The Battistine Hill in Genoa

La Salita delle Battistine a Genova

Salita delle Battistine in Genoa.
Salita delle Battistine is one of the most charming streets in Genoa, located in the heart of the Maddalena district. This steep creuza connects Piazza Portello to Piazza dei Cappuccini, offering a suggestive route that seems to catapult visitors into the historic center of the city.
The street takes its name from the church and convent of the Romite di San Giovanni Battista, known as the Battistine. This convent, now used as a school, has a rich and interesting history. During the works for the opening of the Nino Bixio gallery, part of the ancient 12th century walls were demolished, revealing a secondary entrance to the convent through a pointed arch.
Today, Salita delle Battistine is a pedestrian street, often frequented by students and residents. Despite its current state, with uneven pavement and graffiti, the street retains a particular charm. It is also known for having hosted the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who wrote some pages of the manuscripts of Zarathustra here.
The Salita delle Battistine represents a perfect example of how history and modernity can coexist, offering visitors a unique experience in the heart of Genoa.

Do you know Genoa and its climbs?
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 this street is located:

The steep and spectacular creuza, when descending, seems to catapult you into the city centre. At number 12 is the former church and convent of San Giovanni Battista (1744) which gave the street its name, now home to the Giano Grillo primary school and the Bertani Ruffini secondary school.
Continue and learn more on Amezena

The Battistine Hill in Genoa – La montée Battistine à Gênes – La subida battistina a Génova – A escalada battistina em Génova – Der Battistine-Aufstieg in Genua – Cuộc leo núi Battistine ở Genoa

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://fosca.unige.it/Salita%20delle%20Battistine
– https://www.primocanale.it/archivio-news/152109-l-oblio-di-nietzsche-tra-i-graffiti-e-l-incuria-in-salita-delle-battistine-a-genova.html

Meatballs in tomato sauce, the recipe

Le polpette al sugo di pomodoro, la ricetta

Meatballs in tomato sauce, the recipe.
Some time ago I was on board the Costa Fascinosa where, every now and then, the great Maitre d’Hotel Gianni prepared succulent dishes for us!
One of these were meatballs in tomato sauce, of which I leave you a simple and tasty recipe to prepare them at home.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
– 350 g minced meat (beef or mixed);
– 50 g stale bread or chopped wholemeal friselle;
– 50 g grated cheese (Grana Padano or Parmigiano);
– 1 egg;
– 20 ml milk;
– 2 tablespoons chopped parsley;
– Salt and pepper to taste.
For the sauce:
– 720 ml tomato puree;
– 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil;
– 1 clove garlic;
– Salt and pepper to taste;
– Fresh basil (optional).

Preparation

First, let's prepare the meatballs.
In a large bowl, mix the minced meat, the chopped bread, the grated cheese, the egg, the milk, the parsley, the salt and the pepper. Work the mixture well with your hands until you obtain a smooth dough. Shape medium-sized meatballs.
Then let's prepare the sauce.
In a saucepan, heat the oil and brown the garlic for a few minutes. Add the tomato puree, salt, pepper and a few basil leaves if desired. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for about 20 minutes, turning them gently halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly.
Serve the meatballs hot, perhaps with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and a little chilli pepper if you like it spicy.

Enjoy! If you have any questions or suggestions, let me know!
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Le polpette al sugo di pomodoro, la ricetta

Photo taken with Honor 20.

Meatballs in tomato sauce, the recipe – Boulettes de viande à la sauce tomate, la recette – Albóndigas en salsa de tomate, la receta – Almôndegas com molho de tomate, a receita – Fleischbällchen in Tomatensauce, das Rezept – Thịt viên sốt cà chua, công thức

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

The magnificent Spoleto Cathedral and its churchyard

Il magnifico Duomo di Spoleto ed il suo sagrato

The magnificent Cathedral of Spoleto and its churchyard.
If you find yourself in Spoleto, you cannot miss a visit to the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Cathedral of Spoleto. This masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, built between 1151 and 1227, is the city's main place of worship and an Italian national monument.
The cathedral's façade is a real spectacle, with its central rose window and golden mosaics that sparkle in the sun. Inside, you can admire frescoes by Filippo Lippi, which tell the stories of the Virgin Mary, and works by Pinturicchio.
Every year, during the Festival dei Due Mondi, the cathedral becomes one of the most evocative places of the event, hosting concerts and shows that pay homage to its beauty and history.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit this extraordinary example of art and spirituality. The Cathedral of Spoleto awaits you for a journey through time and beauty!

Do you know 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.

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 magnificent Spoleto Cathedral and its churchyard – La magnifique cathédrale de Spolète et son cimetière – La magnífica catedral de Spoleto y su cementerio – A magnífica Catedral de Spoleto e o seu adro – Die prächtige Kathedrale von Spoleto und ihr Kirchhof – Nhà thờ Spoleto tráng lệ và sân nhà thờ của nó

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

The cutlet called elephant ear, the recipe

La cotoletta detta orecchia di elefante, la ricetta

The cutlet called elephant ear, the recipe.
Some time ago, while I was on board, Chef Biagio prepared some enormous cutlets which, precisely because of their size, are also called elephant ears.
They were delicious and as always I leave you the recipe.

Ingredients

For the cutlet:
– 2 veal cutlets (about 1 kg each);
– 2 eggs;
– Flour to taste;
– Breadcrumbs to taste;
– Grated Parmesan to taste;
– Salt and pepper to taste;
– Clarified butter or oil for frying.

For the chips, if you like to make them fresh:
– 4 large potatoes;
– Seed oil for frying;
– Salt to taste.

Preparation

First, pound the veal chops with a meat tenderizer until they are uniformly thick, similar to an elephant ear.
Pass the chops first in the flour, then in the beaten eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper, and finally in the breadcrumbs mixed with grated parmesan.
Fry the cutlets in plenty of clarified butter or hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
Peel the potatoes and cut them into sticks.
Fry the potatoes in hot seed oil until golden and crispy. Drain on absorbent paper and salt to taste.

Serve the “elephant ear” cutlet hot, accompanied by French fries. Enjoy!

If you have any other questions or need more details, let me know!
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Honor 20.

The cutlet called elephant ear, the recipe – L’escalope appelée oreille d’éléphant, la recette – La chuleta llamada oreja de elefante, la receta. – A costeleta chamada orelha de elefante, a receita – Das Schnitzel heißt Elefantenohr, das Rezept – Công thức món cốt lết tai voi

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://consorzioprosciuttomodena.it/ricette/cotoletta-orecchio-di-elefante/
– https://www.gamberorosso.it/ricette/scheda-ricetta/orecchia-delefante-cotoletta-alla-milanese-battuta/

The porticoes and the motto of Genoa in via XX

I portici ed il motto di Genova in via XX Settembre

The porticos and motto of Genoa in Via XX Settembre.
Via XX Settembre is one of the main arteries of Genoa, famous for its elegant and decorated porticos. These porticos, which extend along a large part of the street, are characterized by mosaic floors and richly decorated ceilings, with elements ranging from neo-Gothic to Art Nouveau style.
An interesting detail is the motto found under one of the neo-Gothic porticos, near the Zara exit. The motto reads: “As the Griffin seizes these, so Genoa tears to pieces its enemies”. This motto, accompanied by a griffin seizing an eagle and a fox, dates back to the ancient Republic of Genoa. The eagle represents imperial authority, while the fox symbolizes Pisa, one of Genoa's main rivals.

Have you ever walked under these porticos? Is there any detail that particularly struck you?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Honor 20.

The porticoes and the motto of Genoa in via XX Settembre – Les arcades et la devise de Gênes dans la via XX Settembre – Los soportales y el lema de Génova en via XX Settembre – As arcadas e o lema de Gênova na via XX Settembre – Die Arkaden und das Motto von Genua in der Via XX Settembre – Các mái vòm và phương châm của Genoa qua XX Settembre

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

The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere

La spianata della chiesa di San Pietro a Portovenere

The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere.
The church of San Pietro in Portovenere is one of the most evocative and fascinating places in Liguria. Situated at the end of the promontory that juts out into the sea, this Gothic church, with its characteristic black and white bands, dominates the surrounding landscape and offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Poets and the island of Palmaria¹².
The church of San Pietro has an ancient and complex history. Its origins date back to the 5th century, when a small early Christian church was built on the remains of a pagan temple dedicated to Venus¹. In the 13th century, the Genoese built a new Gothic church, connected to the pre-existing structure, creating a single larger building².
The architecture of the church is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The oldest part, in dark stone, is characterised by a rectangular plan with a semicircular apse, while the Gothic part, built by the Genoese, features the typical black and white bands¹². Inside, the church is divided into three naves separated by pillars, with a white marble altar².
The esplanade of the church of San Pietro is a large stone-paved area, surrounded by ancient walls. This open space offers a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding cliffs, making it an ideal place for walks and moments of contemplation³. The esplanade is also a starting point for exploring the natural and historical beauties of Portovenere, such as Byron's Cave and the Doria Castle⁴.
The church of San Pietro and its esplanade have been a source of inspiration for many poets and artists. Eugenio Montale, Nobel Prize winner for literature, described this place as a “Christian temple” where “every near hour is ancient”¹. The beauty and serenity of this place continue to enchant visitors from all over the world.
Portovenere is easily reached by car, bus or ferry from La Spezia. Once you arrive, a picturesque street full of little shops leads to the church of San Pietro and its esplanade².
The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere is a place of extraordinary beauty and historical importance. With its unique architecture, spectacular views and poetic atmosphere, it represents an unmissable stop for those visiting Liguria.

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

La spianata della chiesa di San Pietro a Portovenere

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

Click here to see all the photos of the village:
foto gallery

Here is the spot where I took this photo:

The church of San Pietro in the capital. Built between the 5th and 13th centuries in Genoese Gothic style, it is perched on the rock of the promontory of the Bocche di Porto Venere. The church of San Pietro is the “Christian temple” cited by Eugenio Montale in a suggestive poem, dedicated to Portovenere.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

The esplanade of the church of San Pietro in Portovenere – L’esplanade de l’église San Pietro de Portovenere – La explanada de la iglesia de San Pietro en Portovenere – A esplanada da igreja de San Pietro in Portovenere – Die Promenade der Kirche San Pietro in Portovenere – Lối đi dạo của nhà thờ San Pietro ở Portovenere

¹: [Wikipedia](https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Pietro_%28Portovenere%29)
²: [Terre di Lunigiana](https://www.terredilunigiana.com/golfodeipoeti/portoveneresanpietro.php)
³: [Il Blog di Petardo](https://petardo.over-blog.it/2016/07/portovenere-chiesa-di-san-pietro.html)
⁴: [Salentoacolory](https://www.salentoacolory.it/la-chiesa-san-pietro-portovenere/)

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

The interior of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua

L'interno della Cappella degli Scrovegni a Padova

The interior of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua.
The interior of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua is one of the masterpieces of Western art, thanks to the frescoes by Giotto created between 1303 and 1305.
The chapel is decorated with a cycle of frescoes that covers approximately 700 m², narrating the life of the Virgin Mary and Christ in 39 episodes³. These frescoes are arranged in three overlapping registers along the walls of the nave.
The vault is painted in an intense blue, symbol of the sky, and decorated with golden stars³.
On the counter-façade is the majestic fresco of the Last Judgement, with Christ the Judge in the centre, surrounded by angels, saints and the damned³.
In the lower part of the main walls are represented monochrome allegories of the Vices and Virtues, which guide the observer towards the Last Judgement³.
In the upper register are narrated the stories of Mary's parents, Joachim and Anna³.
The two middle registers tell the life and miracles of Christ, from the Nativity to the Resurrection³.

The Scrovegni Chapel is an extraordinary example of how art can tell sacred stories through powerful and engaging images, profoundly influencing European painting of the fourteenth century³.

Have you ever visited beautiful Padua?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Honor 20.

This is the official website of the chapel: cappelladegliscrovegni.it.

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

La cappella degli Scrovegni è una chiesa di Padova, in precedenza cappella privata, divenuta parte dei Musei civici di Padova. Ospita un noto ciclo di affreschi di Giotto dei primi anni del XIV secolo, considerato uno dei capolavori dell’arte occidentale. I dipinti all’interno della cappella degli Scrovegni diedero il via a una rivoluzione pittorica che si sviluppò in tutto l’arco del Trecento e che influenzò la storia della pittura.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

The interior of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua – L’intérieur de la chapelle des Scrovegni à Padoue – El interior de la Capilla de los Scrovegni en Padua – O interior da Capela Scrovegni em Pádua – Das Innere der Scrovegni-Kapelle in Padua – Nội thất của Nhà nguyện Scrovegni ở Padua

(1) Cappella degli Scrovegni – Wikipedia. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cappella_degli_Scrovegni.
(2) . https://bing.com/search?q=Cappella+degli+Scrovegni+interior.
(3) LA CAPPELLA DEGLI SCROVEGNI. https://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it/index.php/it/.
(4) La Cappella degli Scrovegni di Giotto – Arte Svelata. https://www.artesvelata.it/cappella-scrovegni-giotto/.
(5) La lettura degli affreschi della Cappella degli Scrovegni. https://cappellascrovegni.padovamusei.it/it/lettura-affreschi-cappella-scrovegni.

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

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg also on board

Noodles di riso saltati in padella anche a bordo

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg also on board.
On the former Costa Firenze (a ship built for the Asian cruise market) there was also a small restaurant in the pool that prepared noodles and quick Asian dishes in the evenings.
Stir-fried rice noodles with egg are a versatile and nutritious dish, perfect for those looking for a quick and tasty meal. Originally from Asian cuisine, these noodles have become popular around the world thanks to their simplicity and unique taste.
This dish is ideal for a variety of occasions, whether it's a quick lunch at home, a casual dinner with friends or even a meal to enjoy while traveling. The combination of rice noodles, fresh vegetables and eggs offers a perfect balance of carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins, making it a healthy and complete option.
One of the most appreciated features of stir-fried rice noodles with egg is their convenience. They are easy to prepare and can be stored in an airtight container, keeping their flavour intact. This also makes them perfect for eating on board, whether it is a boat, train or plane trip. Their lightness and ease of transport make them a great choice for those who are always on the go.
The secret to the success of this dish lies in its ability to combine different flavours and textures. The rice noodles, with their soft texture, go perfectly with the crunchy vegetables and creamy eggs. The addition of soy sauce and sesame oil gives the dish a rich and aromatic flavor, which satisfies even the most demanding palates.
Stir-fried rice noodles with egg are a dish that combines convenience and taste, ideal for any occasion. Their versatility and unique flavor make them a winning choice for those looking for a quick, nutritious and delicious meal.

Do you like Asian cuisine?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Honor 20.

Stir-fried rice noodles with egg also on board – Nouilles de riz sautées avec œuf également à bord – Fideos de arroz salteados con huevo también a bordo – Macarrão de arroz frito com ovo também a bordo – Gebratene Reisnudeln mit Ei ebenfalls an Bord – Bún xào trứng cũng có trên tàu

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

A stretch of via Orefici in Milan

Un tratto di via Orefici a Milano

A stretch of Via Orefici in Milan.
Via Orefici in Milan is a historic street located in the heart of the city, near Piazza Cordusio. This street is famous for its elegant nineteenth-century buildings and for being an important commercial and financial center. Among the activities present, there are luxury shops, offices and refined restaurants. The strategic position of Via Orefici makes it a point of reference for those visiting Milan, offering a perfect mix of history, culture and modernity.

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

Un tratto di via Orefici a Milano

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

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

Where is the street located:

A stretch of via Orefici in Milan – Un tronçon de la via Orefici à Milan – Un tramo de via Orefici en Milán – Um trecho da via Orefici em Milão – Ein Abschnitt der Via Orefici in Mailand – Một đoạn qua Orefici ở Milan

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

A nice plate of fregola with seafood

Un bel piatto di fregola con i frutti di mare

A nice plate of fregola with seafood.
A few months ago, a great friend of mine (Giovanni), made me taste a delicious plate of fregola with seafood.
Fregola with seafood is a traditional Sardinian dish, much appreciated for its rich flavor and simplicity. Here is some interesting information about this dish:
Fregola, or fregula, is a typical Sardinian semolina pasta, similar to couscous, but with larger and more irregular grains.
Fregola is usually prepared with a variety of seafood such as mussels, clams, shrimp and squid.
Fregola is toasted in a pan and then cooked in a fish broth or salted water. Seafood is added during cooking to add flavor to the dish.
The dish is often garnished with chopped fresh parsley and served hot.
In this article I am talking about you can see a dish of fregola with seafood, with mussels and shrimp clearly visible. The fregola appears well toasted and seasoned with a rich sauce, probably tomato-based, which evenly envelops the pasta. This dish is a great example of Sardinian cuisine, which highlights local ingredients such as seafood.
It is an ideal dish for those who love the flavors of the sea and want to try something authentic and traditional. If you have any other questions or want to know more about another dish, let me know!

Have you ever eaten fregola?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Un bel piatto di fregola con i frutti di mare

Un bel piatto di fregola con i frutti di mare

Un bel piatto di fregola con i frutti di mare

Photo taken with Honor 20.

Frègula, often mistakenly Italianized as fregola, is a type of semolina pasta produced in Sardinia. The production of fregula has medieval origins. The first historical document to mention it is the Statute of the Millers of Tempio Pausania dating back to the 14th century, which regulates its preparation, which had to take place strictly from Monday to Friday, in order to be able to allocate the water of Saturday and Sunday to the fields.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia

A nice plate of fregola with seafood – Une belle assiette de fregola aux fruits de mer – Un buen plato de fregola con marisco. – Um belo prato de fregola com frutos do mar – Ein schöner Teller Fregola mit Meeresfrüchten – Một đĩa fregola đẹp mắt với hải sản

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