Designed by Francesco Borromini, the Baroque Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza was completed in 1660. Its spiral lantern is like no other church in Rome. Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza rises above the courtyard of Giacomo della Porta, which is only open to the public for a short time each day. I was fortunate to find the door to the courtyard open on a walk back from Campo di Fiori with the kids.
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti (aka Spanish Steps) were built in 1717, and tourists have been climbing them ever since. At the top is the Piazza Trinità dei Monti and its dominant landmark Chiesa Santissima Trinità dei Monti (1585). The Roman-constructed obelisk was moved to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti in 1789. At the bottom […]
Pantheon
Completed in 128 AD, this is a massive building with a completely freestanding dome. No pillars. How did they do it?
Coliseum
Its official name is the Flavian Amphitheatre, but in America we all know it as the Coliseum. The ruins of the Coliseum are so iconic. Built in the first century, this structure has much history and carnage associated with it. Inside and out, I couldn’t help but think of American football when I was there.
Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is that tall hill you can see from everywhere in Athens – even from the Acropolis.
Héphaïstéion
Down the hill from the Acropolis, we took a walk through the ancient Agora of Athens. The Agora is a complete ruin, except for one temple – The Héphaïstéion (or formally: The Temple of Hephaestus). Looking up at this majestic structure, it’s possible to imagine how amazing the Parthenon must have been once. The Héphaïstéion […]
Parthenon & Erechtheion
Back up on the Acropolis on our last day in Athens. It was another beautiful, hot day in Athens, but there was a breeze today. I just kept shooting. I think it was the heat.
Propylaea of the Acropolis
The Propylaea of the Acropolis, also known as the entrance temple is the majestic walk-up, or monumental gateway, to the summit of the Acropolis.
Poros
Across the Aegean and nearly rubbing elbows with the Peloponnese, Poros is charming and not accessible to the cruise boats. Off the ferry, we ask the nearest cab driver to take us to the nearest beach. It turns out to be Kanali, which will do just fine.
Botham Vineyards & Winery
What a gorgeous day to be at the Botham Winery. Spring has been so nice to us this year. The Botham Vineyard has several open houses with live music during the summer months – it’s well worth the drive from Madison. Or Northern Illinois. Or Iowa.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts has always been a favorite destination. The weather in San Francisco was perfect on this Saturday in May.
Torpedo Wharf
Laura and I lived in the area for years but we’d never discovered Torpedo Wharf before today. We happened to visit on one of the most perfect days we’ve ever seen in San Francisco.