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Bernardino_alle_Ossa
– https://www.milanodavedere.it/chiese-basiliche/san-bernardino-alle-ossa/
– https://www.storieurbane.it/santuario-di-san-bernardino-alle-ossa-mistero-storia-e-devozione-a-milano/

Colorful hibiscus flowers

Dei coloratissimi fiori di ibisco

Colorful hibiscus flowers.
During a visit to the Gaggero nursery, I came across a true botanical marvel: a collection of brightly colored hibiscuses that seemed painted by nature itself. The bright shades of red, orange, and yellow blended in a visual riot that inspired this article.
Passionate red: the hibiscus that ignites the gaze. In the nursery, the red hibiscuses stood out like flames among the green leaves. Their large, velvety corollas conveyed energy and intensity, perfect for those seeking a flower that won't go unnoticed.
Sunny orange: a touch of tropical cheer. The orange hibiscus, photographed among the Gaggero greenhouses, seemed to capture every ray of sunshine. This warm and lively color conveys a sense of joy and vitality, ideal for enlivening balconies and gardens.
Luminous yellow: the delicacy that illuminates. Among the most striking varieties, yellow hibiscus stands out for its discreet elegance. Its golden hues shimmer in natural light, creating a luminous and harmonious effect.
The Gaggero nursery is more than just a place to buy plants: it's a space where floral beauty comes to life. My photographs taken there tell a story of colors, scents, and a passion for nature. Each flower is carefully cared for, and the atmosphere invites you to slow down and observe.
Hibiscuses love sun and well-drained soil. With regular watering and light seasonal pruning, they can bloom all summer long. They are hardy plants, but it's best to protect them from intense cold.

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Dei coloratissimi fiori di ibisco

Dei coloratissimi fiori di ibisco

Dei coloratissimi fiori di ibisco

Dei coloratissimi fiori di ibisco

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

The nursery I went to is: Gaggero Nurseries in Carasco.

In Italy, the hibiscus par excellence is Hibiscus syriacus, the most widespread ornamental species, a deciduous shrub that flowers from July to October, widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, in gardens and as street furniture.
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Colorful hibiscus flowers – Fleurs d’hibiscus colorées – flores de hibisco de colores – Flores coloridas de hibisco – Bunte Hibiskusblüten – Hoa dâm bụt đầy màu sắc

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.repubblica.it/green-and-blue/2024/07/17/news/ibisco_coltivazione_cura_potatura_dove_posizionare-423213216/
– https://www.codiferro.it/prendersi-cura-dellibisco-quello-serve-sapere/
– https://ciclamino.it/piante-da-giardino/ibiscus-ibisco
– https://it.jardineriaon.com/ibisco-rosso.html
– https://www.edendeifiori.it/558/hibiscus-ibisco.php

The marble statue of the Assumption in Sestri Levante

La statua marmorea dell’Assunta a Sestri Levante

The marble statue of the Assumption in Sestri Levante.
Inside the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth, in the heart of Sestri Levante, is one of the most fascinating sculptural works on the Ligurian Riviera: the marble statue of the Assumption. Located on the high altar, this sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary taken to heaven, surrounded by cherubs supporting the Holy House of Nazareth. The work is attributed to the Genoese sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino, active in the 18th century, known for his skill in modeling marble with elegance and dynamism.
The statue is distinguished by its slender verticality and the refinement of the folds of her cloak, which seem to move with celestial lightness. The sculptural group is framed by a polychrome marble altar, dating back to 1762, which enhances its solemnity and beauty. The entire composition conveys a sense of spiritual elevation, perfectly in tune with the intimate atmosphere of the basilica.
The presence of the little house of Nazareth at the bottom of the statue is a significant iconographic detail: it is not only a representation of the Assumption, but a celebration of Our Lady of Nazareth, to whom the church is dedicated. This detail gives the work a unique identity, deeply linked to local devotion and the history of the community.
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth, construction starting in 1604, is one of the main places of worship in Sestri Levante. Located in Piazza Matteotti, next to the town hall, it is easily recognizable by its white façade and strategic position on the isthmus connecting the historic center to the "Isola" peninsula. The church, with its mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, houses numerous works of art, but the statue of the Assumption remains one of its most precious treasures.

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Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.

Here is where the basilica is located:

The marble statue of the Assumption in Sestri Levante – La statue en marbre de l’Assomption à Sestri Levante – La estatua de mármol de la Asunción en Sestri Levante – A estátua de mármore da Assunção em Sestri Levante – Die Marmorstatue Mariä Himmelfahrt in Sestri Levante – Tượng Đức Mẹ Lên Trời bằng đá cẩm thạch ở Sestri Levante

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/Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_di_Nazareth,_Sestri_Levante
– https://www.sestrilevanteligure.com/basilica-di-santa-maria-di-nazareth/