Travel with Julie

Seville's Royal Palace

The beautiful residence built in the year 913 was chosen as the home of many monarchs in the centuries that followed.  Today, it is the home of His Royal Majesty Juan Carlos when he visits Seville.

The palace, known as the Alcazar--a palace-fortress built by the Arabs during the time of the Moorish invasion, has astonishing architecture, courtyards and gardens.  The gardens make up one of the oldest sites of this Spanish crown. They are the most original representation of a Mudejar style, a Muslim expression adapted to the Christian world.  In these gardens, you find tile works, water channels, fountains, water spouts and more.

The interior of the building is arranged around two courtyards, the courtyard of Las Doncellas (The Courtyard of the Maidens) where official life took place, and the Las Munecas courtyard for private life.  Both quite impressive.  Another impressive area is the Hall of Ambassadors with brightly painted archways and topped by a dramatic domed ceiling.

While not as large and sprawling as some of the other palaces in Spain, the Alcazar of Seville is considered one of the loveliest.

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Piazza Navona's Fountain Of Four Rivers

After several years of cleaning and restoration, I finally saw the Fountain of Four Rivers in all its glory, unveiled of its scaffolding and netting.  The Fountain of Four Rivers, known in Italian as La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, is more than just a vehicle to provide a water supply to the general public.  It is one of Rome's beloved masterpieces that has rightfully gained the fame and acknowledgement it has received over the years.

Its creator was Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famous sculptor whose works can be seen throughout Rome.  The fountain depicts the four great rivers of the continents known in the world at that time:  the Ganges represents Asia, the Nile Africa, Rio de la Plata the Americas, and the Danube Europe.  Each river is represented by a god surrounded by flora and fauna.  The obelisk standing in the middle stands approximately 70 feet tall and is topped with a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit and an emblem of the pope that commissioned the fountain.

Urban legend, fed by a famous rivalry between Bernini and artist Borromini, only propogates the fountain's fame.  It is believed that the statue of the Nile covered its head so as not to look at the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, designed by Borromini and located in front of the fountain.  The Rio de la Plata appears to raise its hand to defend itself from a possible collapse of the church and the statue of Sant' Agnese on the facade of the church with her hand on her chest reassures the Rio de la Plata of the church's stability.

The travertine masterpiece is a marvel to behold.  Beyond the amazing detail and imagination the artist captured is a fountain that brims with energy in spite of its age.  Visible signs of wear and tear are hardly seen.  With restoration finally complete, the fountain today gleams tirelessly.

 

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Wine Tasting in Tuscany: Badia a Coltibuono

Looking for an ancient, uniquely Romanesque venue for Chianti wine tasting? Look no further than Badia a Coltibuono.  The 11th-century monastery with its lush botanical garden is famed for its history and romantic atmosphere.

The Badia a Coltibuono estate translates to Abbey of the Good Harvest.  It was founded by Vallombrosan monks in the 11th century.  Over the centuries, the monks aquired hundreds of acres of land, but when the monastery was secularized in 1810, the government seized all the holdings and auctioned them off.  The Stucchi Prinetti family has owned the estate since 1846 keeping its history and innovation to create one of Chianti Classico's best wines.

Guests of Badia a Coltibuono have the opportunity to stay in one of their charming B&B rooms or apartments, learn the secrets to local Tuscan cooking in the cooking school, participate in one of the many cellar and wine tasting tours, or my personal favorite, dine in the original stables (albeit refurbished) where the atmosphere is refined but welcoming.

Badia a Coltibuono is located about 42 miles south of Florence near Gaiole in Chianti.  Prepare for lots of twists and turns in the road before reaching your destination!  Time your visit for a guided tour (and tasting, if you choose) and a lunch or dinner in the restaurant where you may select one of their delicious wine-pairing menus.  Word of warning: allow plenty of time to "sober up" for that twist-y and wind-y return drive! :)

 

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The Italian Gardener

My green thumb is really more a 'pale' green when it comes to gardening.  It is more luck than horticultural skills when something thrives (or merely survives) under my care.  And so, I am always enthralled with the beautiful gardens surrounding many of Italy's ancient castles, villas and palaces. I can't imagine the meticulous care the gardener(s) must place into maintaining their lushness, symmetry and design.

Yet, it's sometimes the simplest of gardens that really attract my attention, like those found in cities or villages where container gardening is the art form of greenery.

Then, I have to question if it is luck, mere coincidence or mysterious magic that enables some Italian gardners to grow something beautiful out of nothing.  I'm talking about trees and vines that seemingly grow out of cracks of cement or stone.

I have to wonder ... is it really gardening skill, ideal climate or the perfect soil that gives the Italian gardener a leg up (or would that be a thumb up) over me?  Maybe, just maybe, it has less to do with the actual gardening than a desire vivere sobriamente (to lead a simple life) surrounded by one of these scenes of beauty that appeal to me more.

 

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Wine Tasting in Tuscany: Castello di Gabbiano

The first mention of Castello di Gabbiano dates back to the 12th century when the castle belonged to the Bardi family.  It was later passed on to the Soderini family who made a name for themselves in the political events of Florence. Today, Castello di Gabbiano continues to be a one of Tuscany's leading wine estates, offering accommodations to travelers, a lovely restaurant with arched stone walls and wood beamed ceilings (Il Cavaliere) and a wine-tasting/sales venue.

Visits to the castle and the ancient cellars, followed by a tasting of the estate's wines are available to the public every day except during winter months when an appointment is necessary.  Private visits can be arranged as well to, including a technical tour with information about the property, vineyards, techniques of cultivation and wine making of Gabbiano.  The wine shop is located in an old restored hayloft next to the castle.

Castello di Gabbiano is about 23 miles south of Florence.  The castle is surounded by beautiful gardens and panoramic greenery. It's definitely worth a stop on a Tuscan wine-tasting tour!

 

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