Ponte Sant'Agostino

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Ponte Sant'Agostino
Via San Tommaso
Padua, May 2025

“Ponte Sant'Agostino is one of the bridges that populate the city of Padua. This natural bridge, a continuation of Via San Tommaso, takes its name from the Church of Sant'Agostino, demolished in 1818. The ancient church had three naves. From the bridge you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Venetian city and admire one of its symbols: the Torre della Specola.” (Ponte Sant' Agostino, Italia Virtual Tour)

Iglesia-convento de Santa Teresa

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Iglesia-convento de Santa Teresa
Statue of Santa Teresa by Óscar Alvariño, 2016
Plaza de la Santa
Ávila, September 2025

“The Iglesia-convento de Santa Teresa is a church and convent located in Ávila, Spain. It was built by the Order of Discalced Carmelites, as outlined by friar Alonso de San José, in the Carmelite style in the first third of the 17th century, supposedly on the site where Saint Teresa of Ávila was born. The central rectangle is divided in four bodies with a triangular pediment with a circle in the middle. The lowest part contains a statue of Saint Teresa. The part below the pediment shows a large coat-of-arms. The entrance consists of three rounded arches, the middle one flanked by pilasters. The interior of the church was built in the style of the Valladolid classicism. It consists of a nave and two lateral aisles, with a transept and a cupola above the crossing. The Chapel of Birth, alongside the presbytery, coincides with place where Teresa was born.” (Iglesia-convento de Santa Teresa, Wikipedia)

San Tomaso Cantuariense

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Church of San Tomaso Cantuariense
Stradone San Tomaso
Verona, May 2025

“The Church of San Tomaso Becket, better known as the Church of San Tomaso Cantuariense, is a Catholic place of worship located near the historic center of Verona, just across the Ponte Nuovo del Popolo. It is dedicated to the English saint Thomas Becket, who was murdered in 1170 because of his aversion to Henry II of England. During the Late Middle Ages there were two churches in the area: one, older, dedicated to Thomas Becket, the second dedicated to the Virgin Annunciate and next to which stood a Benedictine monastery. In the early 15th century, the Carmelites decided to proceed with the expansion of the second one, thus laying the foundation for the present building, which would take its name from the one of St. Thomas, which was torn down. According to an inscription on the facade, construction began around 1449, continuing, not without financial difficulties, until 1504, the year of its consecration. With the arrival of Napoleon the church was used as an infirmary for French troops, and in 1805 the convent was finally suppressed. Under subsequent Austrian rule the cloister was partially demolished and many of the former convent premises used as a military prison. It was necessary to wait for the annexation of Veneto to Italy before the church could be reopened for worship. The present building looks like a combination of traditional Veronese Romanesque and late Gothic. The exterior features an austere facade with a circular rose window and a wide portal, the latter, it is assumed, coming from another building. The interior has a single nave and the pavement consists of red and white squares with the exception of the chancel, while the ceiling is covered with wooden trusses. On the interior side walls of the nave are two burial monuments sculpted by Ugo Zannoni and eight altars set in Renaissance arches. Numerous works of art are preserved that were created by famous painters from Verona, including Paolo Farinati, Girolamo dai Libri, Alessandro Turchi, and Antonio Balestra.” (San Tomaso Becket, Wikipedia)

Torre Pimentel

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Torre Pimentel
Cuesta del Tajo
Torremolinos, March 2025

“The origin of the town’s name is found in the Torre de los Molinos (Tower of the Mills), later called Torre Pimentel after a soldier who helped Ferdinand and Isabella conquer Malaga at the end of the 15th century. The tower stands between calle San Miguel and Cuesta del Tajo, on the way to Bajondillo beach. The Torre Pimentel was built more than 700 years ago, around the year 1300, and its location in the higher part of an escarpment is no coincidence. It was designed as part of an extensive network of defensive towers erected by the Nasrids along the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It was of vital importance to the Kingdom of Granada, which controlled the province of Malaga from the 13th to the 15th century. The Torre Pimentel is made of rammed earth. It is 12 metres high and has a solid base, two floors, windows and a large terrace from which Nasrid wardens watched for possible intrusions from the sea. You only have to close your eyes to imagine the guards looking out across the Mediterranean day and night.” (Torre Pimentel, Visit Torremolinos)

L'adorazione dei Magi

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‘L'adorazione dei Magi’ by Paolo Veronese
Chapel of St. Joseph, Santa Corona
Contrà Santa Corona
Vicenza, May 2025

“The chapel—the third on the right—was built in the last decade of the 18th century, after demolishing the wall where the urn containing the remains of the blessed Bartholomew of Breganze was embedded, now in the Holy Thorn Chapel. During the mid-19th century restorations, an altar with fluted columns and a triangular pediment, erected around 1570 by artists from the Pedemuro San Biagio workshop, was placed there, along with the Adoration of the Magi from the mature period of Paolo Veronese, a painting of exceptional quality and great evocative power that significantly influenced the Vicentine artistic environment, particularly the development of Francesco Maffei. The composition, with a vertical orientation, features a caravan in the lower register moving from the left, guiding the viewer’s gaze toward the Holy Family on the right, with the Madonna standing out for her beauty against a towering column. In the upper section, a metaphysical burst of light, a tangible sign of the Epiphany, contrasts with a dark sky streaked with blue. The light, as a protagonist, skillfully highlights the architectural structures and the rich garments of the figures.” (Santa Corona, Wikipedia)

Monument to Eloy Gonzalo

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Monument to Eloy Gonzalo by Aniceto Marinas, 1902
Plaza de Cascorro
Madrid, September 2025

“The Monument to Eloy Gonzalo is an instance of public art in Madrid, Spain. It is a monument dedicated to Eloy Gonzalo, the so-called Hero of Cascorro. Erected on the plaza de Cascorro, it consists of a bronze statue of the aforementioned Cuban War hero authored by Aniceto Marinas, put on a stone plinth. It is a monument dedicated to Eloy Gonzalo [es] a Spanish soldier in the Cuban War independence who, in September 1896 — during a siege by a party of about 2,500 Cuban mambises equipped with 70 mm battalion guns on a small regiment of Spanish soldiers garrisoned in the small village of Cascorro — reportedly volunteered to his superiors in a nearly suicidal mission to infiltrate the enemy lines and fire the hut used as a warehouse for the weaponry of the enemy. Reportedly equipped with a 10-liter gasoline can, a Mauser rifle, a torch and a rope (to tie himself allowing for the retrieval of his corpse in case he fell in action, as he was certain of) he succeeded against all odds, helping to demoralize the enemy until the lift of the siege by General Adolfo Jiménez Castellanos, only to die of dysentery in Matanzas in June 1897.” (Monument to Eloy Gonzalo, Wikipedia)

Borgo della Paglia

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Borgo della Paglia
Via della Paglia
Padua, May 2025

“Borgo della Paglia is a charming, narrow alleyway tucked away in the historic heart of Padua (Padova), Italy, evoking the city's Renaissance past. It's not a grand monument but a quiet slice of urban history, lined with ancient porticos, modest stone buildings, and glimpses of the Bacchiglione River. This spot is best known as the birthplace of one of Italy's most influential architects, Andrea Palladio (born Andrea di Pietro della Gondola in 1508), who lived here during his early childhood until around 1516, when his family relocated to Vicenza. A commemorative plaque marks his family's former home in nearby Via dei Rogati, part of the same neighborhood. The alley's moniker, meaning ‘Straw District’, stems from its practical origins: in medieval times, boats along the river unloaded bales of straw here to feed horses in the nearby stables of the Castello Carrarese (a 14th-century fortress). Over time, ‘paglia’ (straw) also took on a slang connotation of mockery or derision, perhaps alluding to the area's humble, working-class vibe—home to boatmen, millers, and artisans like Palladio's father, a miller.” (Borgo della Paglia, Grok)

Iglesia del Salvador

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Iglesia del Salvador
Plaza del Salvador
Segovia, September 2025

“The Church of the Savior is a Catholic temple in the Spanish city of Segovia. It is located in the city of Segovia, in the Plaza del Salvador , and is situated in the suburb of the same name. Of the original Romanesque temple, only the portico , which forms an angle with the church, and part of the tower, with closed twin windows, remain. The interior of the church has a single nave, with a Gothic ribbed vault, a transept and a main chapel, with a gilded Plateresque altarpiece, paid for by Diego Tamayo in 1587, which has a painting of the Adoration of the Kings in the center and others on the sides.” (Iglesia del Salvador, Wikipedia)

Monument to George Washington

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Monument to George Washington, 1932
Piazzale Kennedy
Parco delle Cascine (Cascine Park)
Florence, January 2025

“The monument was built in 1932 at the behest of the Americans residing in Florence, on the occasion of the second centenary of the birth of the first President of the United States of America. The work is located in piazzale Kennedy, in the central area of the Cascine Park, the largest green area in the city. The restoration was funded by: Florence Lions Club; Lions Club Florence Impruneta San Casciano; Lions Club Florence Cosimo de ' Medici; Giotto Florence Lions Club; Barberino Montelibertas Lions Club; Lions Club Le Signe. George Washington was an American politician and military. He was commander of the army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and became the first President of the United States of America. It is considered one of the great founding fathers of the American nation. Between the 19th and 20th centuries Florence became one of the favorite places for American artists and writers.” (Monument to George Washington, Art@Site)

Iglesia de San Martín de Tours

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Iglesia de San Martín de Tours
Plaza del Corrillo
Salamanca, September 2025

“The church of San Martín is a Spanish Romanesque church located in the Plaza del Corrillo and next to the southern wing of the Plaza Mayor in Salamanca. The church was built on a hermitage dedicated to Saint Peter in the 12th century, specifically in 1103 at the initiative of Count Martín Fernández, in the Toresanos neighborhood, during the repopulation of the city led by Raimundo de Borgoña by order of King Alfonso VI of León. At that time, in 1173, it was called the church of San Martín del Mercado or San Martín de la Plaza. The church, which currently appears wedged between modern buildings, has undergone numerous restorations throughout its history. Its medieval elements are largely masked by the successive reforms carried out in the temple and the modern buildings in the surroundings.” (Iglesia de San Martín de Tours, Wikipedia)

San Fermo Maggiore

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San Fermo Maggiore
Via Dogana
Verona, May 2025

“San Fermo Maggiore is a Romanesque and Gothic church in central Verona. It is dedicated to Saints Firmus and Rusticus, brothers who are local martyrs from the 3rd century. The exterior has a roofline with pinnacles, and the church once held the tomb of a member of the Scaligers. The interior has many medieval frescos, as well as later decoration, including the Brenzoni Monument (discussed below), an altarpiece of St Francis of Assisi by Giovanni Battista Belloti, whilst Veronese's Bevilacqua-Lazise Altarpiece was originally painted for a funerary chapel in the church. A crucifixion on the counter-façade is one of Turone's most significant works. A church at this site may has been traced to the 8th century, and by the 11th century a second story and belltower was added by the Benedictine order. There is a ‘lower church’ (chiesa inferiore) below the main church. The campanile was not completed until the 13th century, it contains six bells in F cast in 1755 and rung with the Veronese bellringing art. The presbytery hosts relics of the saints Fermo and Rustico.” (San Fermo Maggiore, Wikipedia)

Iglesia de San Pedro

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Iglesia de San Pedro
Plaza de Santa Teresa
Ávila, September 2025

“The Church of San Pedro is a Romanesque temple located in the Spanish city of Ávila. The church is located opposite the gate of the Alcázar in the walls of Ávila, next to the Benedictine monastery of Nuestra Señora de la Antigua. The first reference to it is found in a document from 1103, appearing in the ‘Chronicle of the Population of Ávila’ (1173). The building has a Latin cross plan, with three naves ending in three apses, the central nave being higher than the side ones. The three entrance doors are Romanesque; the one on the western side or at the foot features a large rose window above the façade. The complex is surrounded by a landscaped and paved area. It overlooks the Plaza de Santa Teresa, also known as the ‘Plaza del Mercado Grande’. Inside, it features, among other works of art, carvings of Saint Catherine and Saint Paul.” (Iglesia de San Pedro, Wikipedia)

Cinema Odeon

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Cinema Odeon
Corso Palladio
Vicenza, May 2025

“The Odeon cinema is a historic cinema in Vicenza, still in operation. It began its activity on 18 May 1907 as the ‘San Faustino cinema’, taking its name from the deconsecrated church of Saints Faustino and Giovita inside which it is located. The architectural structure and decorations of the church are substantially intact. The church had been redesigned in Baroque style in the eighteenth century. The Odeon cinema in Vicenza has been cited as the longest-running cinema in Italy for continuous programming activity, having never stopped screening films since 1907 (not even during the two world wars), except during the summer closure periods and during renovation works over the years.” (Cinema Odeon, Wikipedia)

Casa Colón Casa Cultural

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Casa Colón Casa Cultural
Plaza San Miguel
Torremolinos, March 2025

1508-2008 Padova per Andrea Palladio

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1508-2008 Padova per Andrea Palladio by Elio Armano, 2008
Riviera Tiso da Camposampiero
Padua, May 2025

“To mark the five hundredth anniversary of Andrea Palladio's birth, the Morseletto Workshop created a sculpture by Elio Armano in Vicenza stone, a ‘Palladian fragment’ inspired by the motif on the façade of Villa Pojana. The work was placed in Padua's Borgo della Paglia, where Palladio was born and spent his youth before becoming the most celebrated architect of the Renaissance.” (2008 Padua for Andrea Palladio, Laboratorio Morseletto)

Tío Pepe

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Close-up of the “Tío Pepe” sign
Puerta del Sol
Madrid, September 2025

“Tío Pepe (Uncle Pepe, named after one of the founders' uncles) is a brand of Sherry. It is best known for its fino style of dry sherry made from the palomino grape. The Tío Pepe brand is owned by the González Byass Sherry house. Tío Pepe has based its success on promoting itself as a very dry white wine to be served with food, in doing so aiming to differentiate itself from poor quality sherries and their downmarket reputation. The Tío Pepe soleras were established in 1844 and have run uninterrupted since that time.” (Tío Pepe, Wikipedia)

Cappella Pazzi

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Cappella Pazzi (Pazzi Chapel)
Largo Piero Bargellini
Florence, January 2025

“The Pazzi Chapel (Italian: Cappella dei Pazzi) is a chapel located in the ‘first cloister’ on the southern flank of the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. Commonly credited to Filippo Brunelleschi, it is considered to be one of the masterpieces of Renaissance architecture. Though funds for the chapel were assembled in 1429 by Andrea Pazzi, head of the Pazzi family, whose wealth was second only to the Medici, construction did not begin until about 1442. The chapel was completed in 1478. The building is considered to be an Early Renaissance masterpiece. Formerly considered a work of Filippo Brunelleschi (d. 1446), it is now thought that he was responsible for the plan, which is based on simple geometrical forms, the square and the circle, but not for the building's execution and detailing. The most common argument for crediting Brunelleschi is the chapel's clear similarity to the Old Sacristy of San Lorenzo; others argue that his style had developed in the twenty-year interim and that the Pazzi Chapel would represent a retrograde step. The first written mention of Brunelleschi as the architect was written by an anonymous author in the 1490s. Scholars now consider the chapel as possibly the work of Giuliano da Maiano or Michelozzo. A façade thought to have been begun by Brunelleschi, of which only the lower register can be seen, was partially obscured by the addition of a porch. The main inspiration for this piece was the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria Novella, also located in Florence.” (Pazzi Chapel, Wikipedia)

Academia de Artillería

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Academia de Artillería
Calle de San Francisco
Segovia, September 2025

“The Segovia Artillery Academy is a military academic institution in Spain founded on 16 May 1764 as the Royal Artillery College in the Alcázar of Segovia, during the reign of King Charles III at the initiative of Félix Gazzola, its first director. It is the oldest active military academy in the world. The commemorative event for the 250th anniversary of the Academy, held on 16 May 2014, was presided over by King Juan Carlos I, being the last military event he attended before announcing his abdication. The current headquarters of the Artillery Academy is what was once the Convent of San Francisco . Many of the new facilities, such as classrooms and residences, are located on the Camino de las Baterías, where the Advanced Technical degrees are taught to EMIES students.” (Academia de Artillería de Segovia, Wikipedia)

Palazzo della Gran Guardia

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Palazzo della Gran Guardia
Piazza Bra
Verona, May 2025

“The Gran Guardia is a civil building that marks the southern side of Piazza Bra in Verona. Construction of this building began in the 17th century and was completed, after a long pause, only in 1853. With its size and monumentality, it manages to compete with the Arena, which is located a few dozen meters away, beyond the 19th-century Bra gardens. The first act concerning the palace was a formal request from the captain of Verona Giovanni Mocenigo to the doge Leonardo Donà, signed on 26 September 1609; the document proposed the construction of a building to be used as a place for reviewing the troops on days when it was not possible, due to the weather, to do so outdoors. Furthermore, it was proposed to place the structure close to the walls of the Citadel, so as to already have one side complete and therefore reduce the costs and times of the work. Authorisation to build was granted as early as 30 December and, on 13 February 1610, the first contributions arrived from Venice.” (Gran Guardia, Wikipedia)

Iglesia de San Millán

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Iglesia de San Millán
Calle Veracruz
Salamanca, September 2025

“The church of San Millán, in the city of Salamanca, is an ancient temple of Romanesque origin that currently houses the interpretation center of Salamanca's heritage, called Monumenta Salmanticae. The building is located on Calle Veracruz, in the former territory of the Serrano family. Although it was one of the first Romanesque churches in Salamanca, only the apse of the original building remains. At the beginning of the 18th century the building was joined to the College of San Millán. It was rebuilt in 1765 by Jerónimo García de Quiñones. The last occupants of the building were the Servants of Mary, who used it to care for the sick. The school, founded by Francisco Rodríguez de Varillas, was the first of the smaller ones, following the four larger ones. A magnificent façade facing Calle de Libreros, now the Santa María de Los Ángeles Library, ceded by Caja Duero to the University of Salamanca, still stands.” (Iglesia de San Millán, Wikipedia)

Fedele Lampertico

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Monument to Fedele Lampertico by Carlo Spazzi, 1924
Piazza Matteotti
Vicenza, May 2025

“Fedele Lampertico (Vicenza, 13 June 1833 – Vicenza, 6 April 1906) was an Italian economist, writer and politician. He has been defined as a ‘paternalistic agrarian, undisputed leader of the conservative oligarchy, discreet and omnipotent ruler of local public life’. He was born to Domenico and Angela Valle, of a noble family. He attended high school in his hometown and was taught by Abbot Giacomo Zanella , with whom he remained a deep friend. Numerous correspondences remain between Fedele Lampertico and Giacomo Zanella, which Lampertico himself donated to the Bertoliana Library in Vicenza. He studied law in Padua, where he graduated in 1855 with a thesis in statistics.” (Fedele Lampertico, Wikipedia)

Convento de San José

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Convento de San José
Calle de las Madres
Ávila, September 2025

“The Convento de San José (Convent of Saint Joseph) is a monastery of Discalced Carmelite nuns in Ávila, Spain. It is situated not far from the center of the city but outside the medieval walls. Saint Teresa of Jesus was the driving force behind the foundation of the monastery, which was built from 1562 onwards. The church (by Francisco de Mora) was only begun in 1607 after Saint Teresa's death. The statue in the facade was commissioned by King Philip III of Spain via artist Giraldo de Merlo. The Convent of Saint Joseph is a monastery of Discalced Carmelite nuns located in the Spanish city of Ávila, in the autonomous community of Castile and León. It was the first monastery founded by Saint Teresa of Jesus, who had the support of such important figures as the Bishop of Ávila, Alvaro Hurtado de Mendoza, who was later buried there. The convent was built in the year of 1562, although the church, its most important architectural element, was built only in 1607.” (Convento de San José, Wikipedia)

Madonna dell'acqua lurida

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Madonna dell'acqua lurida (Our Lady of the Dirty Water) by Federico Soffiato, 2019
Vicolo dell'Osservatorio
Padua, May 2025

“The installation of the Madonna holding her son's nose is causing controversy. Sculptor Federico Soffiato called the statue ‘Madonna of the Dirty Water’ the artist intended to denounce the plight of polluted seas and waters. The work has sparked a storm of controversy, primarily from Northern League Senator Andrea Ostellari. It is a life-size work made from a piece of wood from Trentino that was a victim of ‘Vaia’, the storm that felled thousands of trees almost a year ago, and will be exhibited at the Future Vintage Festival.” (Madonna dell'acqua lurida, Padova Oggi)

Pergola by Salvador Moreno Peralta

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Pergola by Salvador Moreno Peralta, 2019
Plaza Costa del Sol
Torremolinos, March 2025

“Nestled in the heart of Torremolinos, Plaza Costa del Sol stands as a vibrant and inviting pedestrian zone, conveniently situated near the bustling Calle San Miguel. This entire area offers a delightful atmosphere, perfect for leisurely strolls and soaking up the town's unique ambiance. A notable feature of the plaza is the extensive redevelopment undertaken in early 2019, which introduced a stunning and expansive parasol structure that graces the center of the square, adding an architectural marvel to its charm. While exploring this area, don't forget to embark on a small treasure hunt to discover the captivating Bridget Bardot mural adorning the side of one of the nearby hotels.” (Plaza Costa del Sol, Costa del Sol Guide)

Oratory of Gesù Pellegrino

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Oratory of Gesù Pellegrino
Via San Gallo
Florence, January 2025

“The Oratory of Gesù Pellegrino, also called the Oratorio dei Pretoni, is a Roman Catholic prayer hall or oratory found on the corner of Via San Gallo and via degli Arazzieri in Florence, region of Tuscany, Italy. Formerly the church of San Salvatore, it belonged to the confraternity of that name, until in 1313 the bishop Antonio d’Orso instituted a hospice for pilgrim priests. The church was later dedicated to St James, and under the sainted Archbishop Antoninus, the confraternity set up a hospice for elderly priests. In 1585 to 1588, commissioned by Alessandro di Ottavione de' Medici, Pope Leo XI, restructuring was directed by Giovanni Antonio Dosio. In the interior are a fresco cycle and three altarpieces with episodes from The Life of Christ (1590) by the mannerist painter Giovanni Balducci. On the counterfacade is a recently restored organ. In the nave close to the entrance is the tomb of a famous parish priest, Arlotto Mainardi (1396–1484).” (Oratory of Gesù Pellegrino, Wikipedia)

La Casa Encendida

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La Casa Encendida
Ronda de Valencia
Madrid, September 2025

“La Casa Encendida is a social and cultural centre in central Madrid (on the Ronda de Valencia where it is met by Calle Valencia). It began operations in December 2002. It belongs to the Fundación Montemadrid (the formal title of which is Fundación Obra Social y Monte de Piedad de Madrid), a social responsibility entity set up by the Spanish bank Caja Madrid. Among its activities are avant-garde art exhibitions, and running courses and workshops on social matters, culture and the environment. The cultural programme includes performance art, film, exhibitions and other forms of contemporary creativity. It developed as a place which particularly supports young artists. The name La Casa Encendida (The Burning House in English) is taken from the eponymous book of the poet Luis Rosales Camacho, whose heirs gave their permission for its use” (La Casa Encendida, Wikipedia)

Bruno Ruffo

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Bruno Ruffo by Marco Da Ronco, 2009
Via Roma
Verona, May 2025

“Bruno Ruffo (Colognola ai Colli, 1920 – Verona, 2007) was an talian motorcyclist. His career began in 1937 and he won several sports competitions. He won the first racing world championship in 1949, in the 250cc class, and other two world competitions in 1950 and 1951. After two motorbike crashes he decided to resign from motorbike competitions and became a car driver for Alfa Romeo and Maserati. He abandoned racing in 1958. The monument, made in bronze by Marco Da Ronco, was inaugurated on 4th December 2009. It represents a stylised human figure on a motorbike.” (Statua dedicata a Bruno Ruffo, VisitVerona)

Casa de la Química

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Casa de la Química
Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia
Segovia, September 2025

“The Casa de la Química (House of Chemistry) is located in the Plaza de la Reina Victoria Eugenia, east of the colossal fortress of the Alcázar of Segovia. A work by Sabatini and the most notable example of Neoclassical architecture in Segovia, it is a building that, in addition to its architectural uniqueness, offers exceptional historical value as a cultural and scientific centre during a crucial period in the history of Spain. It was built between 1787 and 1790 as a laboratory for the Royal College of Artillery and its creation was part of the changes carried out by the Bourbons in 18th century Spain. Joseph Louis Proust, a prominent French chemist, was the director of the laboratory for 13 years and taught chemistry and metallurgy. His research, carried out during his time in Segovia, was of capital importance, formulating fundamental concepts such as the Law of Definite Proportions. Furthermore, Proust marked a historic milestone by carrying out the first flight for military purposes in history.” (Casa de la Química, Wikipedia)

Farmacia al Redentor

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Farmacia al Redentor
Piazza delle Erbe
Vicenza, May 2025

“The Farmacia al Redentor is located in one of the most characteristic corners of the centre of Vicenza, Piazza delle Erbe, in the shadow of the Basilica Palladiana. Entering it today is like taking a leap back in history: walnut furniture dating back to 1850, a painting depicting the Annunciation, stills, ancient pharmacy jars and a wooden statue of the ‘Redentor’, the symbol of the pharmacy itself. Upon entering, you feel like you're visiting an ancient pharmacy. Over the years, however, the business has successfully blended its tradition with the modern needs of the pharmaceutical market, offering customers a complete solution for every need and optimizing its service to meet today's dynamics. Stepping into a shop like this pharmacy is highly recommended, even just to admire a glimpse—almost unchanged—of the ancient shops of Vicenza.” (Farmacia al Redentor, Le Botteghe Storiche di Vicenza)

Iglesia de la Vera Cruz

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Iglesia de la Vera Cruz
Campo de San Francisco
Salamanca, September 2025

“The Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, located in the city of Salamanca, is a Baroque temple and home to the Illustrious Brotherhood of the Holy Cross of the Redeemer and the Immaculate Conception, his Mother, the oldest of the penitential brotherhoods in the city. It is referred to interchangeably as a Church, a Hermitage, and more commonly, a Chapel. This church was commissioned by its titular brotherhood and dates from the mid- 16th century according to a project by Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón, although it was renovated in Baroque style (1714) by Joaquín Churriguera. From the early Renaissance period, remains only the façade and the niche with the image of the Immaculate Conception, the work of Sebastián Dávila.” (Iglesia de la Vera Cruz, Wikipedia)

Oratory of San Michele

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Oratory of San Michele
Riviera Tiso da Camposampiero
Padua, May 2025

“The San Michele Oratory or Oratory of San Michele (Italian: Oratorio di San Michele) is an oratory chapel in Padova, Italy. The interior is painted with a cycle of frescoes on the life of the Virgin Mary by Jacopo da Verona. It first arose near the Torlonga del Castello Carrarese, outside the ancient Roman walls of the city. It was built in 1397 over the ruins of the Santi Arcangeli church, which had been renamed San Michele by the Lombards, who proclaimed Michael the Archangel "patron of Italy" after their victory over the Byzantine Empire[1] The earlier church had been damaged in 1390 by a fire triggered by clashes between the Carraresi and Visconti during Francesco Novello da Carrara's siege of the city. After the city's fall, the Bovi family decided to build a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, opening a gap in the north side of the old church's nave.” (San Michele Oratory, Wikipedia)

Casa de los Deanes

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Casa de los Deanes (Museo de Ávila)
Plaza Nalvillos
Ávila, September 2025

“The Ávila Museum, located in the Casa de los Deanes, is a cultural space in the city of Ávila, Spain. Its origins as a centuries-old museum date back to 1911. Since 1987, it has been managed by the Regional Government of Castilla y León. Its collection includes works of archaeology and fine arts, as well as an extensive ethnological catalogue of the area. It is owned by the State through the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. The first institution that preceded the Museum of Ávila was created as an ‘Honorary Museum’ by the Monuments Commission of the province of Ávila and inaugurated in 1911 in the building of the ‘Teresianos Library and Museum’, as the repository of the province's Historical and Artistic Heritage. It later passed through other locations in the Alcázar, the Arch of San Vicente, the cloister of the Cathedral, and the Chapel of Las Nieves (with periods of storage in various municipal warehouses). Finally, in 1968, it was institutionalized as a Provincial Museum, ‘with its own exhibits, building, budget, and staff, linked to the Ministry of Education, and later to Culture.’ It reopened in 1971. In 1986, it was remodeled as the Ávila Museum, and a year later, it was managed by the Regional Government of Castile and León. Since 1969 the museum has been located in the Casa de los Deanes, extending its collection in 1998 to the Almacén Visitable de Santo Tomé, in the historic space of the Plaza de Nalvillos in the capital of Avila. The Casa de los Deanes building was declared a Site of Cultural Interest, with the category of monument, on October 1, 1962.” (Museo de Ávila, Wikipedia)

Palazzo degli Affari

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Palazzo degli Affari by Pierluigi Spadolini, 1974
Piazza Adua
Florence, January 2025

“The Palazzo degli Affari is located in Piazza Adua in Florence, next to the Santa Maria Novella station. The Palazzo degli Affari was designed by architect Pierluigi Spadolini and is used for conferences. Inaugurated in 1974, it is a modern 4,000 m² structure with a total capacity of 1,800 people. It hosts conferences and exhibitions, poster sessions, press rooms, high fashion shows, as well as business lunches and gala dinners. From the attic of the building you can admire the panorama of Florence and the large centuries-old park that connects the structure of the Congress Palace.” (Palazzo degli Affari, Wikipedia)

Gianni Versace Retrospective

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Gianni Versace Retrospective
Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja
Plaza del Obispo
Málaga, March 2025

“Gianni Versace's flamboyant style is now on display in Málaga! The Centro Cultural Fundación Unicaja is home to the impressive Gianni Versace Retrospective exhibition, which brings together 120 looks and some 400 original pieces. From designs for superstars like Elton John, Prince and Kate Moss to the revolutionary metallic mesh dresses and baroque prints that defined 90s fashion. The exhibition takes you into Versace's world: a journey through opulent baroque, minimalism, punk and the supermodel revolution. You will discover how his extravagant style introduced a new kind of luxury, worn by the nouveau riche and icons like Lady Di. The influence of his Italian roots is evident, from classical Greek influences to the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress inspired by Warhol.” (Versace in Málaga, Second Home Andalusia)

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes

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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

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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

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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

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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

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‘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

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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

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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)

Santo Tomé el Viejo

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Santo Tomé el Viejo
Plaza de Italia
Ávila, September 2025

“The church of Santo Tomé el Viejo, is a Catholic temple located in the Spanish city of Ávila in Castile and León. It is located in front of the wall, exiting through the arch of the Weight of the Flour or of the Cathedral. It already existed before 1150 and was remodeled at the end of the 12th century in Romanesque style. After the confiscation of 1835 it was converted into a workshop and service station until in 1960 it reverted to the Spanish state, which linked it to the provincial museum of which it is part as a visitable warehouse.” (Iglesia de Santo Tomé el Viejo, Wikipedia)

Caduti per la Libertà

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Monumento ai caduti per la Libertà by Mario Salazzari, 1947
Piazza Bra
Verona, May 2025

“The monument was inaugurated on April 25, 1947. The artist is Mario Salazzari (Lugagnano di Sona, 1904 - Verona, 1993), sculptor, poet, musician, and partisan fighter. A student of the Veronese sculptor Egidio Girelli at the Cignaroli Academy of Fine Arts, he was one of the most active and prolific artists in Verona. He created two of the equestrian groups on the Ponte della Vittoria bridge and created several war memorials, including one in the Borgo Roma neighborhood and one dedicated to the Cefalonia massacre in Verona. In early 1946, Salazzari sculpted the figure of a Partisan, a work particularly dear to the artist, to commemorate the first anniversary of April 5, the national holiday of Liberation. The statue depicts a soldier with a machine gun on his shoulders. The work has been compared to Michelangelo's David, an iconography used by fascist ideology, whose meanings are reversed here: the partisan personified as David cunningly defeats the Nazi-Fascist giant Goliath. Furthermore, compared to Michelangelo's work, the figure of the partisan, with its fluid modeling, appears slimmer and formally simplified.” (Statua dei Caduti per la Libertà, VisitVerona)

Fuente de la Diosa Pomona

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Fuente de la Diosa Pomona by Juan Bautista Bado, 1864
Plaza de San Francisco
Málaga, March 2025

“The Plaza de San Francisco emerged in the mid-19th century as a result of the urban reforms brought about by the Mendizábal confiscation. The disappearance of the Franciscan convent of San Luis el Real allowed its square to become a public square. Several cultural institutions, such as the Lyceum and the Philharmonic Society, were built in parts of the former monastery, giving the square a cultured and romantic atmosphere as a meeting place for writers, musicians, and artists. It was precisely at this time that a classically inspired fountain was installed in the center of the square's triangular space, crowned by a sculpture of the Etruscan-Roman goddess Pomona, protector of flowers and fruits. This fountain, initially acquired for installation at Porta Nuova, was made of Carrara marble by the sculptor Juan Bautista Bado in the Italian city of Savona. The fountain's pillar rises from a circular marble basin, with a pedestal-like column shaft bearing the date of its execution (1864). The upper half of this shaft is fluted, while the lower half is decorated with four masks (from whose mouths water flows), connected by garlands. The goddess appears dressed in Roman style, wrapped in heavy draperies, and carries a basket of flowers and fruit in her left hand, symbolizing her protection of fruit trees.” (Fountain of the Goddess Pomona, Fuentes de Málaga)

Bartolomeo Montagna

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Bartolomeo Cincani ‘il Montagna’
Giardini Salvi
Corso SS. Felice e Fortunato
Vicenza, May 2025

“Bartolomeo (or Bartolommeo) Montagna (1450?– 11 October 1523) was an Italian Renaissance painter who mainly worked in Vicenza. He also produced works in Venice, Verona, and Padua. He is most famous for his many Madonnas and his works are known for their soft figures and depiction of eccentric marble architecture. He is considered to be heavily influenced by Giovanni Bellini, in whose workshop he might have worked around 1470. Benedetto Montagna, a productive engraver, was his son and pupil and active until about 1540. He was mentioned in Vasari's Lives as a student of Andrea Mantegna but this is widely contested by art historians.” (Bartolomeo Montagna, Wikipedia)

Canal de Isabel II

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Elevated reservoir of the Canal de Isabel II
Calle Santa Engracia, Chamberí
Madrid, September 2025

“Canal de Isabel II (CYII) is the company that manages the bulk of water supplies for the Community of Madrid. It is primarily owned by the regional administration through the so-called Ente Público Canal de Isabel II, with a minor stake owned by local governments. The Y in the abbreviated form of the company's name is from the old spelling Ysabel for Queen Isabel II, during whose reign a modern water supply was provided for Madrid. A canal was constructed to provide water from the catchment of the river Lozoya. The water entered the city through its northern suburbs using gravity.” (Canal de Isabel II, Wikipedia)

Tobiolo

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Tobiolo by Amleto Sartori, 1958
Piazzetta Garzeria
Padua, May 2025

“The sculpture ‘Tobias’ represents an emblematic moment in Sartori's artistic maturity, steeped in biblical and mythological imagery that reflects his passion for literature and the human condition. Made in 1958 as a full-relief bronze sculpture (approximately 1 meter tall), it depicts Tobias (or Tobiolo), the young protagonist of the Old Testament Book of Tobit, captured in the dynamic gesture of clutching a fish in his arms. This episode alludes to the miracle in which Tobias, guided by the Archangel Raphael, catches a fish in the Tigris River: from its entrails he will extract the gall that will cure his father Tobit's blindness. The figure is rendered with elegance and vitality: the boy's slender, athletic body, twisted, conveys muscular tension and a sense of imminent movement, as if the fish could escape at any moment. Sartori infuses the sculpture with a grace ‘possessed by the material’, where the bronze seems to come alive with an emotional storm – formal perfection combined with a playful cunning, echoing his theatrical masks. The work is part of a series of ‘heroic and mythological’ sculptures that Sartori produced in the postwar period, often in cast bronze, influenced by his exploration of form and gesture. Displayed in retrospective exhibitions (such as the 2015 one at the Galleria Cavour in Padua for the centenary of his birth), ‘Tobiolo’ is praised for its ability to ‘come alive in an instant’, symbolizing themes of salvation, youth, and divine intervention.” (Tobiolo, Grok)

Alcázar de Segovia

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Alcázar de Segovia
Plaza Reina Victoria Eugenia
Segovia, September 2025

“The Alcázar of Segovia is a medieval castle located in the city of Segovia, in Castile and León, Spain. It has existed since at least the 12th century, and is one of the most renowned medieval castles globally and one of the most visited landmarks in Spain. The fortress stands on a rocky crag at the western end of Segovia's Old City, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, above the confluence of the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Since its declaration as a National Archive by a Royal Decree in 1998, it has been used as a museum and a military archive. It has also been used as a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, and a military academy. The Alcázar served both as a royal palace and a fortress for the Castilian monarchs. Its history begins in the 12th or early 13th century when the royal family of Castile had quarters in the Alcázar, known as the "major palace". In the Homage tower, the treasure of the Crown of Castile was stored, from which funds were secured to finance Christopher Columbus's first voyage. In 1437, the books of the royal administration were moved to the Alcázar, establishing one of the first royal archives of Castile and laying one of the foundations for the current General Archive of Simancas. Additionally, the Alcázar housed the royal armory, which served as the basis for the one now exhibited in the Royal Armoury of Madrid.” (Alcázar of Segovia, Wikipedia)

Church of San Giuseppe

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Church of San Giuseppe
Via San Giuseppe
Florence, December 2024

“San Giuseppe is a Baroque architecture, Roman Catholic church building located on Via San Giuseppe, near Piazza Santa Croce, in central Florence, region of Tuscany, Italy, and is one of two churches and an oratory in the city dedicated to Saint Joseph. The church was built on a site that once held the oratory of the Confraternity of St. Joseph, and the present church was designed by Baccio d'Agnolo. In 1583, the complex was deeded to the Minims of Saint Francis of Paola. A new façade was completed in 1759. When the Minim order was suppressed in 1784, the convent was put to new uses.” (Church of San Giuseppe, Wikipedia)

Palacio de la Salina

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Palacio de la Salina
Calle San Pablo
Salamanca, September 2025

“The Palacio de la Salina in Salamanca is a Plateresque-style building with Italian elements, constructed in 1538. It features a graceful façade and a courtyard with arches, capitals, and corbels of great interest. The architect was Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. The palace was built by Rodrigo de Messía Carrillo (or Mejía), married to Doña Mayor de Fonseca y Toledo, lords of La Guardia, which is why it is also known as the Palace of Don Rodrigo de Messía or Fonseca. The firstborn of the marriage, Gonzalo Messía Carrillo, inherited most of the family assets on August 17, 1549, but the mother wanted to bequeath to her second son, Juan Alonso de Fonseca, some assets she had brought to the marriage and, among them, the palace (and it is quite possible that the son adopted his mother's family name for this reason). For this reason, the Fonseca coat of arms appears on the façade and the palace is known as the Palace of Fonseca. It owes its name (La Salina) to having been the headquarters of the salt monopoly (until 1870) and its layout, open to the street, shows that it is a building constructed from the beginning to be public and not intended as a residence, so it can be stated that said Juan Alonso de Fonseca, was the concessionaire of the salt monopoly in the city. And also that the legend that links the palace to Archbishop Fonseca is not true either. It has been the headquarters of the Provincial Council since 1884. The institution purchased it in 1881.” (Palacio de la Salina, Wikipedia)