A monument on the Lisbon waterfront

Un monumento sul lungomare di Lisbona

A monument on the Lisbon waterfront.
Located on the banks of the Tagus River, in the Belém district, the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is one of Lisbon's most iconic attractions. This imposing monument, inaugurated in 1960, celebrates the great Portuguese maritime explorations of the 15th and 16th centuries and pays homage to key figures of that era, such as Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan.
The 56-metre-high monument represents a giant white stone caravel with sails unfurled, decorated with sculptures of navigators, cartographers, colonisers and other historical figures. Its strategic location on the banks of the Tagus is no coincidence: many of the expeditions that led Portugal to discover new routes and distant lands departed from here.
Visiting the Monument to the Discoveries is a fascinating experience. Climbing to the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Belém and the Tagus River. On the lower level, the Discoveries Cultural Center offers permanent and temporary exhibitions that delve into the history of Portuguese exploration.
Don't miss the opportunity to admire the Wind Rose, a huge plaza decorated with multicolored marble tiles that represent the routes discovered by Portuguese navigators. This detail adds a touch of elegance and symbolism to the monument, making it an unmissable place for those visiting Lisbon.

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Un monumento sul lungomare di Lisbona

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

To see all the departures, by ship, from Lisbon click here:
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Here is where the monument is located:

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Portuguese), located in Belém on the banks of the Tagus River, was built in 1960, five hundred years after the death of Henry the Navigator, to celebrate the age of Portuguese discoveries made by navigators between the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument was begun under the Salazar regime and was intended to celebrate all the sailors who participated in the explorations.
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A monument on the Lisbon waterfront – Un monument sur le front de mer à Lisbonne – Un monumento en el paseo marítimo de Lisboa – Um monumento à beira-mar em Lisboa – Ein Denkmal an der Strandpromenade in Lissabon – Một tượng đài bên bờ biển ở Lisbon

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.lisbona.info/cosa-vedere-lisbona/monumento-scoperte/
– https://padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/
– https://www.lisbona.it/monumento-scoperte

The Monument to the Fallen for Freedom in Santa

Il Monumento ai Caduti per la Libertà a Santa Margherita Ligure

The Monument to the Fallen for Freedom in Santa Margherita Ligure.
Every time I find a statue in memory of the sacrifice of women and men for our Freedom I always try to photograph it to remember its value.
This monument, on the seafront of Santa Margherita Ligure, brings back the memory of the dead of the Great War and the Second World War.

AI SUOI GLORIOSI CADUTI PER LA PATRIA
SANTA MARGHERITA LIGURE

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Il Monumento ai Caduti per la Libertà a Santa Margherita Ligure

Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.

The anniversary of the liberation of Italy, also known as Liberation Day (or simply April 25), is a national holiday of the Italian Republic, celebrated every April 25 to commemorate the liberation of Italy from Nazi occupation and fascism, as the culmination of the Italian resistance to Nazi-fascism.
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The Monument to the Fallen for Freedom in Santa Margherita Ligure – Le Monument aux morts pour la liberté à Santa Margherita Ligure – El Monumento a los Caídos por la Libertad en Santa Margherita Ligure – O Monumento aos Caídos pela Liberdade em Santa Margherita Ligure – Das Denkmal für die Gefallenen der Freiheit in Santa Margherita Ligure – Đài tưởng niệm những người hy sinh vì tự do ở Santa Margherita Ligure

The War Memorial in Duca degli Abruzzi square

Il Monumento ai Caduti in piazza degli Abruzzi a Nervi

The War Memorial in Piazza Duca degli Abruzzi in Nervi.
Walking along Via Guglielmo Oberdan, I came across the gardens of this beautiful square in front of the Town Hall which houses the war memorial of the Great War.

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Il Monumento ai Caduti in piazza Duca degli Abruzzi a Nervi

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

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Where is the square located:

The War Memorial in the Duke Abruzzi Square in Nervi – Le monument aux morts de la Piazza degli Abruzzi à Nervi – El Memorial de Guerra en la Piazza degli Abruzzi en Nervi – O Memorial de Guerra na Piazza degli Abruzzi em Nervi – Das Kriegerdenkmal auf der Piazza degli Abruzzi in Nervi – Đài tưởng niệm chiến tranh ở Piazza degli Abruzzi ở Nervi

The Monument to the Heroes of 1809 in Barcelona

Il Monumento agli Eroi del 1809 a Barcellona

Monument to the Heroes of 1809 in Barcelona.
The Monument to the Heroes of 1809, located in Barcelona, ​​is a symbol of resistance and sacrifice. Also known as the Monument to the Martyrs of Independence, it is dedicated to eight people who were executed after a failed attempt to liberate the city from the occupying French troops.
During the Spanish War of Independence (1807-1814), Barcelona was occupied by Napoleon's army and turned into a military stronghold. On May 12, 1809, around 8,000 citizens attempted to overthrow the French troops. The uprising was quickly suppressed and the organizers were captured. On June 2, eighteen conspirators were tried by a military court. Five of them were sentenced to death and executed in front of the Citadel of Barcelona. During the executions, three men rang the bells of the Barcelona Cathedral in an attempt to provoke a second uprising. French soldiers blockaded the cathedral, where the rebels held out for three days before being captured and eventually executed.
The monument, inaugurated in 1929, is located in Plaça Garriga i Bachs, opposite the side entrance to Barcelona Cathedral. It consists of a bronze statue of the five martyrs on a stone pedestal, flanked by tile panels with illustrations of the occupation of Barcelona. The statue was created by Josep Llimona, but was not completed in time for the inauguration. The organization that commissioned the monument decided to go ahead with the inauguration and add the statue later. Completion was delayed by the Spanish Civil War, and Llimona's statue was finally installed in 1941, along with two alabaster angels by Vicenç Navarro.
The Monument to the Heroes of 1809 is a tribute to the sacrifices made for freedom and independence. A plaque at the base of the monument is engraved with the names of the eight martyrs: Father Juan Gallifa, Dr. Joaquim Pou, Juan Massana, Salvador Aulet, Jose Navarro, Pedro Lastortras, Julian Portet and Ramon Mas. The plaque reads: “They sacrificed their lives for God, their country and their king. The grateful city in perpetual memory.”
The monument is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, ​​near the Cathedral. The nearest metro stop is Jaume I on the L4 line (yellow line). In addition to the monument, other attractions nearby include the Bishop’s Bridge (El Pont del Bisbe), the Wall of the Kiss (The World Begins in Every Kiss) and the Plaça de Sant Felip Neri.

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Il Monumento agli Eroi del 1809 a Barcellona

Il Monumento agli Eroi del 1809 a Barcellona

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

Where is the monument located:

The Monument to the Heroes of 1809 in Barcelona – Le Monument aux Héros de 1809 à Barcelone – El Monumento a los Héroes de 1809 en Barcelona – O Monumento aos Heróis de 1809 em Barcelona – Das Denkmal für die Helden von 1809 in Barcelona – Đài tưởng niệm các anh hùng năm 1809 ở Barcelona

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://barcelonalowdown.com/monument-to-the-heroes-of-1809/
– https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attraction_Review-g187497-d24156326-Reviews-Monument_Als_Herois_Del_1809-Barcelona_Catalonia.html
– https://ca.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monument_als_Herois_del_1809

The Sailors' Monument in Bergen, Norway

Il monumento ai marinai a Bergen in Norvegia

The Sailors' Monument in Bergen, Norway.
Located in the heart of Bergen, the Sailors' Monument is a tribute to Norway's rich maritime heritage. This impressive monument, designed by sculptor Dyre Vaa and unveiled on 7 June 1950, celebrates the contributions of Norwegian sailors throughout the centuries.
The 7-metre-high monument has a distinctive cubic shape and is located at the northern end of Torgallmenningen, the city's main square. It is adorned with 12 bronze statues and four relief panels, each representing different eras of Norwegian maritime history.
The statues are grouped in four triads facing the cardinal directions, each representing a different era:
West side: Viking Age adventurers, armed with swords and spears.
North side: Modern era sailors (17th and 18th centuries).
East side: 19th century sailors.
South side: 20th century sailors.
The relief panels add narrative depth, intertwining real maritime dangers with mythical and spiritual elements. Scenes depicted include Viking ships, encounters with Native Americans, and more modern images such as whaling scenes.
The Sailors' Monument not only reflects the importance of seafaring in Norwegian history, but also the central role of Bergen as a port city. It is a symbol of national pride and a tribute to the brave men who sailed the seas, contributing to Norway's development and prosperity.
The monument is easily accessible and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bergen. Its central location makes it ideal for an exploratory walk around the city, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Norway's maritime history and culture.

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Il monumento ai marinai a Bergen in Norvegia

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

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

Here is where the monument is located:

The Sailors’ Monument in Bergen, Norway – Le monument des marins à Bergen, Norvège – El monumento a los marineros en Bergen, Noruega – O monumento dos marinheiros em Bergen, Noruega – Das Matrosendenkmal in Bergen, Norwegen – Đài tưởng niệm Thủy thủ ở Bergen, Na Uy

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attraction_Review-g190502-d10539988-Reviews-Sailor_s_Monument-Bergen_Hordaland_Western_Norway.html
– https://www.gpsmycity.com/attractions/sailors-monument-30564.html

The mine-shaped monument in Bergen

Il monumento a forma di mina detto Minebøssen a Bergen

The Minebøssen Monument in Bergen.
When visiting the picturesque Bryggen district in Bergen, Norway, be sure to stop by the Minebøssen Monument. This striking monument, shaped like a naval mine, has stood on the embankment since 1921 and is a tribute to the Norwegian sailors who died during World War I.
The Minebøssen Monument was created by sculptor Sauce Madsen and serves a dual purpose: not only does it commemorate the fallen sailors, but it is also a charitable work. In fact, the monument was designed to raise money for the families of the victims, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity and community.
Located directly across from the famous Bryggen district, the Minebøssen Monument is a point of reflection and remembrance. Its unique shape and profound meaning make it a must-see for anyone who wants to better understand Bergen's maritime history and the sacrifice of its sailors.
As you stroll along the pier, take a moment to look closely at the monument and reflect on its meaning. It is a place that invites contemplation and respect for those who gave their lives at sea.

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Il monumento a forma di mina detto Minebøssen a Bergen

Photo taken with Honor 20.

To see all the photos I took in Bergen click here

Where is the monument located:

The mine-shaped monument called Minebøssen in Bergen – Le monument en forme de mine appelé Minebøssen à Bergen – El monumento en forma de mina llamado Minebøssen en Bergen – O monumento em forma de mina chamado Minebøssen em Bergen – Das minenförmige Denkmal namens Minebøssen in Bergen – Tượng đài hình mỏ có tên Minebøssen ở Bergen

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://www.tripadvisor.it/Attraction_Review-g190502-d15322142-Reviews-Minebossen-Bergen_Hordaland_Western_Norway.html
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryggen

The Rio de la Plata in the Fountain of the Four Rivers

La fontana dell Rio della Plata nella Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi a Roma

The Fountain of the River Plate in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most famous works of the Roman Baroque, located in Piazza Navona in Rome. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and completed in 1651, the fountain represents the four great rivers of the four continents known at the time: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe) and the River Plate (Americas).
The figure of the River Plate represents the American continent and is located on the western side of the fountain. This figure is depicted as a robust and powerful man, leaning on a rock. Here are some specific characteristics:
The figure of the River Plate is stretched out and looks downwards, as if he were about to slide away. The posture suggests a sense of movement and dynamism.
The figure is surrounded by exotic objects that allude to the riches of the Americas. Among these objects, there is a bag of coins, symbolizing the abundance of resources such as silver, of which the river is a representation (the “Plata” in Spanish means “silver”).
At the foot of the figure is an armadillo, an animal typical of the South American regions, which further contributes to the geographical and symbolic context of the sculpture.
The face of the figure appears frightened, perhaps reflecting the idea of ​​the “New World” as a land still largely unknown and mysterious to the Europeans of the time.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a masterpiece of engineering and art, not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for its symbolism. It represents the papal dominion and the centrality of Rome in the Catholic world of the time. Each river is represented in a way that reflects not only the geographical but also the cultural and political characteristics of their respective regions.
The Rio de la Plata, with its representation of wealth and sense of discovery, embodies the idea of ​​America as a land of opportunity and mystery.

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La fontana dell Rio della Plata nella Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi a Roma

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

Click here to see all the photos of Rome:
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Here's where the fountain is located:

Tradition, which sees Bernini as a rival to his contemporary Borromini, has created the legend according to which the figure who represents the Rio de la Plata in the fountain raises his hand towards the church of Sant’Agnese opposite as a sign of defense against the imminent fall of the building. However, this remains only a legend since the construction of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone began only later, in 1652.
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The fountain of the Rio de la Plata in the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome – La fontaine du Rio de la Plata dans la Fontaine des Quatre Fleuves à Rome – La fuente del Río de la Plata en la Fuente de los Cuatro Ríos en Roma – A fonte do Rio de la Plata na Fonte dos Quatro Rios em Roma – Der Brunnen des Rio de la Plata im Vierströmebrunnen in Rom – Đài phun nước Rio de la Plata trong Đài phun nước Bốn con sông ở Rome

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

The Lantern of Genoa seen from Castelletto

La Lanterna di Genova vista dalla spianata di Castelletto

La Lanterna di Genova vista dalla spianata di Castelletto.
La Lanterna di Genova, il maestoso faro che domina il porto della città ligure, non è solo una guida per i naviganti, ma anche un simbolo storico e culturale che racconta secoli di storia marittima e urbana. Con i suoi 77 metri di altezza, è il faro più alto d’Italia e il secondo d’Europa, un monumento che da oltre 900 anni veglia sulla città e sulle sue acque.
Le origini della Lanterna risalgono al XII secolo. La struttura attuale, però, è stata ricostruita nel 1543 dopo essere stata danneggiata in vari assedi e guerre. Il faro è stato da sempre un punto di riferimento cruciale per i marinai, guidandoli sicuri verso il porto di Genova. Originariamente, il faro funzionava con fuochi alimentati da legna o carbone, per poi passare all’olio e infine all’elettricità.
La Lanterna è composta due ordini di sezione quadrata e separati da una terrazza. Il basamento, in pietra locale, è di forma quadrata e le mura hanno uno spessore che varia dai 4 metri alla base ai 2,5 metri in cima. La struttura è decorata con il simbolo della città, la croce di San Giorgio, e si distingue per la sua sobria eleganza e robustezza.
La scala interna, con i suoi 365 gradini, conduce alla sommità dove si trova la lanterna vera e propria. La luce del faro, un tempo alimentata a olio, oggi è completamente automatizzata e ha una portata luminosa di circa 25 miglia nautiche.
Oltre alla sua funzione primaria di guida per le navi, la Lanterna ha assunto un ruolo importante come attrazione turistica e culturale. All’interno del complesso della Lanterna si trova un museo multimediale che racconta la storia del faro e del porto di Genova. Il percorso museale offre una panoramica sulla vita marittima, l’evoluzione delle tecnologie di navigazione e l’importanza del porto per l’economia della città.
La Lanterna è molto più di un semplice faro; è un emblema della città di Genova e della sua lunga tradizione marinara. È un luogo dove i genovesi possono riscoprire le loro radici e i turisti possono ammirare una vista mozzafiato sulla città e sul mare. La Lanterna è spesso rappresentata in opere d’arte, letteratura e manifestazioni culturali, incarnando lo spirito indomabile e l’orgoglio dei genovesi.

The Lanterna di Genova is a monument that embodies the history, culture and maritime tradition of one of the most important port cities in the Mediterranean. Every stone, every step of this structure tells a story of sailors, trade, wars and rebirths. It is a lighthouse not only for ships sailing the sea, but also for generations of Genoese who see in it a symbol of their identity and their thousand-year history.

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La Lanterna di Genova vista dalla spianata di Castelletto

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

There is also a nice official website: lanternadigenova.it.

Here's where I took the photo from:

The Lanterna of Genoa (or simply “Lanterna”, in Genoese a Lanterna de Zena or a Lanterna) is the port lighthouse of the capital of Liguria, the city once defined as the Superb or Dominant of the seas.
Per secoli strumento indispensabile alla navigazione notturna delle navi in entrata e uscita dal porto, la Lanterna è anche il monumento simbolo cittadino, quasi un totem alla genovesità, e come tale fa parte della storia della città.
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The Lantern of Genoa seen from the Castelletto esplanade – La Lanterne de Gênes vue de l’esplanade de Castelletto – La Linterna de Génova vista desde la explanada de Castelletto – A Lanterna de Gênova vista da esplanada de Castelletto – Die Laterne von Genua von der Castelletto-Promenade aus gesehen – Đèn lồng Genoa nhìn từ lối đi dạo Castelletto

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

The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

Il monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II in piazza del Duomo a Milano

The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza del Duomo in Milan.
This equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II was placed dominating the enormous square of the Milanese cathedral.

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

Click here if you want to see all the photos I took:
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Here's where the statue is located:

The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II is a sculptural group located in the center of Piazza del Duomo in Milan. It was solemnly inaugurated on June 24, 1896. The monument was commissioned to the Italian sculptor Ercole Rosa by King Umberto I upon the death of his father Vittorio Emanuele in 1878, but was placed in the center of the square only in 1896 as the sculptor died before completing it.
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The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in the cathedral square in Milan – Le monument à Vittorio Emanuele II sur la place de la cathédrale de Milan – El monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II en la plaza de la catedral de Milán – O monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II na praça da catedral de Milão – Das Denkmal für Vittorio Emanuele II. auf dem Domplatz in Mailand – Tượng đài Vittorio Emanuele II tại quảng trường nhà thờ ở Milan