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The Bridge of Towers

18 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, SPOLETO Architecture, CULTURE, History, Spoleto

Vista panoramica del Ponte delle Torri. Guardando da Monteluco si vedono, incorniciati dalle fronde della vegetazione, il Ponte delle Torri e la Rocca di Albornoz in cima a Colle Sant'Elia.

The Bridge of Towers as Was Seen by Goethe

In September 1786, the great German poet, J. W. Goethe (1749 – 1832), left for a journey to the discovery of Italy, that would last nearly two years. This adventure, overfilled with beauty, would later inspire his Italian Journey. In the pages of that report, a memory of Goethe’s visit to the Bridge of Towers (Ponte delle Torri) in Spoleto is also included. He recalls, “I ascended to Spoleto, and reached the aqueduct, that is also used as a bridge to connect two mountains. Its ten arches, that cross the valley, are built in stone; they have been there for centuries, and carry water to every part of the town. This is the third monument of Antiquity I see; and, one more majestic one. The architecture of those times is almost like a second Nature, in accordance with civic needs. . .”

Basilica of the Holy Savior (San Salvatore)

18 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, SPOLETO Art, CULTURE, Spirituality, Spoleto

Vista scorciata del fianco della Basilica di San Salvatore a Spoleto.

Basilica of the Holy Savior in Spoleto
Ancient Origins

Although not included in the standard tours, the Basilica of the Holy Savior (San Salvatore) is surely among the “must see” things in Spoleto. The history of this church is still partially enveloped in mystery because of its very ancient origins, no documents existing of the same era as they started to build it. We anyway know for certain that it is dedicated to Christ, the Holy Savior, thanks to a document dating back to the year 815. Such an old “genesis” makes the basilica a rare witness of past eras.

Spoleto’s Cathedral

18 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, SPOLETO Architecture, Art, CULTURE, Spirituality, Spoleto

Vista scorciata dal basso a destra della facciata della cattedrale di Spoleto. La facciata e la torre campanaria si stagliano sul cielo azzurro.

The Cathedral during the Centuries

Surely outstanding in Spoleto is the Annunciation Church, that is also the Cathedral. A building so powerful in its beauty that will impress all those who take the staircase that suddenly opens up among the alleys. But, please do not trust the first impression: this, in fact, is not only a unique setting, but also and especially a place where the tracks of Time can be detected.

The “Oratory” at Santa Maria dei Bianchi

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Art, Città della Pieve, CULTURE

Affresco del Perugino nell'oratorio di Santa Maria dei Bianchi.

The Church of the White-clad Brotherhood

The Oratory (smaller church) and Church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, “Holy Mary of the [Brotherhood in] White,” are in downtown Città della Pieve. You may reach this monument by following a fascinating street, Via Pietro Vannucci, that runs from the Della Corgna Palace to a gate called Porta Sant’Agostino or Porta Fiorentina, the northern entry to the town.

Oratory of Saint Bartholomew, Church of Saint Francis

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Art, Città della Pieve, CULTURE, Spirituality

Oratorio di San Bartolomeo. Vista dell'affresco di Jacopo di Mino del Pellicciaio. Sopra all'affresco, che rappresenta la Crocifissione, è visibile il soffitto a capriate lignee.

The Church of Saint Francis

Near the imposing Fortress in Città della Pieve a Church of Saint Francis exists, now also renamed Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.
The Church of Saint Francis was built precisely by the Franciscans, just outside the town gate called Porta Perugina, in approximately the second half of the 13th century. It was then renewed, especially in its interior, in the late 18th century.

The Stronghold of Perugia Soldiers

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Architecture, Città della Pieve, CULTURE, History

Vista leggermente scorciata della facciata della Rocca Perugina.

The Rocca dei Perugini Nowadays

The powerful Rocca dei Perugini, “Fortress of Perugian (soldiers),” was built along the town walls near Porta Perugina, the town gate toward Perugia, in fact. This is whence, already in 1296, the road called Via Pievaiola started, that still nowadays connects Città della Pieve and Perugia.
The fortress, currently incorporated in the town center, faces Matteotti Square; and thanks to an intelligent restoration, has become a key factor for the development of tourism.
With reference to its structure, the stronghold is a noteworthy example of military architecture in Umbria. At the same time, its very presence makes an important chapter in the history book of the town, insofar as it reminds us of the time when it was controlled by Perugia. The village was then called Castel (castle) della Pieve; pieve meaning a country church.

Della Corgna Palace

16 June 202116 June 2021 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Architecture, Art, Città della Pieve, CULTURE, History

Vista grandangolare di una stanza di palazzo della Corgna. Sopra le luminose finestre sulla parete di destra, si erge un soffitto maestosamente affrescato con varie scene e numerosissime grottesche.

Della Corgna Palace: The Historical Context Right in front of the Cathedral, one of the most beautiful lordly mansions in Città della Pieve rises, the

The Communal/Church Museum

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Art, Città della Pieve, CULTURE, Perugino

Vista leggermente scorciata dell'interno del museo civico-diocesano di Santa Maria dei Servi. Ai lati dell'unica navata le nicchie contenenti le varie opere, sul fondo l'abside.

A Museum inside a Church

It is quite unusual to find a church used as a museum. This is however the case with the Museo Civico-Diocesano, the Communal/Church Museum existing inside the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi (“Saint Mary of the Servants,” with reference to the religious Order of the Servants of Mary) in Città della Pieve.

The Cathedral of Saints Gervasius and Protasius

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CITTÁ DELLA PIEVE, CULTURE Art, Città della Pieve, CULTURE, Perugino, Spirituality

Vista dell'interno della Cattedrale di Città della Pieve dall'angolo sinistro dell'unica navata. Sul fondo è visibile l'altare mentre sulla destra le nicchie nelle quali si trovano le opere dei grandi pittori come il Perugino e il Pomarancio.

A Cathedral in a Small Town

On walking in the streets of Città della Pieve, you will be noticing many fine buildings, both public and religious, that enliven the place. To whose who come from Gramsci Square, that is the downtown nucleus, one of the main monuments will immediately appear – the Cathedral, dedicated to the Saint Gervasius and Protasius. They were Christian martyrs whose story is in connection with the famous saintly bishop of Milan in the fourth century, Ambrose.

The Cathedral should be observed while keeping in mind that it is a very dynamic monument, the outcome and witness of pressing architectural interventions in the course of history.

The Roman Theater in Gubbio

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Architecture, CULTURE, Gubbio, History

Vista della cavea e di alcune mura del Teatro Romano sovrastato da un grande cielo azzurro.

A Look at Our Ancestors

South of Gubbio’s Medieval quarters the Guastuglia Plain (pron. goo-ast-oo-Leah) lies, delimited west by the so-called vallum (military defense line), and east by a river called Camignano (pron. come-in-ya-know). From this area you can admire the Medieval town center, a little above, and the old buildings – the Palace of Consuls, first of all – that made the history of Gubbio.

Saint Ubaldo’s Basilica – Gubbio

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Art, CULTURE, Gubbio, Spirituality, Tradition

Vista della Basilica di Sant’Ubaldo, a cui piedi si trova un prato con una stradina che porta alla grande scalinata e all’ingresso.

A Brief Biography

The personage of young Ubaldo – who was officially declared a saint on March 5, 1192 – cannot be divided from Gubbio and the great love the town’s inhabitants still have for him. More than eight centuries later, in fact, its unique memory has not faded away: a sign of gratitude toward the Patron Saint for having been an inspirer of peace and reconciliation

Saint Francis’ Church in Gubbio

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Art, CULTURE, Gubbio, Spirituality, Tradition

Vista aerea di una porzione di Gubbio, con San Francesco ben visibile sulla sinistra. Sullo sfondo le campagne umbre e il Teatro Romano.

Francis, the Man; and Gubbio

The story of Gubbio and Francis of Assisi means the discovery of an intense relationship, interwoven with travels, friendship, and feelings. Francis’ father, Bernardone (“Big Bernard”), had frequent trades with Gubbio, often taken care of by Francis himself, who therefore happened more than once to get there for business. In Gubbio the wealthy Spada familiy, a.k.a. Spadalonga (respectively = sword, and long sword), active in the field of wool and fabrics, also “provided” Francis with the friendship of their young sons, with whom he would spend his days over there. One of them was among his comrades in arms in the 1202 war between Assisi and Perugia.

Piazza Grande (The Main Square)

16 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Architecture, CULTURE, Gubbio, Tradition

A Decentralized Center

Gubbio rises at the foot of Mount Ingino with a strong self-consciousness. Framed within a luxuriant Nature, rich in woods and trails, it is considered one of the most beautiful Medieval towns in Italy. A major feature of the old town center are the buildings in calcareous stone, that gives them a typically gray color. Stones that still envelope the secrets of past masters and masterpieces while filling one’s eyes and soul with awe and wonder.

Palace of Consuls

15 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Architecture, Art, CULTURE, Gubbio

Vista panoramica di Palazzo dei Consoli, incorniciato da rami in primo piano e con i boschi eugubini sullo sfondo.

A Giant in the Square

The Palace of Consuls (Palazzo dei Consoli), built in the years 1332-49, rises dramatically on the background of Piazza Grande, the Main Square. It is more than 60 meters (180 feet) high, including its originally shaped bell tower that still nowadays “calls” the citizens. In fact, thanks to teams of master bell ringers who activate the famous Campanone (Big Bell) by hand, the main civil and religious feast days enjoy a fascinating accompaniment.
To reach the palace gate you will go up a staircase built on a flying buttress and shaped like a fan, harmoniously opening on the square. The stone balcony used to be the most important place for the political organization of Gubbio. Here the leaders held their exhortations, or promulgated the decrees for the town’s governance.

The Ducal Palace

15 June 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, GUBBIO Architecture, Art, CULTURE, Gubbio

At the Court of the Duke of Urbino

The Ducal Palace was built by decision of Federico da Montefeltro in a town area called Corte Vecchia (the Old Court) – right in front of the wonderful Gothic Cathedral dedicated to Saint Mariano and Saint Giacomo, martyrs of the 13th and 14th centuries. The palace was the very first example of Renaissance architecture in Gubbio, which it still overlooks.

Perugia Underground – The Archaeological Area

31 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, PERUGIA Architecture, CULTURE, History, Perugia

Vista dall'alto del muro di terrazzamento etrusco nella Perugia sotterranea. L'imponente muro, realizzato con grandi conci di travertino, è sormontato da una volta in mattoni.

Time Machine

The Archaeological Area, at the very core of the so-called Saint Lawrence “Island”, will give you the joy of a discovery trip throughout the centuries. Quite unknown to the local people themselves, these places are hidden inside the hill on which Perugia is built. By entering them, it will become clear how, starting from the Etruscans and via the Romans, then the Papal residence, the town acquired its current shape. Going from the cloister of the cathedral down into the archaeological area can be likened to a time machine that synchronizes its clock with ours more and more as we cross the centuries toward the surface.

Saint Peter’s Abbey

31 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, PERUGIA Architecture, Art, CULTURE, Perugia, Spirituality

Saint Peter’s Abbey in “Borgo Bello”

The way that starts from the Church of Saint Ercolano, and that in past times led directly to Rome, ends in Borgo Bello, the “Beautiful Suburb,” an area that developed thanks to the Benedictine abbey dedicated to Saint Peter.
As soon as you pass one of the monumental town gates, designed by Agostino di Duccio (1418 – ca 1481), you will notice the geometrical shape of Saint Peter’s belfry, with a sharp steeple that overlooks the low houses in the quarter. That belfry is one of Perugia’s symbols, along with the Etruscan Arch and the Great Fountain.
The complex currently includes – beside Saint Peter’s Church – the department of Agriculture of the Perugia University, and a Medieval-like botanical garden.

The Rocca Paolina – Perugia

31 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, PERUGIA Architecture, CULTURE, History, Perugia, Tradition

Spiazzo interno della Rocca Paolina. Grazie alle luci di lampadari e lampadine è possibile muoversi nella città sotterranea.

The Intriguing Story of a Fortress

In Perugia’s old town center, at the southern end of Corso Vannucci (Main Street) there is an area with flowerbeds, benches, and fountains, where the Palace of Perugia’s Province and the equestrian monument to the first king of united Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II (1820-1878), also rise. This is where a group of buildings existed, called Rocca Paolina: a fortress built by decision of Pope Paul III in the mid-16th century.

San Francesco al Prato, San Bernardino (Churches)

31 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, PERUGIA Art, CULTURE, Perugia, Spirituality

Vista della imponente facciata di San Francesco al Prato, alla sua sinistra il prato su cui sorge e sullo sfondo, poco distante e che affaccia sempre sul prato, la chiesa di San Bernardino.

Perugia e San Bernardino

Telling about the beauty of Saint Francis Square, we cannot but start by mentioning Saint Bernardine of Siena, a friar from that town in Tuscany, who had frequent, influential contacts with Perugia – see below.

The Palace of Priors

29 May 20211 June 2022 admin CULTURE, PERUGIA Architecture, CULTURE, History, Perugia, Tradition

A Town Symbol

The Palace of Priors is undoubtedly one of the most important buildings in Perugia, beside being a masterpiece in Gothic style. Its structure develops partly along Main Street (Corso Vannucci) in the old town center, and has its acme in the façade facing the main square, Piazza IV Novembre.
The square, one of the most beautiful in Italy, is marked by the strong polar opposition between the civil side of the town, precisely the Palace of Priors, and the religious side, i.e. the buildings in the so-called Saint Lawrence “Island,” in a Medieval atmosphere enlivened by the water springing from the Great Fountain.

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