Posts Tagged ‘architecture’
Rome’s ex-Aquarium … that was never an aquarium
Living in Rome, I often pass the “ex acquario”, the former aquarium. For years, it was closed entirely, but I was always impressed by its beautiful exterior. Later, I would learn it was never truly an aquarium. The building was planned for Piazza Manfredo Fanti, in Rome’s Esquilino district, right beside the Termini railway station.…
Read MoreBordeaux’ stunning Place de la Bourse
Last November, I visited Bordeaux, France for the first time. It’s a city I’d been “meaning to visit” for many years, but it was such a pleasure to finally make it to this beautiful city. One of the first places to visit when you’re in Bordeaux is the spectacular Place de la Bourse. This is…
Read MoreThe glamour of Paris’ Opera Garnier
I was in Paris a few months ago, and I decided to stop off to visit the Opera Garnier – a place I hadn’t visited in years (decades?). Musical afficionados will know the Palais Garnier as the inspitration for The Phantom of The Opera. And the self-guided audiotour does speak about the tales of the…
Read MoreMalaga’s Ancient Roman Theatre
It’s always pleasant to travel around and find traces of “my” city of Rome. This happened again on my visit to Malaga, Spain, where I visited the Ancient Roman theatre. The Roman theatre is (dramatically) located below the Alcazaba hill and Moorish fortress. It was originally built during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and was…
Read MoreTouring Galveston’s Bishop’s Palace
Last week I wrote about our holiday in fabulous Galveston island, Texas. Since we were biking all over the island, we were passing thense impressive turn of the century show homes each day. The Bishop’s Palace had the most convenient opening hours, without need for an appointment, so this worked well for our schedule. …
Read MorePalladian splendor in Vicenza, Italy
I adore the northern small city of Vicenza, in Italy’s Veneto region. I first came here many years ago, and had not been back in years. When my youngest son had a cross-country race nearby, I jumped on the change to get back and visit this jewelbox of a town. I was not disappointed to…
Read MoreDazzled by the stars in the Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Ravenna
I‘ve already written about the amazing San Vitale Basilica in Ravenna, Italy. But another UNESCO Heritage site lies just across the lawn from that basilica – the Mausoleum of Galla Placida. This mausoleum was commissioned in 426 AD, by Empress Galla Placidia. Galla Placidia was the daughter of Emperor Theodosius I (379-395) and sister to…
Read MoreSometimes all that glitters is gold: Ravenna’s San Vitale Basilica
It has been years that I’ve wanted to visit Ravenna and its spectacular early Christian churches with their stunning moasics. Of course, I had seen all the photos, but somehow nothing prepares you for visiting in person and taking in all that beauty surrounding you. In San Vitale, all that glitters most certainly is gold!…
Read MoreBack for more olive ascolane (& finally sunshine) in Ascoli Piceno
I’ve already written about the quest my son and I fulfilled, journeying to a deserted, rainy, lockdown-mode Ascoli Piceno in search of the local specialty: olive ascolane (stuffed olives). Luckily, a second race took us once again to the Marche, and this time we were able to stop by on a sunny day free from…
Read MoreSweeping port views from Ancona’s San Ciriaco Cathedral
If you’re in the Adriatic port city of Ancona, you can’t miss the San Ciriaco Cathedral, perched at a stunning outpost on the Guasco Hill. It is clearly visible from its position at the edge of town, and sports sweeping views over the bustling port traffic and the Gulf beyond. It’s a hearty hike up…
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