Fontana Pretoria is a spectacular fountain located in the heart of the historic centre of Palermo, in the square with the same name, Piazza Pretoria. The fountain is decorated with sculptures of the Twelve Olympians and other mythological and allegorical figures. SHORT HISTORY The fountain was built in 1554, in Florence, by Francesco Camilliani, for the garden of Don Luigi Alvarez de Toledo. In 1573, driven by his debts and about to move to Naples, Don Luigi sold the fountain to the Palermo Senate. The fountain arrived in Palermo on May 26, 1574, disassembled in 644 pieces, with some sculptures being damaged during transport or retained by the previous owner. Therefore, some adaptations were necessary and some pieces were added. The recomposition of the fountain was made by Camillo Camilliani, son of Francesco, with the help of Michelangelo Naccherino, and Fontana Pretoria was finished in 1581. In the 18th and 19th centuries, due to the nudity of statues, the square was popularly known as Piazza della Vergogna (Square of Shame). In November 1998, a restoration work was undertaken, which lasted until November 2003. In December of the same year, the fountain was reopened. ARCHITECTURE The fountain has a Read more [...]
All SEE
One of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is well known for its rich art and culture, and for its numerous landmarks. With 54 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country in the world, and an estimated 100,000 monuments of any sort (churches, palaces, museums, fountains, sculptures and archaeological remains), Italy is home to about half of the world’s artistic treasures. And if you are looking for inspiration, find below a list of the most famous tourist attractions …
Marina Corricella
Marina Corricella is the old picturesque port of Procida, a myriad of pastel-colored houses arranged along a natural amphitheatre that overlooks a crystal clear water. Evocative and romantic, Marina di Corricella is a quiet and seductive refuge with unique architecture for those who prefer relaxing holidays, without the noise of motor vehicles or crowds of people. The 17th century port is famous for its interesting architecture, a mixture of stairs, arches, domes, windows, loggias and colorful facades. From over 25 movies filmed on the island, we can mention at least two which are directly related to Marina Corricella: Il Postino (The Postman), starring Philippe Noiret, Massimo Troisi and Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and The Talented Mr. Ripley, with Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. TIP: You can get the best view of the Marina Corricella from the southern side of the small bay bounded by the Punta dei Monaci to the north and Punta di Pizzaco to the south, in Via Pizzaco. The belvedere is dedicated to the Italian novelist Elsa Morante, and is by far the most beautiful panoramic point of the island. HOW TO GET THERE To get to Marina Corricella, you must first get to Read more [...]
Castel dell’Ovo
Castel dell’Ovo is the oldest castle in Naples and is one of the constructions that stand out the most when you approach the city from the sea. Its name derives from an ancient legend about the Latin poet Virgil, who hid an egg in the foundation of the fortress, saying that its breaking would have caused not only the collapse of the castle, but also a series of disastrous catastrophes to the city of Naples. During the 14th century, the castle suffered extensive damage due to the partial collapse of an arch and, to prevent the panic spreading among the population for the alleged future catastrophes that would have hit the city, the queen Giovanna I had to swear she had replaced the broken egg. SHORT HISTORY In a document dating back to 1128, a fortification is mentioned on the island of Megaride, now a peninsula, the place where the Castel dell’Ovo will be built later. In 1140, Roger the Norman, conquering Naples, settled in this fortress. Castel dell’Ovo is further fortified in 1222 by Frederick II, who makes it the seat of the royal treasure and has other towers built, the castle becoming a palace and a state Read more [...]
Piazza del Plebiscito
Piazza del Plebiscito, formerly known as Largo di Palazzo, is a beautiful large square in Naples, with an area of about 25,000 square meters, bordered at one end by the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) and at the other by the Basilica of San Francesco di Paola. SHORT HISTORY At the beginning of the 17th century, the Palazzo Reale was built by the architect Domenico Fontana, who turned the palace facade towards an open space, which will be known as Largo di Palazzo. The space became the vital center of the city and, at the same time, a very important public representation area. When the viceroy settled in the Royal Palace, the square did not have an adequate conformation, and the side of Largo facing the sea was embellished with various sculptural elements, including a majestic three-arched fountain designed by Pietro Bernini and Michelangelo Naccherino, and a colossal bust of Jupiter found in Pozzuoli, named Gigante di Palazzo. At the end of the 18th century, Palazzo Salerno was built on a project by Francesco Sicuro for Ferdinand IV of Naples, changing somehow the appearance of the square. Only at the beginning of the 19th century, during the Napoleonic period, the Read more [...]
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a wonderful square in Lucca, built on the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater, which determined its closed elliptical shape. SHORT HISTORY A large amphitheater was built here in the 1st or the 2nd century BC, started under Emperor Claudius, and completed in the Flavian period. The structure, with fifty-four arches and 18 rows of seats, could accommodate around 10,000 spectators. In the 6th century, during the Gothic Wars, under siege by the Byzantine general Narses, the amphitheatre was fortified by the closure of the outside arches. Following the shape of the ancient amphitheater, the square was born in the Middle Ages. During this era, the square was called parlascio, a word derived from the Latin paralisium, meaning amphitheater. Progressively, the square was filled with buildings, used as warehouses, shops or prison. In the 19th century, thanks to the architect Lorenzo Nottolini, was decided an urban renewal of the structure. The space of the arena was freed from the small buildings that crowded it, and Via dell’ Anfiteatro was built around it. The new space was used for the city market, until – in the first half of the 20th century – the market was moved Read more [...]
Cathedral of San Martino
The Cathedral of San Martino is the Cathedral of Lucca, located in the homonymous square, in the historical center of the city. According to tradition, the Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, was founded by San Frediano in the 6th century, then rebuilt by Anselmo da Baggio, Bishop of the city, in 1060, and finally remodeled in its current form in the 12th and 13th centuries. SHORT HISTORY In the 8th century, the Church of San Martino received the title of Cathedral from the Church of San Giovanni and Santa Reparata, located nearby. The Cathedral was completely rebuilt starting with 1060, and solemnly consecrated in 1070 by Anselmo da Baggio, who, at the time of the consecration, was Pope Alexander II, but also kept the title of Bishop of Lucca. In 1204, Guido Bigarelli of Como began the work on the facade. In 1372, two years after the liberation from the Pisan domination, the apse of the church and the wall of the transept were completed in Gothic style. The works were finished around 1390. ART AND ARCHITECTURE The main facade of the church was begun in 1204 by Guido Bigarelli of Como. The facade consists of Read more [...]
Piazza del Campo
With its unique shell shape, Piazza del Campo, the main square of Siena, stands as one of most beautiful in Italy and the world. Renowed as the place where Palio di Siena is held twice a year, Piazza del Campo is a perfect example of cultural and architectural integrity, invaluable for humanity. SHORT HISTORY The first documented information about the square dates back to 1169, describing the arrangement of Il Campo, referring both to the current Piazza del Campo and to the near Piazza del Mercato (Market Square) as a singular area. Starting with 1193, the area was divided in two, and until 1270, the space was used for fairs and markets. In 1262, the first measures to improve the layout of the square were taken, imposing among other things the obligation to build only buildings with mullioned windows and forbidding the construction of terraces. The history of the square is strongly intertwined with that of Palazzo Pubblico, began in 1297 and completed in 1310. At the same time, private palaces were built in the square, Torre dell Mangia was raised between 1325 and 1344, and the square was paved with fishbone-patterned red brick and divided by eight lines Read more [...]
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral of Siena, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, is located in the historical center of the city, in Piazza del Duomo. A great exemple of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, the Cathedral of Siena is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. SHORT HISTORY It seems that the current Cathedral of Siena replaced a first church dedicated to Saint Mary, built around the 9th century, which in turn replaced an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva. The first documented information about the building of the Cathedral dates back to 1226, when the first costs and contracts related to the construction were recorded. Probably, the works began some time before that, because the consecration tooked place, according to the tradition, on November 18, 1179. Between 1238 and 1285, the church was administered by the monks of San Galgano. From 1284 to 1297, Giovanni Pisano was responsible for the construction of the lower part of the facade, completed between 1299 and 1317 by Camaino di Crescentino, father of the sculptor Tino di Camaino. The bell-tower, at a height of 77 meters, was finished in 1313. The works were completed in 1370. ART AND ARCHITECTURE The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is Read more [...]
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Located in the famous Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), between the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo di Pisa, is a masterpiece of the Romanesque style, representing the tangible proof of the prestige and wealth achieved by the Maritime Republic of Pisa at its height. SHORT HISTORY The construction of the Pisa Cathedral was started in 1064 by the architect Buscheto, at the same time with the reconstruction of the Basilica of Saint Mark, in Venice, as part of the race between the two maritime republics to create the most beautiful and sumptuous place of worship. The Cathedral was consecrated with great pomp on September 26th, 1118, by Pope Gelasius II. In the first half of the 12th century, the Cathedral was enlarged under the direction of architect Rainaldo. He designed a new facade, built by the sculptors Guglielmo and Biduino. The work was completed in 1180, as documented by the date on the bronze knockers made by Bonanno Pisano for the main door. Following the disastrous fire of 1595, the roof of the church was redone and the three bronze doors on the facade were Read more [...]
Prato della Valle
With 88,620 square meters, Prato della Valle is the largest square in Europe and one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The current configuration dates back to the late 18th century and is characterized by a central elliptical island, called Memmia island, surrounded by a canal on whose banks is a double ring of statues, with an outer circumference of 1450 meters. SHORT HISTORY In the Roman times, the area was known as Campo Marzio, named after Mars, the god of war, because it was used as a place for military meetings. Since the 12th century, various shows and games have been documented in Prato. From 1257, horse races are held here to commemorate the liberation from the tyranny of Ezzelino III da Romano. In 1310 a more extensive intervention in the area was carried out under the guidance of Fra Giovanni Eremitano. Between the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century, the town’s forgery was built near the Prato. During the 15th century, an imposing palace was built on the northern corner of Prato, as the residence of Cardinal Bessarione, now known as Palazzo Angeli. In 1498, the old Basilica of Santa Giustina Read more [...]
Scrovegni Chapel
The Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni), dedicated to St. Mary of the Charity, commissioned by Enrico degli Scrovegni and frescoed between 1303 and 1305 by the painter and architect Giotto di Bondone, is one of the most important masterpieces of Western art. Since 2006, the Scrovegni Chapel has been nominated to become the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Padua, the first being the 16th century botanical garden. SHORT HISTORY At the beginning of the 14th century, Enrico Scrovegni, a rich Paduan banker, had bought a land in Padua, in an ancient Roman area, to build a sumptuous palace and a chapel that will be used as a family mausoleum. For painting the chapel, he comissioned the Florentine Giotto, who started the work in 1303 and finished it before March 25th, 1305, when the chapel was consecrated. Giotto painted the entire inner surface of the oratory with a unitary iconography, helped by a team of about forty employees. Palazzo Scrovegni was demolished in 1827 to obtain precious materials and make room for two condominiums, and the chapel was officially acquired by the Municipality of Padua. Immediately after the purchase, the condominiums were demolished and the chapel was restored. In Read more [...]
Piazza Grande
Piazza Grande is the main square of Arezzo, located in the center of the medieval city. With an inclined trapezoidal shape, the square is one of the most beautiful in Tuscany and in the whole of Italy. In Piazza Grande, twice a year, in June and September, takes place the Joust of the Saracen (Giostra del Saracino), a traditional festival with a medieval fragrance. SHORT HISTORY In the early Middle Ages, the area of the current square was used for the livestock market, and was called Platea Porcorum. In the 13th century, the space definitively became a square, and during the 14th century, with the construction of the buildings around it, Piazza Grande took on its current appearance on three of its sides. In 1560, Cosimo I de’ Medici, as a demonstration of the strength of the new Florentine lordship, demolished Palazzo del Popolo, Palazzo del Comune and other buildings to the north of the square. At the behest of the same Cosimo I de’ Medici, the new layout of Piazza Grande was designed by Giorgio Vasari. He closed the square to the north with Palazzo delle Logge, built between 1573 and 1595. As a new political and economical Read more [...]
Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, commonly known as the Duomo of Florence, is one of the most famous churches in Italy and the world. When it was completed, in the 15th century, it was the largest church in the world, while today is the third in Europe, after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary in Milan. SHORT HISTORY In 1294, the government of Florence ordered the construction of a new cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore (Saint Mary of the Flower), on the site of the city’s second cathedral dedicated to Santa Reparata. In 1296, the architect Arnolfo di Cambio was comissioned to design the cathedral, but he died only a few years later. In 1334, Giotto di Bondone was appointed as the architect of the cathedral, and he started the building of the bell-tower. Three years later, Giotto died. Starting with 1337, the construction was supervised by Andrea Pisano, until 1348, when the Black Death halted the works. Francesco Talenti, who took Pisano’s place in 1349, altered Arnolfo’s design, and completed the bell-tower in 1359. After 1366, Giovanni di Lapo Ghini joined him. In 1420, Filippo Brunelleschi Read more [...]
Basilica of San Francesco
The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is a church in Gothic style in Assisi, located in the western part of the historical center of the town. The Basilica of Saint Francis is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Franciscan Order, an important place of pilgrimage, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Here, Saint Francis, one of the most venerated religious figures of the Catholic Church, is buried. SHORT HISTORY The Basilica of Saint Francis is composed, actually, of two churches. The Lower Church was built between 1228 and 1230, only 4 years after the saint’s death, at the behest of Pope Gregory IX, while the Upper Church was built between 1230 and 1253. Both churches were consecrated on May 25, 1253, by Pope Innocent IV. The Sacro Convento friary, with its imposing walls supported by 53 arches and powerful buttresses, was erected between the 12th and the 15th century with stone from the near Mount Subasio. An important part of the friary was built under the pontificate of Pope Sixtus IV, a Franciscan, near the end of the 15th century. A crypt was dug in 1818, for the tomb of Saint Francis. Now, the remains of Read more [...]
Basilica of Santa Croce
Basilica di Santa Croce (Basilica of the Holy Cross) is a beautiful Franciscan church located in Piazza di Santa Croce, in Florence. The church is the burial place of Michelangelo Buonarroti, one of the greatest sculptors of all time. Besides Michelangelo, inside the church are buried many famous people, including the scientist Galileo Galilei, the politician and philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, the writer Vittorio Alfieri, the poet Ugo Foscolo and the composer Gioachino Rossini. Due to this fact, the Basilica of Santa Croce is also known as the Temple of the Italian Glories (Tempio dell’Itale Glorie). SHORT HISTORY According to legend, in 1211, Saint Francis of Assisi arrived in Florence. On a little island created by the Arno River, there was a chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, which was donated to Saint Francis, and from which the current church borrowed the name. The building of the church started in 1294, after a project elaborated probably by Arnolfo di Cambio, one of the most important architects of that time. During its construction, many great artists worked here, such as Giotto di Bondone, Taddeo and Agnolo Gaddi, Maso di Banco, Giovanni da Milano, Filippo Brunelleschi and Michelozzo. Due to floods and Read more [...]
Colosseum
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, is a Roman amphitheater located in the archaeological center of Rome. One of the most visited attractions of the Eternal City, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, symbol of the power of the mighty Roman Empire. SHORT HISTORY The construction of the Colosseum began in the year 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian, of the Flavian dynasty, hence the name of Flavian Amphitheater. The amphitheater was inaugurated by Titus, son of Vespasian, in 80 AD, and completed by his brother, Domitian, in 82 AD. In 217, after a fire, the Colosseum was partially destroyed. The restoration works closed the amphitheater for five years, and the games were moved to the Circus Maximus. The last gladiatorial fights held in the Colosseum are mentioned around the year 435, and in 523 the structure hosted the last spectacle. Afterwards, the amphitheater went through a period of neglect. Starting with the 6th century, the amphitheater was used as a burial area. In the 13th century, the Frangipani family fortified it, using it as a castle. The name Colosseum appeared for the first time in the 8th century, and it probably derived from Read more [...]
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is the Cathedral of Rome, and the mother church of all the Catholic churches in the entire world. The basilica is located on the Caelian Hill, in the homonymous square. The church is the highest ranking of the four papal major basilicas, receiving the unique title of archbasilica. Its official name is Papal Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran (Arcibasilica Papale del Santissimo Salvatore e dei Santi Giovanni Battista ed Evangelista in Laterano). SHORT HISTORY The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano was built in the 4th century in an area owned by the Plauzi Laterani family, which was confiscated by the Roman Empire during the time of Nero. At the beginning of the 4th century, Constantine the Great gave the ancient land and the Lateran residence, now the Lateran Palace, to the bishop of Rome. The church was completed in the first decades of the 4th century, and consecrated in 324 by Pope Sylvester I, who dedicated it to the Most Holy Saviour. In 410, Rome was devastated by the Visigoths of Alaric, and in 455 by Read more [...]
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian or Mole Adrianorum, is an imposing castle in Rome, located on the right bank of the River Tiber, not far from the Vatican. SHORT HISTORY In the year 135 AD, the roman emperor Hadrian commissioned a mausoleum for himself and his family, a monument worthy of the Antonine dynasty. The works were completed by Antonino Pio in 139 AD. To link it to the Campus Martius area, Hadrian built also a bridge, Pons Aelius, the current Ponte Sant’Angelo. In 401, the mausoleum was included in the Aurelian Walls, and became a fortress, losing its original function as a sepulcher. As a castle, it defended the city in 410 against the Visigoths of Alaric, and in 455 against the Vandals of Genseric. In the first half of the 10th century, the castle became the stronghold of Senator Theophylact, who also used it as a prison. In the second half of the 10th century, the castle passed into the hands of the Crescenzi family. Later, the castle was owned by the Pierleoni family and subsequently by the Orsini family. Beginning with the 14th century, the papacy connected the castle to the Saint Read more [...]
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple in Rome, located in Piazza della Rotonda, not far from the Trevi Fountain. With a history of nearly 2000 years, the Pantheon is the best preserved Roman structure in the world. Once a Roman temple, the Pantheon is now a Catholic church, and one of the main attractions of Rome. SHORT HISTORY Although the inscription on the frontispiece shows that it was built by Marcus Agrippa, the Roman consul, Agrippa’s temple was erected in fact during the reign of Augustus, between 27 and 25 BC, and it was destroyed in a fire in 80 AD. The facade was the only part to be saved, that was later used to rebuild the new temple. The Pantheon was rebuilt by the emperor Domitian, but it was damaged again by a fire in 110. According to tradition, the current structure was built between the years 118 and 125 AD, during the reign of Hadrian. In 609, Pope Boniface IV converted the Pantheon into a Christian church and dedicated it to Saint Mary and the Martyrs. Around that time, the church was known as Santa Maria della Rotonda or Santa Maria ad Martyres. Two kings of Read more [...]
Fontana di Trevi
Fontana di Trevi is one of the most sought-after tourist attractions of Rome and one of the most famous fountains in the world. The monumental fountain is located in Piazza di Trevi, not far from Palazzo del Quirinale and the homonymous square. The monument was featured in many films, including Federico Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, Roman Holiday and Three Coins in the Fountain. INTERESTING FACT: Over time, a custom related to the fountain appeared – almost every tourist throws a coin in the fountain, using the right hand over the left shoulder, hoping, according to tradition, to return to Rome. An estimated 3,000€ are thrown into the fountain every day, meaning that the fountain swallows over 1 million € each year. SHORT HISTORY The Trevi Fountain is closely linked to Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct which dates back to the times of emperor Augustus. Although damaged by the siege of the Goths in 537, the aqueduct remained in use throughout the Middle Ages. The terminal point of the aqueduct was located on the eastern side of the Quirinal Hill, near a crossroad called Treio. At its center, a fountain was built in the 15th century. In 1640, after a series Read more [...]
Basilica of San Pietro
The Basilica of San Pietro, known officially as the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican (Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano), is a Renaissance church in the Vatican City, located in Piazza San Pietro. Although the basilica is technically not in Italy, you can easily visit it during your trip to Rome, and that is why we included it among the tourist attractions of the Eternal City. The Saint Peter’s Basilica is the largest of the four papal basilicas of Rome, and is considered the largest church in the world both for its size and for its importance as the center of Catholicism. However, it is not the cathedral church of the Roman diocese, since this title belongs to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, which is also the mother of all the Catholic churches in the world. SHORT HISTORY On this site, there was another church built during the 4th century by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, where, according to tradition, the first apostle of Jesus, Saint Peter, was buried after he was crucified by the emperor Nero. In the 15th century, under Pope Nicholas V, the Constantinian basilica underwent a radical transformation. Read more [...]
Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri) is a famous bridge in Venice, located in the San Marco district (sestiere), only a few meters away from Piazza San Marco. The bridge connects the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) to the New Prison (Prigioni Nuove), crossing over the canal of Rio del Palazzo. Admiring Ponte dei Sospiri from Ponte della Paglia, we can still imagine Casanova crossing the bridge, looking at the San Giorgio Maggiore island in the distance, sighing for freedom. The Venetian adventurer, who was arrested in 1755, escaped a few months later from prison, but for many others, passing over the Bridge of Sighs probably offered the last glance to the outside world. SHORT HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS Ponte dei Sospiri was built at the beginning of the 17th century by the architect Antonio Contino, son of Bernardino Contino and grandson of Antonio Da Ponte, the architect of the Rialto Bridge. More precisely, the bridge was built between 1600 and 1603 at the behest of Doge Marino Grimani, whose coat of arms is carved on the bridge, to link the New Prison and the Doge’s Palace, where the prisoners were taken to be judged. The bridge Read more [...]
Doge’s Palace
To get to know the supreme expression of Venetian culture, whether you are attracted to architecture, painting, sculpture or all together, a visit to the Doge’s Palace is imperative. Although we are often tempted to recommend the discovery of Venice on narrow streets and hidden canals, early in the morning or late in the evening, we can equally say that visiting Venice without seeing the Doge’s Palace, in the middle of the day, inside and outside, can be considered a missed visit. SHORT HISTORY Initially built of wood in the 9th century, the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) was rebuilt several times afterwards, acquiring the form we see today between 1340 and 1424, with the construction of the Great Council Chamber under the supervision of the architect Filippo Calendario. After that period, new constructions have been added to the palace, under the care of Giovanni and Bartolomeo Bon (father and son), of which we can remember the Porta della Carta, the main entrance that directs visitors to the inner courtyard. After a major fire that occurred in 1483, the inner courtyard will be rebuilt in a Renaissance style by architect Antonio Rizzo. The exterior of the white and pink marble Read more [...]
Piazza San Marco
Piazza San Marco, known in English as the St. Mark’s Square, is so famous that it does not need another presentation. A collection of religious, cultural, historical symbols, and a symbol in itself, this square is the dream of millions of tourists who are preparing to travel. Whoever you ask about Venice, or even better about the most important place in Venice, that person would give you one answer: Piazza San Marco. SHORT HISTORY During the 9th century, Piazza San Marco was just a small free area in front of the St. Mark’s Basilica. It was enlarged to the present form only in 1177, when the two canals that crossed it were filled. This change was made with the occasion of the visit of Pope Alexander III and Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, who met in Venice to sign a truce. The square was paved for the first time in the second part of the 12th century, and the pavement was changed only six centuries later, in 1723. The design was the work of the architect Andrea Tirali. The pavement was restored in 1890, keeping the model used by Tirali. In 1797, Venice was under French occupation, and the Read more [...]
Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) is the oldest of the four bridges crossing the Grand Canal, in Venice, and by far the most beautiful of them all. SHORT HISTORY OF THE RIALTO BRIDGE According to some chronicles, the first bridge over the Grand Canal built on this spot was a wooden bridge supported by boats. The first true bridge was built in the second half of the 12th century, more precisely around 1180, by the architect Nicolò Barattiero, during the time of Doge Sebastiano Ziani. The bridge was called Ponte della Moneta (Bridge of the Coins), due to a coin mint located nearby. The wooden bridge was replaced twice, in 1264, during the reign of Doge Renier Zen, and in 1310, when was damaged during the retreat of the rebels led by Bajamonte Tiepolo. In 1444, Ponte di Rialto collapsed under the weight of a large crowd gathered to watch the procession of the bride of the Marquis of Ferrara. In 1503, the construction of a stone bridge was proposed for the first time. The first project was carried out in 1514 by Fra Giovanni Giocondo, but the bridge didn’t last long and collapsed in 1524. In 1551, Read more [...]
Ponte Vecchio
Ponte Vecchio (Old Bridge) is a medieval arch bridge over the Arno River, in Florence. The bridge connects the northern bank of the river (Piazza del Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery) with the southern bank (Palazzo Pitti and the Basilica of Santo Spirito). SHORT HISTORY The first bridge on this site was a wooden one built in the year 966, that was destroyed by a flood in 1117. Reconstructed from stone, the bridge was swept away again in 1333. The current bridge was built in 1335, and was attributed to Taddeo Gaddi by the architect and historian Giorgio Vasari, but its origin is still disputed. Unlike all the other bridges in Florence, Ponte Vecchio was not destroyed by the Germans in the World War II, apparently, because of an order from Hitler himself. ARCHITECTURE Ponte Vecchio is composed of three segmental arches: the main arch has a span of 30 meters and 4.4 meters in height, and the two side arches each span 27 meters and have a height of about 3.5 meters. Starting with the 13th century, various shops were built on the bridge. At first, there were all sorts of shops, from butchers to Read more [...]
Villa Comunale
Villa Comunale is the largest public park in Trani, located in the eastern part of the town’s harbour. The park is a green oasis which offers locals and visitors a refreshing escape from the bustling town. Known for its scenic views and diverse plant life, Villa Comunale is widely considered one of the most enchanting parks in southern Italy. SHORT HISTORY OF VILLA COMUNALE Villa Comunale was inaugurated in 1824, and subsequently expanded thanks to the reclamation of the land immediately to the south, on the coast, in the area called Canneto. It was listed among the most beautiful public gardens in southern Italy in the 1937 edition of the Treccani Encyclopedia. On the central avenue of the park, located in front of the main entrance, there is the war memorial, sculpted in 1923 by Antonio Bassi. Walking along the avenue you come across a 19th-century chalet, home to exhibitions and cultural initiatives curated by local artists, and a bandstand, built in 1888 and recently restored and made functional again. In the avenues on the right are collected six milestones of the ancient Via Traiana, coming from the Ruvo-Canosa section. DESCRIPTION OF VILLA COMUNALE Villa Comunale extends over Read more [...]
Castello Svevo
Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) is a spectacular castle in Trani, located near the sea, not far from the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino. The castle is known for its historical and cultural value and is also a popular tourist destination. In 2011, it was the third most visited state museum in Apulia, with a total of almost 50,000 visitors. SHORT HISTORY OF CASTELLO SVEVO Before the current castle, Trani had already a fortification, whose exact location is unknown, built on the initiative of the Norman King Roger II, and destroyed in 1137. The construction of the Swabian Castle was begun in 1233 by order of the Emperor Frederick II, and the works were completed in 1249, according to the project of Filippo Cinardo, count of Acquaviva and Conversano. The castle was built on a rock located in the center of the Trani harbor, in a shallow water area, which protected it from possible attacks from the sea. On the top of one of the towers overlooking the sea, Frederick II had Pietro Tiepolo, son of the Doge of Venice Jacopo Tiepolo, hanged. Pietro, podestà of Milan, was taken prisoner in the Battle of Cortenuova in 1237. Frederick’s son, Manfred, Read more [...]
Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is a church in Bassano del Grappa, located in the historical center of the town, in Piazza Libertà. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA The church was erected in 1308 at the behest of the de’ Biasi family on a piece of land belonging to a hospital, located outside the Ezzelinian walls, along the road that led to Campo Marzio. The license was issued by Bishop Altegrado da Lendinara. In 1397, the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament (Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento) was added to the original church, which was expanded on this occasion. A general renovation took place during the 15th century and a document from 1435 states that a new Chapel dedicated to Saints James and Christopher was also built. In 1454, the church was enlarged again, and in 1460 the main door towards the square was opened. In 1489, the choir was rebuilt, the current Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows (Cappella dell’Addolorata). The current church dates back, in large part, to the renovation begun in 1747, then suspended for several years and resumed in 1782. This renovation was entrusted to the architect Giovanni Miazzi from Bassano del Read more [...]
Castello degli Ezzelini
Castello degli Ezzelini is a castle in Bassano del Grappa, located at the highest point in town. SHORT HISTORY OF CASTELLO DEGLI EZZELINI A defensive fortification was built around the ancient Church of Santa Maria in Colle in the 10th century, as evidenced by a document dating back to the year 998. In the second half of the 12th century, the Bishop of Vicenza, to whom the castle belonged, donated it to Ezzelino I, founder of the powerful Ezzelini family. The Ezzelini were known for their strength, influence, and at times ruthless rule. The castle served as a fortress and administrative center, allowing them to control trade routes in the area. The most notorious of the Ezzelini family, Ezzelino III da Romano, ruled with an iron fist and was feared throughout the Veneto region. Following the Ezzelini family’s fall from power in the late 13th century, the castle passed to the Scaligeri of Verona, then to the Visconti of Milan, and finally to the Republic of Venice. In 1411, during the war between the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Hungary, its fortifications resisted the attacks of the first bombards deployed by the troops of Emperor Sigismund of Read more [...]
Piazza Libertà
Piazza Libertà, known also as Piazza dei Signori, is the main square of Bassano del Grappa, located in the historical center of the town. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and its harmonious blend of historical architecture, Piazza Libertà serves as a cultural and social hub, drawing both locals and tourists alike. SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA LIBERTÀ The square was obtained by filling the moat that surrounded the second circle of walls of Bassano del Grappa, and it was called at first Piazza San Giovanni, from the name of the church built there in 1308. Starting with 1867, it was dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, King of Italy, and during the Second World War it was called Piazza del Popolo. ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA LIBERTÀ The square is the nodal point of the city where the main streets of the centre converge. On the northern side of the square, there are prestigious buildings, including the houses of the ancient Remondini printing house and Loggia del Comune. On the southern side of the square, one can find the imposing facade of the Church of San Giovanni Battista. Commissioned by the de’ Biasi family, the church dates back to 1308 and was Read more [...]
Palazzo Sturm
Palazzo Sturm, formerly known as Palazzo Ferrari and Palazzo Vanzo Mercante, is a palace in Bassano del Grappa. Today, Palazzo Sturm is best known for housing two key museums that capture the rich artisanal heritage of Bassano del Grappa – the Ceramics Museum (Museo della Ceramica) and the Remondini Print Museum (Museo della Stampa Remondini). SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO STURM Palazzo Sturm was built in the mid-18th century, in the area of Bassano del Grappa called Cornorotto. The palace incorporated a stretch of walls, a tower and a pre-existing nucleus of 15th-century buildings on the left bank of the Brenta River. The imposing structure, originally commissioned by Vincenzo Ferrari, an industrialist and silk merchant, was designed by the amateur architect Abbot Daniello Bernardi. The project included about seventy rooms of various sizes, distributed over seven levels. The upper floors, which constituted the master’s residence, also had some reception rooms, frescoed and decorated with stucco, with access via an imposing entrance. The lower floors, which had direct access to the Brenta River, housed the laboratories and workshops for the production of silk, as well as the servants’ quarters. In 1765, the Venetian painter Giorgio Anselmi elegantly decorated the ceiling and Read more [...]
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi is a square in Bassano del Grappa, located in the historical center of the town, adjacent to Piazza Libertà. The square was named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, a prominent Italian general and nationalist who played a significant role in the unification of Italy. Popularly, the square is also known as Piazza della Fontana, due to the Bonaguro Fountain (Fontana Bonaguro), located in its center, or Piazza delle Erbe, because for centuries the vegetable market was held there. SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA GARIBALDI The current appearance of the square dates from 1776, when the architect Antonio Gaidon arranged it. In 1898, the arrival of a water pipe from the Fontanazzi springs that brought pure water right to the center of Bassano, represented an event of national importance. The event was then celebrated with the construction of the Bonaguro Fountain in the center of the square. The fountain was designed by the sculptor Carlo Spazzi, and named after the mayor Antonio Bonaguro, who donated it to the community on the occasion of the inauguration of the public aqueduct. ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA GARIBALDI Piazza Garibaldi is overlooked, to the north, by the Civic Tower (Torre Civica), while to the south Read more [...]
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly known as Borgo, is the central square of Monopoli, and one of the largest in Apulia and Italy. SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II The square was created in 1796 at the behest of the King of Naples, and built following the project of the royal architect De Simone. In 1848, the square became the center of an anti-Bourbon conspiracy – the liberals of Monopoli promoted a conference of friends of freedom. On the morning of May 18, Borgo welcomed the conspiratorial congressmen, but they did not reach an agreement, the conspiracy failed and the conspirators were sentenced to many years of prison. A plaque commemorates the place where they met, located on the corner of Via Giuseppe Polignani. In 1872, the square was rearranged by the architect Losavio who, partially modifying De Simone’s original idea, opted for a garden-square arrangement. He divided it into two tree-lined rectangles. While it was necessary to wait until 1893 for the trees to grow, it was possible to immediately open, in the middle of the two rectangles, the road that continues Corso Umberto I. The war memorial stands in the southern rectangle of the square, the Read more [...]
Piazza San Benedetto
Piazza San Benedetto is a small square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. Unlike the bustling Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza San Benedetto is less-traveled and exudes the tranquility and timeless beauty of this picturesque town. The square has a calm, almost contemplative ambiance that draws visitors who seek a quieter side of Italian life. Nearby cafes and small family-owned trattorias serve traditional Pugliese food, allowing visitors to enjoy regional dishes in a relaxed setting. Sampling a fresh espresso or a glass of local wine in the square feels like an authentic Italian experience, a way to immerse oneself in the local lifestyle. SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square takes its name from the Benedictine order of monks, reflecting the area’s deep-rooted Christian heritage. Historically, the square and the structures surrounding it were central to the religious life of Polignano a Mare, especially in the medieval era. ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA SAN BENEDETTO The square is framed by traditional whitewashed buildings with wrought-iron balconies, often adorned with colorful flower pots that add a touch of color to the scene. The square has the shape of a stylized amphitheater, with stands and benches, and hosts Read more [...]
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is a small picturesque square located in the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The square is a vibrant meeting place, where the people of Polignano gather for daily interactions, social events, and seasonal festivals. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is home to a variety of cafes, gelaterias, and trattorias, where visitors can sample regional Pugliese delicacies, including the town’s famed focaccia, seafood dishes, and local wines. SHORT HISTORY OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II Once a marketplace in the medieval village, the square has remained the social focal point of Polignano a Mare since ancient times. In the past, the square was known as Piazza dell’Orologio, due to the presence of Palazzo dell’Orologio in its northwestern corner. Later, the square was named after the first king of the United Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II. ARCHITECTURE OF PIAZZA VITTORIO EMANUELE II In the northeastern corner of the square, there is the Church of Santa Maria Assunta (Chiesa Matrice Santa Maria Assunta), the former Cathedral of Polignano a Mare. In 1818, when the small diocese of Polignano was merged with that of Monopoli, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta became the mother church of the village. Inside are Read more [...]
Church of Santissima Trinita
The Church of Santissima Trinita, often referred to as the Church of Trinita, is a small church located in the square of the same name, outside the historical center of Polignano a Mare. The Church of Santissima Trinita is remarkable in its simplicity, offering a tranquil space for worship and reflection amidst the bustling beauty of the Adriatic coast. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SANTISSIMA TRINITA The Church of Trinita traces its origins back to the late medieval period, though it has seen several renovations and expansions over the centuries. ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF TRINITA The Church of Trinita is an example of traditional Italian church architecture, blending simplicity with intricate details. The exterior is marked by a modest facade, with natural stone finishes that have weathered beautifully over time. The interior of the church, with a single nave, is more elaborate than the exterior. The walls are adorned with religious frescoes and sculptures, and the altars are dedicated to specific saints. HOW TO GET TO THE CHURCH OF SANTISSIMA TRINITA The Church of Trinita is located in Piazza Trinita, about 600 meters away from the Polignano a Mare railway station. On foot, from the Read more [...]
Church of San Giovanni Battista
The Church of San Giovanni Battista (Church of St. John the Baptist) is one of the most important churches in Matera, located outside the walls of the historical center of the city, in Piazza San Giovanni. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA A church was documented on this place since 1204, under the title of Santa Maria Nuova. The church belonged to the Benedictine monks, who abandoned it in 1212. Between 1230 and 1233, the Archbishop Andrea built a new church for the Augustinian nuns arrived in Matera from Palestine in 1198, who were hosted for a while in the rupestrian Monastery of Madonna delle Virtù. After 1412, the nuns left the rule of Saint Augustine to take that of Saint Dominic, and the convent changed its title to Santa Maria dell’Annunziata. The church was abandoned in 1480, during the War of Otranto, because its position outside the city walls was too risky for the nuns. In 1610, the main facade of the church was incorporated into the adjacent hospital building, and the current facade is, actually, its right side. The church was reopened as a place of worship in 1695 by the Spanish Archbishop Antonio Read more [...]
Church of San Pietro Caveoso
The Church of San Pietro Caveoso (Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso), also known as the Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo), is a Baroque church in Matera, located in Sasso Caveoso, the southern ancient district of the city. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN PIETRO CAVEOSO The church was built in 1218, but undergone numerous changes and renovations over the centuries, and many of its original features were lost in time. In the 17th century, the church was completely renovated and the current facade was built. At the same time, the bell-tower was raised and the interior of the church was enlarged, with the addition of the side chapels. In 1706, the church was re-consecrated, as indicated on a plaque, and new improvements were made. The cusp was added on the bell-tower, the interior was covered with stucco and decorations, and a wooden false ceiling was placed under the tufa roof. ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF SAINTS PETER AND PAUL The Baroque facade presents, in the lower part, three portals with a simple frame. Above each of them, there are semi-circular niches containing statues. Above the central portal, there Read more [...]
Church of San Francesco d’Assisi
The Church of San Francesco d’Assisi is a church located in Piazza San Francesco, in Matera. The church, built in Baroque style, is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, after the saint visited Matera in 1218. SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI The current church was built in the first half of the 13th century on the place of a hypogean church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The ancient church can still be accessed today through a trap door from the third chapel on the left. The church was enlarged in the 15th century, and many transformations were subsequently made until the 18th century, when it assumed its current state, with the construction of the Baroque facade by the architects Vito Valentino and Tommaso Pennetta. ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF SAN FRANCESCO D’ASSISI The Baroque facade houses three statues in the upper part, with the Virgin Mary in the center, and Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Anthony of Padua on the sides. The interior consists of a single nave, with side chapels and a beautiful painted ceiling. The nave ends with the quadrangular apse, introduced by a pointed arch and covered Read more [...]
Castello Tramontano
Castello Tramontano is an imposing castle located on the Lapillo Hill, in Parco del Castello, overlooking the historical center of Matera. Castello Tramontano was featured in films such as Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. SHORT HISTORY OF CASTELLO TRAMONTANO Although the new King of Naples, Ferdinand II, promised to the Materans that he will not give the town to another feudal lord, the Count Giovan Carlo Tramontano obtained Matera and the surrounding area in 1496. The castle was built by the Count starting with 1501, with the purpose of feudal control over the surrounding area rather than defense of the city itself. For the construction of the castle were spent as many as 25,000 ducats, and the heavy taxation on the local population to fund the castle’s construction led to widespread resentment. The people of Matera, already struggling with poverty and difficult living conditions, grew increasingly frustrated with their new ruler’s demands. Tired of the continuous abuses, some citizens murdered the tyrant on December 29, 1514, as he was leaving the Cathedral of Matera, in a street which was later eloquently called Via della Riscatto (Street of Read more [...]
Palazzo dell’Annunziata
Palazzo dell’Annunziata is a Rococo-style palace located in Piazza Vittorio Veneto, in Matera. The front part of the palace rests on the 16th-century tower of Castello Tramontano. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DELL’ANNUNZIATA The palace was built starting with 1735 as the new Monastery dell’Annunziata for the Dominican nuns, as is written on the architrave of one of the entrances. The architect Vito Valentino from Bitonto was in charge of the project, with the approval of the Pontifical Commission of Rome. In 1734, the project was ready, and in 1735 the work was already proceeding at full speed. However, a strong friction appeared between the Dominican nuns and the architect Valentino, and in 1739 the works were suspended and Valentino was removed. In 1742, Mauro Manieri became the new architect, called directly from Lecce together with the Simone brothers, who took on the commitment to complete the work and build also a new church. Before the construction was completed, the nuns temporarily settled with other congregations. Only in 1747, the nuns came into possession of the new monastery, with the construction not yet finished and without the construction of the church. About a hundred years later, the nuns finally decided Read more [...]
Loggia and Odeo Cornaro
The Loggia and Odeo Cornaro are two Renaissance buildings in Padua, located in the eastern part of the historical center of the city, not far from the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua. The structures were part of a larger complex of buildings and gardens built by Alvise Cornaro in the first half of the 16th century, in the vast park of his residence. Of the original complex, only a rectangular courtyard of about 32 by 18 meters remains. The Loggia occupies the entire short side, while the Odeo stands in the center of the long side. SHORT HISTORY OF THE LOGGIA AND ODEO CORNARO The Loggia was desired by Alvise Cornaro as a physical expression of the idea of a humanist theater. The structure, designed by the architect and painter Giovanni Maria Falconetto from Verona, was built starting with 1524. The Odeo was built ten years after the Loggia, and it was the space intended for music and poetic recitations. Starting with 1540, the Odeo became the seat of the Academy of the Burning Ones (Accademia degli Infiammati), a philosophical and literary academy in Padua. ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE LOGGIA AND ODEO CORNARO The Loggia is Read more [...]
Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio, formerly known as Castello della Torlonga, is a fortification in Padua, located in the southern part of the historical center of the city. The castle assumed the name of Castelvecchio (Old Castle) when the construction of Castelnuovo (New Castle) began in 1513. It was also called Castello di Ezzelino, due to the sinister charm evoked by Ezzelino III da Romano, tyrant of Padua in the 13th century. Today, in reference to the lordship of the House of Carrara, it is frequently referred to as Castello Carrarese. SHORT HISTORY OF CASTELVECCHIO The Long Tower (Torlonga) was built in the 9th century in a strategic area, where the Bacchiglione River is dividing into Tronco Maestro and Naviglio. Between the 10th and 11th centuries, the tower was surrounded by a short wall that protected it. In 1237, Ezzelino III da Romano, tyrant of Padua, began building a castle around Torlonga and added another tower. Starting with 1241, Ezzelino planned the repression of the Guelph opposition and thus began to segregate the prisoners in the basement of the new castle and in the towers. In 1256, the Crusaders entered Padua at the behest of Pope Alexander IV and occupied the city. The Read more [...]
Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia
Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco, part of the architectural complex of Palazzi Mocenigo. The complex is composed of four palaces, with the three on the left known as Palazzi Mocenigo Ca’ Nova and the one on the right as Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia. Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia is located on the far right of the complex, overlooking the Grand Canal next to Palazzo Contarini delle Figure. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO MOCENIGO CA’ VECCHIA Despite the name of Ca’ Vecchia (Old House), it is the most recent building of the complex. Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia was built at the beginning of the 17th century, more precisely between 1623 and 1625, on a project by the architect Francesco Contin, on the site of an ancient structure dating back to the 15th century. Once in precarious conditions, it was recently renovated and divided into several properties. The facade, once yellow, is now painted white. Over time, the palace had prestigious guests, such as the Italian philosopher Giordano Bruno at the end of the 16th century, and the writer Thomas Moore and the poet Lord Byron at the beginning of the Read more [...]
Palazzo Mocenigo il Nero
Palazzo Mocenigo il Nero is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco, part of the architectural complex of Palazzi Mocenigo. The complex is composed of four palaces, with the three on the left known as Palazzi Mocenigo Ca’ Nova and the one on the right as Palazzo Mocenigo Ca’ Vecchia. Palazzo Mocenigo il Nero is located on the far left of the complex, overlooking the Grand Canal next to Palazzo Corner Gheltof. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO MOCENIGO IL NERO In the second half of the 16th century, Palazzo Mocenigo il Nero replaced a previous structure dating back to the 15th century. The palace was mainly used for receptions, as evidenced by the large atrium and the monumental staircase. One of the most sumptuous celebrations was in honor of Doge Alvise Mocenigo, after winning the Battle of Lepanto. In 1716, Pisana Cornaro Mocenigo received Frederick Augustus III, the King of Poland, with a sumptuous party. At the beginning of the 20th century, the palace passed by inheritance to the Robilant family, who sold it after a short while. ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO MOCENIGO IL NERO The facade of the palace is characterized by the three Read more [...]
Palazzo Corner Gheltof
Palazzo Corner Gheltof is a Gothic-style palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco. The palace overlooks the Grand Canal between Fondaco Marcello and the complex of Palazzi Mocenigo. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO CORNER GHELTOF The construction date of the palace remains unknown. Palazzo Corner Gheltof was partially rebuilt in the 16th century. ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO CORNER GHELTOFF The palace is characterized by the presence of two facades of different dates. The rear one, facing a large courtyard, still has Byzantine elements, including a well dating back to the 10th or 11th centuries, parapets with pointed arched balconies and an open staircase. The front facade overlooking Canal Grande, dating back to the end of the 16th century, is organized around a central axis made up of a water portal, a serliana (Palladian window) on the first noble floor and a quadrifora on the second noble floor. On the second noble floor, there are also two coats of arms. TIP: To admire every palace, church and bridge built on the Grand Canal, the best option is to take the waterbus Line 1 from Piazzale Roma, which will get you in about 45 minutes to San Read more [...]
Palazzo Tron a San Beneto
Palazzo Tron a San Beneto is a palace in Venice, located in the sestiere (district) of San Marco, not far from the Rialto Bridge. The palace overlooks the Grand Canal between Palazzo Corner Contarini dei Cavalli and Palazzo D’Anna Viaro Martinengo Volpi di Misurata. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO TRON A SAN BENETO The ground floor and the first floor of the palace were probably built in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest buildings on the Grand Canal. In the 15th century, Palazzo Tron a San Beneto was rebuilt under Nicolò Tron, the 68th Doge of Venice and the most famous bearer of the family name. At the beginning of the 17th century, the diplomat, politician and agronomist Nicoló Tron, named after his ancestor, left the palace to his son, Andrea Tron, the procurator of San Marco. When Chiara Tron, who was childless, died at the end of the 18th century, and the family branch of Tron a San Beneto died out, the property went in direct succession to the patrician family Donà Dalle Rose. Later, the palace, with the exception of the second floor, was sold to the Vivante merchant family. Around the middle of the Read more [...]
Palazzo Corner Contarini dei Cavalli
Palazzo Corner Contarini dei Cavalli is a palace in Venice, located in the San Marco district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal between Palazzo Grimani di San Luca and Palazzo Tron. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO CORNER CONTARINI DEI CAVALLI Palazzo Corner Contarini dei Cavalli was built around the middle of 15th century on the site of an ancient building dating back to the 12th century. At the beginning of the 16th century, Bartolomeo d’Alviano resided in the palace. He was a captain who distinguished himself in the defence of the Venetian Republic against the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian. In 1521, the palace passed through marriage to the Contarini family, who kept it until 1830, when it was sold to the Mocenigo family. Later, the palace passed successively to the Ulbricht family, to the Cavalieri family and to the Ravenna family. Currently, the building houses offices of the Ministry of Justice. ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO CORNER CONTARINI DEI CAVALLI The palace was built in Venetian-Gothic style, but has different architectural styles on its floors, as it was subject to various renovations over the centuries. The ground floor is covered with a 17th-century ashlar, with a central water portal which uses the Read more [...]
Palazzo Donà Balbi
Palazzo Donà Balbi is a palace in Venice, located in the Santa Croce district (sestiere), overlooking the Grand Canal opposite Palazzo Flangini. SHORT HISTORY OF PALAZZO DONÀ BALBI The palace was built in the 17th century, most likely by joining several adjacent buildings. Owned by the Province of Venice, the building is the current seat of the Regional Scholastic Office (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale). ARCHITECTURE OF PALAZZO DONÀ BALBI The sober plastered facade of the palace is divided into three parts. The right part is the main one, presenting the only access door and four-light windows with balconies on both noble floors. The other two parts are instead characterized by three single lancet windows. All the openings have round arches surmounted by cornices. On the ground floor, there were two secondary access doors, now closed. TIP: To admire every palace, church and bridge built on the Grand Canal, the best option is to take the waterbus Line 1 from Piazzale Roma, which will get you in about 45 minutes to San Marco Vallaresso, located near Piazza San Marco and the eastern end of the canal. And if you need more time to admire the scenery, take an enchanting Read more [...]