Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

---

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
Viale dei Colli
Verona, May 2025

“Situated atop Belvedere Hill in Verona, there stands a truly enchanting sanctuary that commands a breathtaking view of the city. This sanctuary, known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, is a place of devotion for pilgrims and a serene meeting spot for those seeking solace amidst its tranquil surroundings. Originally constructed in 1908, the Sanctuary dedicated to the Madonna of Lourdes fell victim to the ravages of the Second World War bombings. Remarkably, the only surviving relic was the statue of the Immaculate, a splendid piece of art crafted by the sculptor Ugo Zannoni. This marble statue, perched high above, earned universal acclaim as one of the most cherished masterpieces of Veronese art, owing to its exquisite beauty and profound religious significance. Following the demolition of the central caponiera, a truncated conical dome was added to crown the Sanctuary. Within the church's interior, a spacious window provides a clear view of the Immaculate statue. In June 1964, the newly inaugurated temple underwent a complete transformation, giving it a modern and eclectic architectural style that now graces the cityscape, commanding attention from the hilltop. Distinctive in its round form, the Sanctuary of Lourdes in Verona harmonizes gracefully with the surrounding fortifications, a unique sight in the world. The Sanctuary of Lourdes in Verona houses a multitude of invaluable art treasures. Among them are the fifteen bas-reliefs depicting the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, skillfully crafted by sculptor Vittorio Conte di Colbertaldo. The interior of the Sanctuary is adorned with precious canvases created by Professor Aronne Del Vecchio. Additionally, the crypt shelters a fifteenth-century fresco of the Madonna with Child, attributed to the school of Altichiero da Zevio, further enhancing the sanctity and cultural significance of this remarkable place.” (Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes, GPSmyCity)

Museo Geominero

---

Museo Geominero
Calle de Ríos Rosas, Chamberí
Madrid, September 2025

“The Museo Geominero (Geomineral Museum) is a geology museum displaying minerals and fossils from Spain and its former colonies. It is located inside the Instituto Geológico y Minero de España building in Madrid, Spain. The museum has its roots in the collection of the 'Comisión para formar la Carta geológica de Madrid y la general del Reino' (Commission to form the geographical letter of Madrid and the kingdom), which was created by Isabella II in 1849. The collection has been housed in its current location since 1927, and was conceived of by Spanish mining engineer D. Primitivo Hernández Sampelayo. It has been known as the Museo geominero since 1989. The museum is located in the headquarters of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain. The building was designed by Spanish architect Francisco Javier de Luque, and built between 1921 and 1925. The contents of the museum are displayed in 250 showcases on the ground floor of the building and three perimeter balconies.” (Museo Geominero, Wikipedia)

Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi

---

Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi by Ettore Ferrari, 1887
Piazza Castello
Vicenza, May 2025

“The monument to Garibaldi is a sculpture located in Piazza del Castello in Vicenza and is the work of the sculptor Ettore Ferrari. It was inaugurated on 21 August 1887 (27th anniversary of Garibaldi's entry into Reggio Calabria). The monument's inauguration took place in pouring rain. The day's program included: the inauguration of the monument at 10:00 a.m., a musical concert at the Teatro Olimpico at 1:00 p.m., a social banquet at 4:00 p.m., a torchlight procession in the evening (which was cancelled due to bad weather), and a gala performance of the opera-ballet ‘L'Africana’ at 9:00 p.m. at the Teatro Comunale. Sculptor Ettore Ferrari himself was present that day, praising Vicenza for its patriotism, similar to that of his native Rome. Among those present were Garibaldi's followers from Vicenza and the surrounding province.” (Monumento a Garibaldi, Wikipedia)

Santa María del Parral

---

Monasterio de Santa María del Parral
Calle del Parral
Segovia, September 2025

“Monastery of Saint Mary of Parral (Spanish: Monasterio de Santa María del Parral) is a Roman Catholic monastery of the enclosed monks of the Order of Saint Jerome just outside the walls of Segovia, Spain. The monastery was founded by King Henry IV of Castile, who acquired the lands before he became king in 1454. Despite a generally irreligious life, Henry IV maintained connections with the Hieronymites and was buried in the sister-house of Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe. In the 16th century a mint was built near the monastery using the Eresma River to power the machinery. The monastery was closed as part of the secularisation program of 1835 (the Ecclesiastical confiscations of Mendizábal). Following a Papal Decree of 1925, the Hieronymite Order was re-established here in the following years and was finally granted its Rule in 1969.” (Monastery of Santa María del Parral, Wikipedia)

Colombi

---

‘Colombi’ (Doves) by Nerino Negri, 1972
Piazzetta Garzeria
Padua, May 2025

“The sculpture titled ‘Colombi’ is one of the most iconic works by Paduan sculptor Nerino Negri (1924–2012), created in 1972 and integrated into the fountain designed by architect Francesco Mansutti. It is located in Piazzetta Garzeria, a small pedestrian area in the heart of Padua's historic center, near Piazza dei Signori and the Duomo. Originally, the sculpture included multiple elements, including doves in flight and in pose, arranged around the fountain's basin. However, due to repeated vandalism and attempted theft over the years, two of the doves in flight were removed and transferred to the Civic Museum of Padua for preservation. The remaining ones are securely anchored, blending perfectly with their surroundings.” (Colombi, Grok)

Iglesia de San Marcos

---

Iglesia de San Marcos
Plaza San Marcos
Salamanca, September 2025

“Founded in the early 12th century, this Church of San Marcos is located on the outskirts of the historic center of Salamanca, located in ‘Puerta Zamora’. It stands out for its circular plan and architectural features, Romanesque style. The church has witnessed the history of Salamanca since its repopulation until today, with great importance of the Real Clerecía. Currently, it continues to serve as a parish and is a place of interest in the city of Salamanca. The church of San Marcos has its origins in the repopulation and organization of the city of Salamanca in the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The city was beginning to be a main axis of Extremadura (a term used in the Reconquista to name those territories located at the extreme ends, that is, on the borders of León) and therefore began to be a focus of people of diverse origins, heterogeneous groups. The typically medieval city, in its northwestern part, next to the ‘Puerta Zamora’, with a low population density, a parish community is grouped, characterized by Castilians. These associations of clergymen joined together to protect their interests and rights. Thus was formed the Clergy of Salamanca, which played an important role both in the reconstruction of the city after the Muslim eviction and in the population increase.” (Iglesia de San Marcos, Wikipedia)

Blue triceratops

---

Blue triceratops
LuisaViaRoma Kids
Viale Don Minzoni
Florence, December 2024

“For LuisaViaRoma, 2024 is proving to be a crucial year in its retail expansion plan. The company opened its New York store on Via Bond in July. With LuisaViaRoma Kids, the number of stores now stands at three. The space, located at Viale Don Minzoni 31/a, extends over three levels with a total surface area of approximately 400 square meters: they are dedicated respectively to the Baby (0-2), Kids (4-10 years), and Teen (10-18 years) worlds. The store also features a play area where children can play while their parents shop. ‘This unique space is aimed at modern and ever-evolving families,’ explain LuisaViaRoma, underlining that the offering is thus extended to babies, children and adolescents with a wide selection of toys, baby care, design and furniture for all ages.” (LuisaViaRoma opens to the world of kids with a new store, InToscana)