#castle of san giovanni

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SAINT OF THE DAY (December 19)

St. Berardo Valeara of Teramo OSB (c. 1050 - 1122)

Saint Berardo was born into the noble family da Pagliara, whose castle bore their name near the town of Isola del Gran Sasso in the Abruzzo region of Italy. 

Important information concerning his life is found in the ancient church records from this area as well as the chronicles of his successor, the Bishop Sassone.   

Saint Berardo entered the monastery in Montecassino as a young man and was later associated with the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. 

He became well known for his good works, and upon the death of the Bishop Uberto, Berardo was asked to become a pastor in the territory of Teramo.

He took on this role for seven years beginning in 1116 and focused his efforts on helping the poor and making peace amongst the warring factions of the local citizenry.

He died on 19 December 1122 of natural causes.

He was buried in what today is known as Saint Anne’s chapel in the ancient Teramo Cathedral of Santa Maria Aprutiensis (now Sant’Anna dei Pompetti).   

[of-beasts-and-blood]

Character Intro

☢ Basics: Name: Lonnie Gilmore Pronunciation: Lon-ee Gill-more Meaning: Lonnie ~ “noble and ready” Gilmore ~ “great servant” Birthday: October 27th, 1947 (Scorpio) Age: 35 Gender: Male Pronouns: he/him Sexuality: Heterosexual Siblings: A younger sister, Connie Gilmore Mother: Barbara Gilmore Father: Giovanni Romero Other Family: N/A Languages: English. Current Residence: Ladonhill Castle, Wales. Hometown: San Francisco, California.

☢

☢ Wizard Fun: School: Not Ilvermorny, that’s for damn sure.  House: N/A Year of Graduation: Who cares.  Occupation: Bartender Pet: None - though he feeds Winnie’s dragons enough to feel some sort of duty of care towards them.  Blood Status: Half-blood. Squib. Species: Human Patronus: He’ll never know :) Boggart: Darkness. Complete and utter blackness. Hopelessness. Lonnie has always been a fighter. Even if the darkest of times, he’s always had enough determination to claw his way out. His biggest fear would be reaching that one time he can’t. Where everything is meaningless and he can’t do anything to change it.  Amortentia Scent: Cheap booze, wax crayons, that smell when you open a jar of jelly candy, the ocean.  Wand type: No wand.  Affiliation: Death Eaters. 

☢ Appearance: Face Claim: Milo Ventimiglia Height: 5’9 Hair Color: Dark brown Eye Color: Brown Typical Hair Style: A little on the shorter side, but still long enough to style. His hair just touches his collar and it’s usually styled to one side. It’s nothing remarkable.  Fashion Style: Mostly button-ups, jeans and ties. He has a few sets of dress pants and waistcoats for formal events. When he’s not working, he wears jackets too against the stupid cold. His favourite item of clothing is a well-worn flight jacket.  Distinguishing Features: Usually pretty deadpan. Crooked mouth. 

☢ Personality: Positive Traits: Indomitable, serious, charismatic (at work), paternal, hard-working, hopeful. Negative Traits: Bitter, misguided, scheming, jealous. Quick Facts: Can cook. Can sew. Can dance. Has a muggle driver’s licence. Has a motorbike licence. Has a motorbike (don’t tell Winnie). Has a sense of humour, but it’s very dry and very rare. Hobbies: Potion-making. Reading about aspects of the Wizarding World. Window-shopping. Exploring wizarding gathering spots. Why do so many of his hobbies make him feel like an outsider? Skills: Great at potions. Okay at playing well with others. Good at deflecting insults. Bad at maintaining interpersonal relationships. Bad at small talk. Good at those cool bartender flick-flack tricks. Not good at being a brother anymore. Great at keeping himself alive. Theme song: “Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back” by Meat Loaf

☢ Headcanons:

Voice: The kind of gruff tone that doesn’t make you want to clear your own throat. He hasn’t got a memorable laugh, or one of those deep voices that makes you blush, or even the best accent. But his voice is pleasing on the ear and unremarkable enough that you don’t remember it when you finish talking to him. Lonnie fades into the crowd well. Speaks with an American accent.

Handwriting: Bad. Oh god, it’s so awful. Chicken scratch. It’s like the second he left school, he forgot how to write legibly. 

Lonnie is a master of the silent treatment. He and his mom barely exchanged words while Connie was at school and not living with them. Even when his sister was there, he got away with speaking very little in common spaces. He didn’t bother telling her he was leaving America. She wouldn’t have noticed anyway.

The only time he’s ever ignored Connie outright is when she came home once during her second year at Ilvermorny and proudly announced that he was what the kids at school called a ‘squib’. It was the first time she had separated the two of them as different. Before then, it hadn’t mattered that she had magic and he didn’t. It wasn’t something they talked about. But her world had a word specifically for someone ordinary��like him, and it bugged him that she informed him so proudly. He didn’t speak to her for the remainder of her holiday.

Lonnie is used to the impermanence of home. During his final high school year in particular, he spent a lot of time away from his mother’s house. He would crash on friend’s couches or sleep in his car. He’s used to carving a space for himself where there shouldn’t be space. The fact that he’s living in an actual castle now is completely wild to him. 

Lonnie thinks Winnie’s dragons are cool. He always wanted a dog growing up, but this kind of blows that out of the water.

Even now, years later and buried under a thick layer of denial, Lonnie still wishes he would wake up and be magical. 

Lonnie likes jazz music and sometimes spends his evenings off at a jazz bar he likes in Camden. 

[tanarin]

Up the ladder into Spiljari, Montenegro we found unbelievable views and met the most interesting people - never to forget the infamous “Milo Filo” who’s withstood the test of time and change - we should all be so lucky 😉 Exploring the Chapel of St Ivan, the Church of our lady and the Castle is San Giovanni, Kotor delivers a classic lens into medevil life prior to the commercial perversion that comes with membership into the EU. We should all make an effort to know our authentic world before it’s too late. #knowyourself #intheworld #asone (at Kotor, Montenegro) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnVevEgtAUd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[avneesh10-blog]

Exploring the Enchanting Bay of Kotor in Montenegro: Ultimate Guide

# Exploring the Enchanting Bay of Kotor in Montenegro: Ultimate GuideIntroductionHave you ever dreamt of stepping into a world where the past whispers tales of glory, nature radiates beauty beyond words, and the present offers a sanctuary of serenity? Welcome to the Montenegro Bay of Kotor – a place where history and nature harmoniously unite, captivating all who wander its shores. In this ultimate guide, we will unravel the wonders of this enchanting bay, providing you with insights, tips, and inspiration to embark on a journey like no other.Main Content

The History and Culture of the Bay of Kotor

Nestled between towering mountains and glistening waters lies the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Let's delve into the depths of time and explore:- The significance of Kotor as a medieval trading port. - Venetian influence on the architecture of the bay. - Local traditions and festivals that celebrate the region's heritage. Uncover the layers of history that have shaped this picturesque destination and immerse yourself in tales of triumph and tradition that echo through the cobbled streets of Kotor.

Natural Splendor and Outdoor Adventures

Beyond its historical allure, the Montenegro Bay of Kotor beckons adventurers and nature lovers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and thrilling excursions. Discover:- The diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the bay and its surrounding areas. - Hiking trails that offer panoramic views of the bay and the Adriatic Sea. - Water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours to explore hidden coves and islands. - Fresh seafood delicacies sourced from the bay's crystal-clear waters. - Traditional dishes like Njeguški pršut (smoked ham) and Kotor cheese. - Local wines and spirits that reflect the region's winemaking heritage. - Charming villages like Perast and Dobrota that offer a glimpse into traditional Montenegrin life. - The picturesque islet of Our Lady of the Rocks, home to a fascinating legend and a stunning church. - Mountain Lovćen, a national park that boasts breathtaking vistas and the mausoleum of Montenegro's revered ruler, Petar II Petrovic Njegos. - Best Time to Visit: The spring and fall months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. - Accommodation: Choose from boutique hotels in Kotor Old Town or waterfront villas for a luxurious stay. - Transportation: Rent a car to explore the bay at your own pace or opt for local buses and ferries. - Language: English is widely spoken, but learning a few Montenegrin phrases can enhance your experience. - Currency: The official currency is the Euro, and credit cards are widely accepted. - What are the must-visit attractions in the Bay of Kotor? - Some must-visit attractions include Kotor Old Town, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, and Lovćen National Park. - Is it safe to swim in the Bay of Kotor? - Yes, the Bay of Kotor offers safe swimming opportunities, with crystal-clear waters and designated swimming areas. - Are there any hiking trails around the Bay of Kotor? - Yes, there are several hiking trails in the region, including the Ladder of Kotor and the trail to the Castle of San Giovanni. - What is the local cuisine like in the Bay of Kotor? - The local cuisine features fresh seafood, Montenegrin hams and cheeses, and traditional dishes influenced by Mediterranean and Balkan flavors. - What is the best way to explore the Bay of Kotor? - Exploring the bay by car, boat, or on foot allows you to experience its diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace.TagsMontenegro, Bay of Kotor, Kotor Old Town, Perast, Lovćen National Park, Montenegro cuisine, Outdoor adventures, UNESCO World Heritage site. Read the full article

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 4.17 (before 1950)

1080 – Harald III of Denmark dies and is succeeded by Canute IV, who would later be the first Dane to be canonized. 1349 – The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II. 1362 – Kaunas Castle falls to the Teutonic Order after a month-long siege. 1492 – Spain and Christopher Columbus sign the Capitulations of Santa Fe for his voyage to Asia to acquire spices. 1521 – Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day. 1524 – Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor. 1797 – Sir Ralph Abercromby attacks San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what would be one of the largest invasions of the Spanish territories in the Americas. 1797 – Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces. 1861 – The state of Virginia's secession convention votes to secede from the United States; Virginia later becomes the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America. 1863 – American Civil War: Grierson's Raid begins: Troops under Union Army Colonel Benjamin Grierson attack central Mississippi. 1864 – American Civil War: The Battle of Plymouth begins: Confederate forces attack Plymouth, North Carolina. 1869 – Morelos is admitted as the 27th state of Mexico. 1876 – Catalpa rescue: The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. 1895 – The Treaty of Shimonoseki between China and Japan is signed. This marks the end of the First Sino-Japanese War, and the defeated Qing Empire is forced to renounce its claims on Korea and to concede the southern portion of the Fengtian province, Taiwan and the Penghu to Japan. 1905 – The Supreme Court of the United States decides Lochner v. New York, which holds that the "right to free contract" is implicit in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 1907 – The Ellis Island immigration center processes 11,747 people, more than on any other day. 1912 – Russian troops open fire on striking goldfield workers in northeast Siberia, killing at least 150. 1931 – After negotiations between Catalan and Spanish provisional governments, the Catalan Republic proclaimed in April 14 becomes the Generalitat de Catalunya, the autonomous government of Catalonia within the Spanish Republic. 1941 – World War II: The Axis powers invasion of Yugoslavia is completed when it signs an armistice with Germany and Italy. 1942 – French prisoner of war General Henri Giraud escapes from his castle prison in Königstein Fortress. 1944 – Forces of the Communist-controlled Greek People's Liberation Army attack the smaller National and Social Liberation resistance group, which surrenders. Its leader Dimitrios Psarros is murdered. 1945 – World War II: Montese, Italy, is liberated from Nazi forces. 1945 – Historian Tran Trong Kim is appointed the Prime Minister of the Empire of Vietnam. 1946 – The last French troops are withdrawn from Syria.

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS The Dominican Angelic Doctor Feast Day: January 28

"Beware the man of a single book."

One of the great Christian theologians, Dominican priest, and later Doctor of the Church, was born Tommaso d'Aquino in circa 1225 in the Kingdom of Sicily at Roccasecca, a town and comune in the Province of Frosinone in the region of Lazlo (present-day Lazio, Italy), in the castle of his father, Landulf of Aquino. He was born to the most powerful branch of the family, and Landulf of Aquino was a man of means. Thomas's mother, Theodora, belonged to the Rossi branch of the Neapolitan Caracciolo family.

Thomas made the first schooling in the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino, and his higher studies at the University of Naples (University of Naples Federico II). There, he was attracted by the Dominicans (Order of Preachers), and, at the age of 19, he took the Dominican habit.

Landulf and Theodora, his parents, who wanted him to join the Benedictines, were angered by his decision and brought him back by force as the prisoner in his castle of Monte San Giovanni Campano. Thomas was held prisoner for almost one year in the family castles at Monte San Giovanni and Roccasecca in an attempt to prevent him from assuming the Dominican habit and to push him into renouncing his new aspiration. In order to undermine his vocation, his brothers introduced a woman into his cell, but Thomas seized a burning brand from the fire and chased her away. After two years of captivity, his family gave in and permitted him to return to his Order.

In 1245, Thomas was sent to Parish to study at the Faculty of the Arts at the University of Paris under Albertus Magnus (Albert the Great). Because of his bulky figure and silence, he was nicknamed, the 'Dumb Ox'. Albert rebuked his companions and said: 'You may call him the dumb ox; but I tell you, that he will make his voice heard to the farthest parts of the earth.'

After securing his master's degree in theology, Thomas lectured and preached in many places very successfully, giving the example of wisdom, prayer and humility. He declared that he had learnt more at the foot of the crucifix than from books. About the year 1266, he began Summa Theologica (Summary of Theology), which is considered to be the theological book ever written.

One day, a voice from the crucifix of the altar said to him: 'You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you like to have?' To which Thomas answered: 'Nothing but yourself, Lord.'

Thomas spent many hours of the day in prayer, and often times he fell into ecstasy. On December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas, in the year 1271, he was celebrating Mass when he received a revelation from heaven. Afterwards, he wrote no more and said to his brothers: 'The end of my labors has come. All that I have written appears to be as straw after the things that have been revealed to me.'

Pope Gregory X convened the Second Council of Lyon and summoned Thomas to attend, until he fell seriously sick and took refuge at the Fossanova Abbey, which is operated by the Cistercians, where he received the last sacraments. Upon receiving Holy Communion, he said: 'I am receiving you, prince of my soul's redemption. All my studies, my vigils, and my labors have been for love of you.'

Two days later on March 7, 1274, while giving commentary on the Song of Songs, Thomas passed away, being only 49 years of age.

Thomas is canonized as a saint by Pope John XXII in Avignon on July 18, 1323 and declared Doctor of the Church by Pope St. Pius V two centuries later in 1567. Thomas had the honor of having his Summa Theologiae placed on the altar alongside the Bible and the Decretals at the Council of Trent. His major shrine can be found at the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse, France.

[personal-reporter]

Lacmus Festival 2023

La settima edizione di Lacmus Festival si terrà dal 6 al 17 luglio sul Lago di Como in Tremezzina, a Bellagio e in Brianza, con artisti di fama internazionale e talenti emergenti, insieme ai direttori artistici Louis Lortie e Paolo Bressan in ben 12 concerti. La programmazione di quest’anno sarà incentrata su Sergej Rachmaninov, di cui ricorrono il 150° anniversario della nascita e l'80° della morte, che fu uno dei più grandi virtuosi del pianoforte e al suo strumento dedicò numerosi capolavori, spesso di enorme complessità tecnica per l’interprete. Nel programma del Festival verranno inclusi compositori che hanno vissuto fuori dalla loro patria, come l’ungherese György Ligeti, di cui si ricroda il centenario della nascita, o il russo Igor Stravinskij. Obiettivo di Lacmus Festival è onorare lo spirito di resilienza che ha accompagnato l’esilio forzato di tanti grandi musicisti, la cui forza creativa ha saputo vincere le difficoltà che da sempre accompagnano chi lascia la propria patria tra Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, il Santuario della Madonna del Soccorso ad Ossuccio, la Greenway del Lago di Como, il Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Castello Durini ad Alzate Brianza e Villa Melzi a Bellagio, oltre a nuove location, come il Parco Teresio Olivelli di Tremezzo e l’Abbazia di San Benedetto in Val Perlana, immersa nei boschi ed accessibile solo a piedi. Fra le sorprese che accompagnano Lacmus Festival, c’è la prima edizione del Premio per pianisti Guglielmina Durini Litta contessa di Monza, in omaggio alla nobildonna milanese nata nel 1837 e scomparsa ai primi del Novecento, infaticabile promotrice culturale ed eccellente pianista.  Il Premio, in collaborazione con LacMus Festival, sarà assegnato nel corso della serata con il concerto in programma a Castello Durini, il 9 luglio. Il sipario si aprirà giovedì 6 luglio a Villa del Balbianello con  il direttore artistico di LacMus Festival Louis Lortie, insieme ad un violoncellista emergente, il coreano Jaemin Han, risultato il più giovane vincitore nella storia del prestigioso Concorso Enescu nel 2021. Venerdì 7 luglio Lacmus Festival farà tappa a Villa Carlotta, e vedrà riunito il duo formato da Louis Lortie e Hélène Mercier, che hanno spesso condiviso avventure concertistiche e discografiche. Over the Rainbow è il titolo del terzo concerto, in programma a Villa Melzi d’Eril sabato 8 luglio, con star della serata il soprano Anna Pirozzi, considerata una delle massime interpreti del repertorio verdiano della sua generazione, in un viaggio musicale tra le più note arie del repertorio operistico, per approdare al musical e alla canzone napoletana. Domenica 9 luglio il festival si sposta in Brianza, al Castello Durini di Alzate, per A Night at the Castle, con l’italiano Giovanni Bertolazzi, premiato al Concorso Liszt a Budapest nel 2021, e l’ucraino Illia Ovcharenko, che nel 2022 ha vinto l’Honens International Piano Competition. Per il pubblico martedì 11 luglio l’appuntamento è in mattinata all’Abbazia di San Benedetto in Val Perlana, con Luca Giovannini, primo premio al Johannes Brahms Competition e al Grand Prize di Salisburgo. Nella stessa giornata ritorna la Greenway Musicale del Lago di Como, dove si alternano passeggiate ed ascolti di intermezzi musicali, affidati ad una schiera di giovani e talentuosi interpreti. L’affascinante soprano tedesco Christiane Karg sarà la protagonista mercoledì 12 luglio insieme al baritono Michael Nagy, per Aimez-vous Brahms, interamente dedicato al genio tedesco a Villa Carlotta, dove il compositore soggiornò. Pwr A Rachmaninov Celebration, giovedì 13 luglio a Villa del Balbianello, ci sara il pianista Alexander Kashpurin, formatosi a San Pietroburgo ed allievo di Louis Lortie. Accanto agli artisti di fama internazionale e ai giovanissimi emergenti, si segnala l’appuntamento con la Cappella Musicale del Duomo di Milano diretta da Monsignor Massimo Palombella, che percorrerà le tappe più significative dell’anno liturgico attraverso il canto gregoriano e la polifonia rinascimentale al Santuario della Beata Vergine del Soccorso di Ossuccio, venerdì 14 luglio. Sabato 15 luglio al Parco Teresio Olivelli di Tremezzo ci sarà Rhapsody in Blue on the Waterfront e un programma molto vario del pianista americano Andrew Von Oeyen e dalla banda di ottoni dei Quintessenza Brass. Non mancherà il concerto all’alba al Parco di Mezzegra, seguito da una sessione di yoga, domenica 16 luglio, con  Raffaele Putzolu, uno dei più brillanti chitarristi italiani, e un recital in cui, accanto ad un omaggio a Bach, spiccano pagine di Tárrega, Villa-Lobos e Rodrigo, di ispirazione iberica e sudamericana. Il concerto di chiusura, previsto per lunedì 17 luglio al Grand Hotel Tremezzo, vede insieme l direttore artistico Louis Lortie al pianoforte e Danusha Waskiewicz, viola solista dei Berliner Philharmoniker e della Luzern Festival Orchestra, Jan Vogler, violoncellista di fama mondiale e artista Sony, e Markus Daunert, violinista e cofondatore della Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Read the full article

[aneurinlarsen]

La Spezia, Italy

In the area of Liguria in Italy you will certainly find the community of La Spezia. This town is one of the 4 districts that you will certainly be able to find in Liguria. As you come closer to the town you will locate the close-by sea, the town as well as the hills which are virtually next to the town give you with a stunning welcome right into the city. Upon entering this city you will see many bergamotto trees as well as elegant yards with fascinating and unique plants which are well kept. These gardens add a sprinkle of colour to the surrounding area. Surprisingly you will locate that the people who live in this town are known as Spezzini.

There are numerous interesting shops, dining establishments and resorts where you will have the ability to pass your time away while you remain in La Spezia. These facilities will certainly maintain you occupied in between the moments when you are not sightseeing and tour. The different taking in the sights locations you will certainly travel to will make your time below much more remarkable as you will have the ability to see areas like the Castle of San Giorgio. This castle has just recently been restored to practically its former magnificence.

Albergo economico la spezia

In all likelihood the Castle of San Giorgio was possibly made use of as a watchtower. The first castle was built on this area in 1262 by Niccolò Fieschi. The Genoese military damaged the castle in 1273, nevertheless when all indicators of battle had finished the castle was restored in 1371 by the podesteria of La Spezia. When the Republic of Genoa was annexed to the area of La Spezia, they chose to add a new castle to the existing one. This new castle addition was started in 1607.

From the Castle of San Giorgio you might intend to switch over gears and also visit the Santi Giovanni e Agostino church. The name of this church in English implies Saints John as well as Augustine. You will locate this church was developed during the 16th century and it has a solitary nave which has 18th and 19th century decors to it. One more church that you might wish to see in La Spezia is that of the Abbey church of Santa Maria Assunta understood in English as Our Lady of the Assumption.

Hotel autostrada A12 A15 La Spezia

This abbey was built in the 13th century. The abbey is home to a number of art work, some of which arrived below seeking shelter from other religious institutes which were being suppressed. Of these numerous artworks you can see ones like St Bartholomew's Affliction by Luca Cambiaso, the Incoronation of the Virgin by Andrea della Robbia and the Reproduction of Bread by Giovanni Battista Casoni.

As you will discover when you concern La Spezia there is lots to see and do below. These are simply a few of the many sights that you can experience on your own. There are many others like the Ubaldo Formentini which is the Civic Museum discovered in the Castle of San Giorgio, the Palazzina delle Arti as well as Gallery of Seals, the Ethnographic Civic Gallery, and Art Nouveau styled villas which can be located in La Spezia. For every one of these factors as well as the many various other thrills you will locate in La Spezia do come as well as invest your following trip in La Spezia, Italy.

[steliosagapitos]

~ "Saint Helena, the oil painting on wood by Cima da Conegliano, datable to 1495 and preserved in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, is not only used by the artist to represent the mother of Emperor Constantine, celebrated on August 18 and to whom traditionally the discovery of the wood of the Cross is attributed. In fact, it is also an opportunity for the artist to paint the beautiful sixteenth-century landscape of the hills of Conegliano, where on the right the walls rise up to the castle and the church of San Leonardo. In this ascending diagonal you can see on the left the walls along the 'refosso' - 'moat', the bridge of the Madonna, the small mill on the Monticano river and the historic center, dominated by the massive castle of San Salvatore di Susegana. On the right, the walls rise up to the castle and the church of San Leonardo - patron saint of the city of Conegliano. In the foreground - when embracing the cross - the saint assumes an evident classic pose, recalling the chiasmus of Polykleitos. The red cape - cleverly arranged - accentuates the bent leg. Her dress reveals a foot that - in addition to highlighting the artist's skill in rendering the chiasmus - approaches the base of the cross in an innocent and modest manner. In addition to the red-purple cloak - a symbol of royalty - the armor on her chest recalls classical antiquity and the aegis of Minerva, goddess of wisdom. For some scholars, the evidence of her breast would recall the role of her mother. The cerulean blue gown reveals the beautiful detail on her sleeves. It is not the only insert 'in the fashion of the time': even the hairstyle follows the Venetian canons in vogue in the fifteenth century. Cima's style can be recognized in the cleanliness of the pictorial rendering and in the meticulous attention to detail. The painter is one of the most authoritative exponents of the Venetian school of the fifteenth century, and his art is affected - from time to time - by the influence of the authoritative masters, such as Giovanni Bellini, Antonio Vivarini, Vittore Carpaccio, Giorgione and Marco Palmezzano." ~

[suetravelblog]

Kotor Montenegro

Slave Žižek – The Mountain Wreath Epic Montenegrin Poem

Montenegro is decidedly different from Croatia. I spent the first day in Kotor in a cloud accomplishing (or not) basics – getting bearings, SIM card, finding food, and determining an itinerary for the week. Finally after days of rain and dark skies, the weather was warm and sunny! It’s off season, so tours available during summer aren’t…

[livesunique]

Castello di Antognolla, San Giovanni del Pantano, Perugia, Italy

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 4.17

1080 – Harald III of Denmark dies and is succeeded by Canute IV, who would later be the first Dane to be canonized. 1349 – The rule of the Bavand dynasty in Mazandaran is brought to an end by the murder of Hasan II. 1362 – Kaunas Castle falls to the Teutonic Order after a month-long siege. 1492 – Spain and Christopher Columbus sign the Capitulations of Santa Fe for his voyage to Asia to acquire spices. 1521 – Trial of Martin Luther over his teachings begins during the assembly of the Diet of Worms. Initially intimidated, he asks for time to reflect before answering and is given a stay of one day. 1524 – Giovanni da Verrazzano reaches New York harbor. 1797 – Sir Ralph Abercromby attacks San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what would be one of the largest invasions of the Spanish territories in the Americas. 1797 – Citizens of Verona begin an unsuccessful eight-day rebellion against the French occupying forces. 1861 – The state of Virginia's secession convention votes to secede from the United States, later becoming the eighth state to join the Confederate States of America. 1863 – American Civil War: Grierson's Raid begins: Troops under Union Army Colonel Benjamin Grierson attack central Mississippi. 1864 – American Civil War: The Battle of Plymouth begins: Confederate forces attack Plymouth, North Carolina. 1869 – Morelos is admitted as the 27th state of Mexico. 1876 – Catalpa rescue: The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from Fremantle Prison in Western Australia. 1895 – The Treaty of Shimonoseki between China and Japan is signed. This marks the end of the First Sino-Japanese War, and the defeated Qing Empire is forced to renounce its claims on Korea and to concede the southern portion of the Fengtian province, Taiwan and the Penghu to Japan. 1905 – The Supreme Court of the United States decides Lochner v. New York, which holds that the "right to free contract" is implicit in the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. 1907 – The Ellis Island immigration center processes 11,747 people, more than on any other day. 1912 – Russian troops open fire on striking goldfield workers in northeast Siberia, killing at least 150. 1941 – World War II: The Axis powers invasion of Yugoslavia is completed when it signs an armistice with Germany and Italy. 1942 – French prisoner of war General Henri Giraud escapes from his castle prison in Königstein Fortress. 1944 – Forces of the Communist-controlled Greek People's Liberation Army attack the smaller National and Social Liberation resistance group, which surrenders. Its leader Dimitrios Psarros is murdered. 1945 – World War II: Montese, Italy, is liberated from Nazi forces. 1945 – Historian Tran Trong Kim is appointed the Prime Minister of the Empire of Vietnam. 1946 – The last French troops are withdrawn from Syria. 1951 – The Peak District becomes the United Kingdom's first National Park. 1961 – Bay of Pigs Invasion: A group of Cuban exiles financed and trained by the CIA lands at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba with the aim of ousting Fidel Castro. 1969 – Sirhan Sirhan is convicted of assassinating Robert F. Kennedy. 1969 – Communist Party of Czechoslovakia chairman Alexander Dubček is deposed. 1970 – Apollo program: The damaged Apollo 13 spacecraft returns to Earth safely. 1971 – The Provisional Government of Bangladesh is formed. 1975 – The Cambodian Civil War ends. The Khmer Rouge captures the capital Phnom Penh and Cambodian government forces surrender. 1978 – Mir Akbar Khyber is assassinated, provoking the Saur Revolution in Afghanistan. 1982 – Constitution Act, 1982 Patriation of the Canadian constitution in Ottawa by Proclamation of Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada. 1986 – An alleged state of war lasting 335 years between the Netherlands and the Isles of Scilly declared peace bringing an end to any hypothetical war that may have been legally considered to exist. 1992 – The Katina P is deliberately run aground off Maputo, Mozambique, and 60,000 tons of crude oil spill into the ocean. 2003 – Anneli Jäätteenmäki takes office as the first female prime minister of Finland. 2006 – A Palestinian suicide bomber detonates an explosive device in a Tel Aviv restaurant, killing 11 people and injuring 70. 2013 – An explosion at a fertilizer plant in the city of West, Texas, kills 15 people and injures 160 others. 2014 – NASA's Kepler space telescope confirms the discovery of the first Earth-size planet in the habitable zone of another star. 2021 – The funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, takes place at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

[church-history]

St. Thomas Aquinas - The Angelic Doctor

Thomas is believed to have been born in the castle of Roccasecca in the old county of the Kingdom of Sicily, which is now known as the Lazio region of Italy, in 1225. His parents were well-off, but as the youngest son Thomas was expected to enter the monastery.

At 5-years-old, Thomas began his education at Monte Cassino, where he remained until the military conflict between Emperor Frederick II and Pope Gregory IX reached the abbey. He was then transferred and enrolled at the studium generale in Naples.

It is believed that Thomas was introduced to his philosophical influences - Aristotle, Averroes, and Maimonides - at the university, where he also met John of St. Julian, a Dominican preacher, who influenced him to join the recently founded Dominican Order.

When Thomas' family learned of his decision, his mother Theodora arranged for him to be moved to Paris. When Thomas was travelling to Rome, his brothers captured him and returned him to their parents at the castle of Monte San Giovanni Campano.

Thomas was held captive in the castle for one year as his family tried to keep him from joining the Dominican Order. In the year he was held, Thomas tutored his sisters and communicated with members of the Dominican Order.

In an effort to change Thomas' mind, two of his brothers hired a prostitute to seduce him, but legends claim Thomas drove her off with a fire iron. That night, two angels appeared to him in a dream and strengthened his resolve to remain celibate.

When Theodora realized she could not sway her son, she tried to preserve the family name by arranging for his escape through a window. She believed a secret escape was better than appearing to accept his decision.

Following his escape in 1244, Thomas turned to Naples, then to Rome and met the Master General of the Dominical Order, Johannes von Wildeshausen.

The next year, Thomas went to study at the Faculty of the Arts at the University of Paris, where he is believed to have met Dominican scholar Albertus Mangus, the Chair of Theology at the College of St. James.

In 1248, Thomas chose to follow Mangus to the new studium generale at Cologne rather than accepting Pope Innocent IV's offer to appoint him abbot of Monte Cassino as a Dominican. Though Thomas hesitated, when they reached the university, Mangus appointed him magister studentium.

Thomas was quiet and seldom spoke at the university, leading other students to believe he was mentally delayed, but Mangus prophetically said, "You call him the dumb ox, but in his teaching, he will one day produce such a bellowing that it will be heard throughout the world."

Following the conclusion of his education, Thomas taught in Cologne as an apprentice professor and instructed students on the books of the Old Testament. It was during this time he wrote Expositio super Isaiam ad litteram, Postilla super Ieremiam, and Postilla super Threnos.

In 1252, Thomas returned to Paris to earn his master's degree in theology. As an apprentice professor, he lectured on the Bible and devoted his final three years of his education to Peter Lombard's Sentences.

Thomas composed a commentary on Sentences, titled Scriptum super libros Sententiarium and wrote De ente et essentia. The spring of 1256 saw Thomas appointed regent master in theology at Paris, and one of his first works after assuming the office was Contra impugnantes Dei cultum et religionem, in defense of mendicant orders, which William of Saint-Amour had been attacking.

Between 1256 to 1259, Thomas spent his tenure writing several books, such as Questiones disputatae de veritate, Quaestiones quodlibetales, Expositio super librum Boethii De trinitate, and Expositio super librum Boethii De hebdomadibus. At the conclusion of his regency, Thomas was in the process of writing one of his most famous works, Summa contra Gentiles.

In 1259, Thomas completed his first regency and returned to Naples, where he was appointed general preacher. In September 1261, he was asked to lecture in Orvieto, and during his stay he finished Summa contra Gentiles, as well as Catena aurea, and Contra errores graecorum.

In 1265, Thomas was summoned to Rome to serve as the papal theologian and was later ordered by the Dominican Chapter of Agnani to teach at the studium conventuale, which was the first school to teach the full range of philosophical subjects of both moral and natural natures.

While teaching, Thomas wrote his most famous work, Summa theologiae, which he believed was particularly useful to beginning students "because a doctor of Catholic truth ought not only to teach the proficient, but to him pertains also to instruct beginners."

He continued to write and released several more books until 1268, when he was called to Paris for a second teaching regency. He was named regent master again and stayed until 1272. During this time, he wrote De virtutibus and De aeternitate mundi.

At the conclusion of his regency, the Dominicans called Thomas to establish a university wherever he wanted with a staff of whomever he wished. He established the university in Naples and took the regent master post. In 1273 Thomas was seen by the sacristan Domenic of Caserta to be crying and levitating in prayer before an icon of the crucified Christ at the Dominican convent of Naples, in the Chapel of Saint Nicholas.

During this prayer, Christ is said to have told him, "You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward would you have for your labor?"

Thomas replied, "Nothing but you, Lord."

Following this exchange, something happened but Thomas never wrote or spoke of it. He abandoned his routine and, when begged to return to work, replied, "I cannot, because all that I have written seems like straw to me."

In May of 1274, Thomas was called to the Second Council of Lyon, where his works for Pope Urban IV would be presented. While journeying to the meeting, Thomas hit his head on the branch of a fallen tree and fell ill. He was escorted to Monte Cassino to recover, then he set out again.

Unfortunately, he became ill once again and stopped at the Cistercian Fossanova Abbey, where the monks cared for him for several days.

He received his last rites and prayed, "I receive Thee, ransom of my soul. For love of Thee have I studied and kept vigil, toiled, preached and taught..."

Thomas died on March 7, 1274 during a commentary on the Song of Songs. Thomas' remains were placed in the Church of the Jacobins in Toulouse on January 28, 1369.

It is not known who beatified Thomas, but on July 18, 1323, Pope John XXII canonized him.

His original feast day was March 7, the day of his death, but because the date often falls within Lent, in 1969, a revision of the Roman Calendar changed his feast day to January 28, the date his relics were moved to Toulouse. Pope Pius V declared Saint Thomas a doctor of the church, saying Thomas was "the most brilliant light of the Church." Saint Thomas' remains were moved to the Basilique de Sant-Sernin, Toulouse between 1789 and 1974. They were then returned to the Church of the Jacobins.

In the 16th century, the university in Paris, that Thomas often taught at, was renamed the College of Saint Thomas, and in the 20th century it was relocated to the convent of Saints Dominic and Sixtus before being transformed into the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

Saint Thomas' comments and philosophical writings are still debated today, and his aesthetic theories, such as the concept of claritas, deeply influenced the literary writings of James Joyce and Italian semiotician Umberto Eco. Saint Thomas is often depicted with an open book or writing with a quill.

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=2530

[medievalart]

Bernabó Visconti (1323-1385)

* signore of Bergamo, Brescia, Lonato, Soncino, Valcamonica

* Co-signore of Milan together with his brothers Galeazzo and Matteo. (The latter was murdered by his siblings in 1355.)

* A bellicose ruler who fought many wars during his reign. Among the enemies were neighbouring states like Florence, Venice and Genoa but he also waged wars against several popes and emperors.

* Bernabo was excommunicated three times and was naturally enraged by the actions of the Popes. Once he imprisoned visiting Papal delegates and made them eat the excommunication bull :-D

* Apparently he was also a bit of despot and was eventually deposed by his nephew Gian Galeazzo Visconti. Dethroned ruler was imprisoned in Castle Trezzo and poisoned a few months later.

statue

* 14-th century monument by Bonino Da Campione

* originally at San Giovanni in Conca

* currently at Castello Sforzesco

Source: : G.dallorto, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

[calabria-mediterranea]

FIVE SPOTS IN CALABRIA (ITALY) FOR ART & ARCHITECTURE LOVERS

While art and architecture lovers naturally flock to the great art centers of Italy in Florence, Rome and Venice, there’s truly a wealth of art history discover in Calabria. What makes it all so unique is finding that unique Calabrian stamp – a fascinating blend of architectural and artistic styles and the feeling that you’re stepping back in time.

As you travel through Calabria you’ll spot churches–some great cathedrals and others tiny gems–each one both a relic to the past and a part of the living community. Ancient Greek bronzes, Byzantine churches and Norman castles – just a few of the highlights from the top 5 spots in Calabria for art and architecture lovers!

1- Gerace

While it’s hard for visitors to imagine today, the town of Gerace in the Reggio Calabria province once had over 100 churches. How many more you ask? 128 to be precise! Gerace is one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Italy, and that alone is enough reason to plan a visit.

Add a stunning mountaintop setting and you’ve got one of Calabria’s most scenic spots. Of the 19 remaining churches, the Cattedrale dell’Assunta (Assunta Cathedral) is the most impressive. Built in 1045, this huge cathedral is the largest Norman church in Calabria. Strolling through Gerace you can also visit the town’s smaller churches and spot the Norman Castle.

2- Le Castella

Speaking of castles, one of Calabria’s most beautiful is the Castello Aragonese nearly surrounded by the Ionian Sea at the tip of Le Castella. The history of Le Castella is one of myth and magic, but one thing is certain – the views from the castle are extraordinary! While we’ll never know if it really was the home of Greek goddess Calypso as Homer wrote, walking around the castle and climbing the walls is an enchanting experience.

3- Reggio Calabria

With a beautiful lungomare stretching out along the Strait of Messina, top notch museums and a lively atmosphere, a visit to Reggio Calabria should be at the top of any art lovers places to see in Calabria. Start off with a visit to the Duomo, or the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima Assunta in Cielo, which is the largest religious structure in Calabria. While churches have been located here since 1543, the Romanesque and Gothic Revival Duomo was completely rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake.

Art lovers won’t want to miss a visit to the Museo Nazionale di Reggio Calabria dedicated to ancient art from the Magna Graecia period. The highlight of the collection are the Bronzes of Riace, two incredible statues dating from about 450 BC. They were lost in the Ionian Sea for over 2,000 years until discovered in 1972.

Considered two of the most important Greek statues in the world, the Bronzes of Riace are currently undergoing a restoration that is open to the public in the Palazzo Campanella near the Museo Nazionale (Via Cardinale Portanova, Reggio Calabria, Open daily 9am to 7:30pm, admission free).

4- Stilo

The small mountain village of Stilo is on the art and architecture lovers map of Calabria because it’s home to one of the region’s most beloved churches – the 10th-century Byzantine church La Cattolica. This unique church is the only of its architectural kind in Calabria. It features a Greek cross plan, five domes, intricate brickwork and a picture perfect setting on the slopes of Monte Consolino. Stroll through the town and visit the Duomo with its Roman-Gothic entrance, the Renaissance-era Chiesa di San Francesco and the Baroque-era Chiesa di San Giovanni.

5- Rossano

Often described as the Byzantine Capital of Calabria, Rossano is one of the most interesting villages for art and architecture in northern Calabria. The Rossano Duomo is home to the famous 9th-century Byzantine fresco of the Madonna Achiropita, which means “not painted by hand” since it is believed to have been created by angels. A heavenly creation or not, it’s the Codex Purpureus Rossanensis at the Diocesan Museum nearby that is the village’s main attraction. This rare illuminated manuscript depicting the life of Christ was brought to Rossano by Greek monks in the 6th century. Before leaving the village, stop in at the Amarelli Liquorice factory and museum where you can discover more about one of the world’s longest-operating liquorice producers in the world. History never tasted so sweet!

Are you interested in art and architecture and considering a Calabria tour? Click here to see how we can help you plan your trip.