Los Molinillos by Ángel Cañizares

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Los Molinillos by Ángel Cañizares
Avenida Antonio Machado
Benalmádena, March 2025

“This roundabout is located at the junction of Avenida Antonio Machado and Avenida Federico García Lorca. A crossroads of poets in front of Santa Ana beach, a few metres from the Roman site of Los Molinillos, it is decorated by a series of masts similar to those of a sailing ship with coloured windmills that move in the wind. Clearly playful in tone, this sculptural ensemble was designed by Ángel Cañizares, architect and film set designer of unforgettable films by Samuel Bronston, such as ‘55 Days at Peking’ ‘Papillon’, ‘Doctor Zhivago’, among others.” (Rotonda de los Molinillos, Benalmádena Turismo)

Ponte di Ferro

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Ponte di Ferro
Via Patriarcato
Padua, May 2025

“You'll see an iron bridge in front of you, where a wooden bridge had previously stood since the 13th century. It was rebuilt in the 16th century, and in 1828, Italy's first suspension bridge with wire ropes was inaugurated. Unfortunately, this bridge was little used and left to decay, although the current bridge, a pedestrian walkway, still has its charm. With its street lamps at the entrances and its Art Nouveau arch, this wrought iron bridge, built in 1881, reminds me a bit of a famous bridge in Dublin, a splendid wrought iron bridge, the Ha'Penny Bridge.” (Una passeggiata nella ‘vecchia Padova’ lungo i canali e sotto ai ‘porteghi’, Blog di Padova)

Templo Nacional de Santa Teresa de Jesús

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Templo Nacional de Santa Teresa de Jesús
Plaza de España, Moncloa - Aravaca
Madrid, September 2025

“The National Temple of Saint Teresa of Jesus is a Catholic temple located in the Plaza de España in Madrid and belonging to the Carmelite order. With the name National Temple of Saint Teresa of Jesus and Convent of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers it was declared an asset of cultural interest on December 20, 1995. From 1965 to 2015 it was the headquarters of the Parish of Saint Teresa and Saint Joseph, for which the temple is also known by that name.” (Templo Nacional de Santa Teresa de Jesús y Convento de los Padres Carmelitas Descalzos, Wikipedia)

Palazzina Indiano

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Palazzina Indiano
Piazzale dell'Indiano
Parco delle Cascine (Cascine Park)
Florence, January 2025

“The Palazzina Indiano (sometimes also called the Palazzina dell'Indiano or Palazzina ex Indiano) is a historic stone building located downstream, in the western area of the Cascine park in Florence. It was built in 1872 as a public café near the confluence of the Arno and the Mugnone rivers and close to the pedestrian bridge that crosses the latter. It takes its name from the fact that the ashes of the Indian prince Rajaram Chuttraputti were scattered here in 1870, in whose honour a funerary monument was also built.” (Palazzina Indiano, Wikipedia)

Santos Justo y Pastor

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Iglesia de los Santos Justo y Pastor
Plaza de San Justo
Segovia, September 2025

“The church of Saints Justo and Pastor is a Catholic church located in Segovia, Spain, near the Plaza del Azoguejo, on the other side of the aqueduct. It is a Romanesque church built in the 12th century on the remains of a hermitage that was originally dedicated to the Christ of the Gascons. Its Romanesque paintings are significant. The temple, located in the Plaza de San Justo, is built of masonry. It displays typical Romanesque architectural elements. It has one of the most outstanding towers in Segovia, in which there are openings with columns and two doorways, one of them closed to the outside and only visible from the inside, and the other polychrome and belonging to the late Romanesque.” (Iglesia de los Santos Justo y Pastor, Wikipedia)

Palazzetto Fontana al Teatro Romano

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Palazzetto Fontana al Teatro Romano
Lungadige Rigaste Redentore
Verona, May 2025

“The entrance to the archaeological area and the museum is through Palazzo Fontana, a Renaissance building which has incorporated significant remains of the stage building of the ancient Roman theatre of Verona, which are still easily observable and distinguishable today. The building, so called after the name of the family who lived there in the eighteenth century and who conducted the archaeological excavations of the theatre, has on the ground floor the ticket office and an introductory room to the archaeological site, while on the upper floors there are some classrooms for laboratory activities, intended in particular for the use of school groups.” (Museo archeologico al teatro romano, Wikipedia)

Palacio de San Boal

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Escuela de Bellas Artes San Eloy
Palacio de San Boal
Plaza de San Boal
Salamanca, September 2025

“The Palacio de San Boal is a building in the Spanish city of Salamanca, constructed in 1470, along with the Arias Corvelle Palace, forming a single palace. They were later separated by the Marquis of Almarza. The silkscreen decoration of the façade dates back to the 17th century. In 1906, it was purchased from Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa. It housed the San Eloy School of Arts and Crafts and the Salamanca Music Conservatory. The school was founded in the late 18th century by the Salamanca silversmiths' guild and has belonged to the Caja Duero Social Work since 1947. The building currently houses the Caja Duero Foundation, as well as the Youth Chamber Orchestra and the Children's Choir, which are affiliated with the foundation. The San Eloy Exhibition Hall is located on the ground floor, and the San Eloy Library, which specializes in art, is located on the first floor.” (Palacio de San Boal, Wikipedia)

Thiene Chapel

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Thiene or Saints Peter and Paul Chapel
Santa Corona
Contrà Santa Corona
Vicenza, May 2025

“The chapel concludes the right nave, retaining its original 13th-century rectangular plan. Originally in late Gothic style, it was called the golden chapel for its walls painted with saints ‘mixed with gold’ and a blue ceiling studded with stars, illuminated by a large golden ray. It was granted in 1390 to the knight Giovanni Thiene, who was buried in 1415 in the sarcophagus he had prepared, located on the left wall, adorned with three later marble statues. On the right wall is the sarcophagus of the knight Marco Thiene, Giovanni’s great-uncle, decorated with an image of the Madonna and Child. The two sarcophagi are among the most significant works of Venetian sculpture from the late 14th to early 15th centuries. The deceased are depicted lying with hands clasped, fully dressed in armor with a sword at their side; at their feet lies a dog, a symbol of loyalty. The sarcophagi feature bas-relief images of helmets and crests on the front. Above the sarcophagi are two flamboyant Gothic lunettes, frescoed inside. In the frescoes, the two knights are depicted symmetrically, kneeling, presented by a saint to the Madonna enthroned with the Child, accompanied by other saints, likely works by the Lombard painter Michelino da Besozzo. The entire chapel was renovated in the early 18th century due to its poor condition, redecorated in the Rococo style under the supervision of Francesco Muttoni. A new altar was installed, featuring an altarpiece of the Madonna enthroned with the Child venerated by Saint Peter and Saint Paul, with Saint Paul visually recalling Pope Pius V, the proponent of the Holy League that led to the Battle of Lepanto, a work by Giambattista Pittoni.” (Santa Corona, Wikipedia)

Ermita de San Esteban

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Ermita de San Esteban
Travesía San Esteban
Ávila, September 2025

“Built in the mid-12th century, it is the only Romanesque church preserved within the city walls. Built in ‘caleña’ stone, it retains its original structure, including the powerful apse, the northern closure, and materials reused in the 16th century for its reconstruction. The doorway is organized around an archivolt decorated with four-petalled rosettes, a reinterpretation of the original, dismantled doorway. The apse is broken only by two small columns and the eaves corbels, with decoration influenced by Cantabrian Romanesque. Inside, and despite its small size, it has three naves, the lateral ones being very narrow strips, perhaps a later adaptation of a space conceived as a single one. One of its greatest assets is the capitals on which the vault of the chancel rests: their decoration of plant, animal and anthropomorphic motifs is in keeping with the purest Romanesque style. The pulpit staircase stands out inside, made from a single piece of granite and decorated with waves that demonstrate its Visigothic affiliation. Declared a National Monument in 1923.” (San Esteban, ÁvilaTurismo)

Palazzo Pisani de Lazara

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Palazzo Pisani de Lazara
Riviera San Benedetto
Padua, May 2025

“Palazzo Pisani de Lazara is a civil building in Padua. Built in 1783 as the first example of neoclassical architecture in the city; the design is by the architect Giannantonio Selva.” (Palazzo Pisani de Lazzara, Wikipedia)

Playa de Malapesquera

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Playa de Malapesquera
Avenida Juan Sebastián Elcano
Benalmádena, March 2025

“According to the old fishers in the area, this beach’s name comes from the lack of catch caught there. Today it’s Benalmádena’s largest and most popular beach thanks to its proximity to the town’s most iconic hotels. The beach at more than 700 metres long and an average width of 50 metres has the Puerto Marina and Santa Ana Beach surrounding it. It’s famous for its ideal swimming conditions, thanks to its clear waters and moderate swells. It also has facilities for a variety of sports. It’s the only beach in Benalmádena with a green area with palm trees and grass that are ideal for taking in the shade. Its centric location makes this beach one of the most beloved for both locals and visitors to Benalmádena alike.” (Malapesquera Beach, Visit Costa del Sol)

Pescaia delle Cascine

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Pescaia delle Cascine
Parco delle Cascine (Cascine Park)
Florence, January 2025

El Vecino Curioso

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El Vecino Curioso (The Curious Neighbor) by Salvador Fernández Oliva, 1999
Calle de la Almudena
Madrid, September 2025

“Madrid has almost 2,000 sculptures, some of which are predictably dedicated to former monarchs, military heroes, and other prominent public figures. Yet some of the more interesting statues are compelling precisely because of how ordinary they are. Look carefully and you'll find life-size depictions or anonymous Madrileños going about their business. ‘El Vecino Curioso’, or ‘The Curious Neighbor’, is a bronze of a middle-aged gentleman created by sculptor Salvador Fernández Oliva in 1999. He appears to be leaning on a railing and looking down at the archeological remains of Santa María de la Almudena, the first church to be built in Madrid. The statue is anchored directly to the sidewalk, without a base. Unfortunately, only a few remnants of the original church survived after it fell victim to the construction work on Calle de Bailén in 1868. What's left is visible through a protective glass case, into which this curious neighbor peers. The statue's underside is polished from the many times it has been touched. Some say this is out of habit, others think it brings good luck. The statue has spent several decades in the same place, practicing the national sport of pensioners: ‘watching the works’.” (The Curious Neighbor, Atlas Obscura)

Basilica di Santa Anastasia

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Basilica di Santa Anastasia
Piazza Santa Anastasia
Verona, May 2025

“The church of San Pietro da Verona in Santa Anastasia, better known as the basilica of Santa Anastasia, is an important Catholic place of worship that stands in the heart of the historic center of Verona; it is located at the end of the decumanus maximus of the city in Roman times, near the point where the wide meander of the Adige river is crossed by the Ponte Pietra, where the two main traffic routes of the city, road and river, gravitate. It is the largest, most solemn and representative church in Verona, a reflection of a lively moment in the city's life, when the expansion and consolidation of political and economic institutions allowed the community, in synergy with the Scaliger rule, the Dominican clergy and the Castelbarco family, to make a considerable financial effort to build this important temple, a symbol of their power. The church represented the most important Gothic period for Verona. In the years immediately following its construction, it became a point of reference on which the designs of several other religious buildings were based, especially thanks to some innovations that St. Anastasia introduced into the plan, with the development of a wide transept and the articulation of the apsidal area into four chapels on either side of the presbytery, where the high altar is located, to the wall structure entirely in brick and to the new type of bell tower. The façade is unfinished, except for a majestic Gothic mullioned doorway that leads to a large interior divided into three naves by monumental cylindrical columns. On either side of the two naves are a series of chapels and numerous altars, the most famous of which is the Fregoso altar by Danese Cattaneo, praised by Giorgio Vasari. In addition, it is possible to admire paintings and frescoes by famous masters of Veronese painting and beyond, such as Pisanello, Altichiero, Liberale da Verona, Stefano da Zevio, Nicolò Giolfino, Giovan Francesco Caroto, Felice Brusasorzi, Francesco Morone, Michele da Verona and Lorenzo Veneziano.” (Sant'Anastasia, Wikipedia)

Torre de Arias Dávila

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Torre de Arias Dávila
Plaza los Huertos
Segovia, September 2025

“On the corner of Calle Colón and Plaza de los Huertos. It is in perfect condition. Tower of an old palace. Belonging to the powerful Diego Arias Dávila, father of Bishop Juan. This family, years later, became Counts of Puñoenrostro. Its construction style is very characteristic: mixed walls alternating between sections of masonry partially bonded with lime, brick courses, and adobe covered with smooth plaster or decorated with light sgraffito. Of particular note is a magnificent crenellated continuous balcony with various loopholes and coats of arms. The geometric sgraffito of its exterior decoration shows the multitude of designs that this typically Segovian plaster can display. In addition to the impressive main tower, there was a smaller one on the west facade, built with brick and adobe, now truncated and blended into the modern facade. Its image survives in an 1850 painting by Valentín Carderera.” (Torre de Arias Dávila, Fortificaciones de España)

Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary

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Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary
Santa Corona
Contrà Santa Corona
Vicenza, May 2025

“As a thanksgiving for the victory at the Battle of Lepanto, to which Vicenza contributed two ships, the Confraternity of the Rosary erected this large chapel—the fourth on the right—completed in 1619, on the site previously occupied by two smaller 15th-century chapels of the Nievo and Monza families. To add height and integrate the chapel with the church, the right nave’s vault was demolished and replaced with a higher ceiling with a grand scenic effect; the imposing entrance arch to the nave is echoed inside. Ten years later, a majestic altar of light and gray marble was erected, featuring polychrome statues of Saint Thomas and Saint Catherine of Siena—the patrons of the two previous chapels—flanking the Virgin of the Rosario, from whose starry crown rays of light emanate throughout the niche. In the intrados of the niche, fifteen painted octagons depict the Mysteries of the Rosary. Above the archivolt, three cherubs symbolize the Virginity of Merciful Mary (with the attribute of a cedar), Divine Grace (with a cornucopia), and Prudence (with a mirror and serpent). The two statues on the entablature are allegories of Meekness (holding a lamb) and Temperance (flanked by a camel). Above the attic, three putti symbolize Purity (with a dove), the Holy Spirit (a dove resting with spread wings on its head), and Providence (with a rudder).” (Santa Corona, Wikipedia)

Convento de la Anunciación

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Convento de la Anunciación (Las Úrsulas)
Calle de las Úrsulas
Salamanca, September 2025

“The Convent of the Annunciation, better known as Las Úrsulas, is a Franciscan convent located in the city of Salamanca, on the Paseo de las Úrsulas. Located in the lower choir of the church is a small but interesting museum. The convent of Santa Úrsula was founded by Sancha Maldonado between 1460 and 1470, the erection of the monastery being confirmed by papal bull granted by Sixtus IV in 1480. The convent was intended for the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis. The original building is not the one that has survived to this day, although it is known to have been small. Through the aforementioned papal bull, its name was changed from Saint Ursula to the Annunciation of Saint Mary. The need to expand the building soon arose, with the patronage of Alonso II de Fonseca , Archbishop of Santiago and later Patriarch of Alexandria, and nephew of the founder, who intended to establish his funeral chapel in the convent.” (Convento de la Anunciación, Wikipedia)

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)