As the UNESCO comments: This serial property combines 28 sites, located in Bosnia and Herzegovina, western Serbia, western Montenegro and central and southern Croatia, representing these cemeteries and regionally distinctive medieval tombstones, or stećci. The cemeteries, which date from the 12th to 16th centuries CE, are laid out in rows, as was the common custom […]
Middle Ages
Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian (2) – the Basement Halls and City Museum
As the UNESCO comments: The ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance […]
Modena Cathedral Complex (3/3) – Piazza Grande & Municipal Balsamic Vinegar Factory
In my previous two posts, I introduced in detail Modena Cathedral including its exterior and interior decorations by Wiligelmo and his workshop and by the Campionesi masters; Ghirlandina Bell Tower including its construction history, decorations and various chambers; the Cathedral Museums where eight metopes, which were originally located on the buttresses of the cathedral’s roof and portray various […]
Modena Cathedral Complex (2/3) – Torre Civica & Palazzo Comunale
In my previous post about Modena Cathedral Complex, I focused on the cathedral itself including its history and decorations both outside and inside. Besides, I mentioned some of the most precious items among the Cathedral Museums‘ collections. For example, the eight metopes, which were originally located on the buttresses of the cathedral’s roof depicting fantastic creatures, […]
Modena Cathedral Complex (1/3) – Cathedral & Cathedral Museum
As the UNESCO comments: The magnificent 12th-century cathedral at Modena, the work of two great artists (Lanfranco and Wiligelmus), is a supreme example of early Romanesque art. With its piazza and soaring tower, it testifies to the faith of its builders and the power of the Canossa dynasty who commissioned it. 摩德纳的大教堂、市民塔和大广场: 位于摩德纳的宏伟的12世纪大教堂,是兰弗兰科(Lanfranco)和威利盖尔茨(Wiligelmus)这两位伟大艺术家的杰作,是早期罗马风格艺术的最杰出典范。这所大教堂和与之相配套的宏大广场以及耸入云霄的高塔一起,不但证实了建造者们对皇室的无限忠诚,而且还体现了命令建造这些建筑的卡诺萨王朝的非凡国力。 In order […]
Milan – Pinacoteca di Brera (Brera Art Gallery) (1/3)
After visiting the Brera Art Gallery three times, I’ve finally decided to write a series of posts dedicated to its collections. Why three times? Well, the first time was about 2 years ago and I didn’t pay much attention to the artworks but the big names. What’s more, the famous “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez was […]
Strasbourg – the must-visit museums (Palais Rohan, Alsatian Museum & L’Aubette 1928)
In this post, I’ll talk about some of the most important museums in Strasbourg, for example, Palais Rohan, former residence of the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan and now home to the city’s Archaeological Museum, Museum of Decorative Arts and Museum of Fine Arts. This palace has also hosted a number of French monarchs such as Louis […]
Strasbourg – boat cruise and audio-guided tour of the historic center
In this post, I’ll focus on the audio-guided tour of the historic center of Strasbourg and the boat cruise around the Grande-Île. In my opinion, a combination of these two tours provides the best opportunity to learn about the city’s history, and in particular, its cultural heritage. If you have read my previous posts about Strasbourg, please click here […]
Strasbourg – Cathedral & Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
As the UNESCO comments: The initial property, inscribed in 1988 on the World Heritage List, was formed by the Grande-Île, the historic centre of Strasbourg, structured around the cathedral. The extension concerns the Neustadt, new town, designed and built under the German administration (1871-1918). The Neustadt draws the inspiration for its urban layout partially from […]
City of Verona – the fortified town in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
As the UNESCO comments: The historic city of Verona was founded in the 1st century B.C. It particularly flourished under the rule of the Scaliger family in the 13th and 14th centuries and as part of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. Verona has preserved a remarkable number of monuments from […]