Album Valle d'Aosta + Piemont + Liguria from Martin M. Miles

Ventimiglia

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 00:01:36 +0000

A summer evening west of Ventimiglia, just before the French border.

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 23:32:48 +0000

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers.
The Baptistery is a paleochristian structure that stands adjacent to the Albenga Cathedral. Inscriptions date construction to the 5th century. The layout is that of a decagon with an octagonal drum. The large, rectangular pool is still designed for adult baptism by immersion. There are some old marble carvings. A window - seen from outside.

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 23:21:51 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:55:42 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers.
The Baptistery is a paleochristian structure that stands adjacent to the Albenga Cathedral. Inscriptions date construction to the 5th century. The layout is that of a decagon with an octagonal drum. The large, rectangular pool is still designed for adult baptism by immersion. The late-Roman Empire Christian mosaics depict an Alpha-Omega within three concentric circles symbolizing the Trinity, and surrounded by 12 doves symbolizing the apostles who disseminated the teachings under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Finally two sheep stand in a field around a cross.
The Latin inscription of the arch recalls relics held in the church.

At least one name got "erased".

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:41:44 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers.

The Baptistery is a paleochristian structure that stands adjacent to the Albenga Cathedral. Inscriptions date construction to the 5th century. The layout is that of a decagon with an octagonal drum. The large, rectangular pool is still designed for adult baptism by immersion. Seen left is a niche with late-Roman Empire Christian mosaics.

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 21:29:55 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga - Baptistery

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:25:50 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 22:11:53 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:59:56 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.
The nave

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:43:42 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

Guarding the door and supporting the lintel.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 23:26:57 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 22:28:00 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

The frieze on the facade is badly damaged - it appears that some specific symbols have been knocked out, while some others (the pig or bear) appears untouched.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:20:26 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s.

Only a kind of complex frame has survived the times in the center of the facade.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:07:25 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. It is surrounded by the old family towers.

Albenga - Duomo di Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:42:13 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Albenga is on the Gulf of Genoa. It was built around the 4th century B.C. Founded in BC and was the capital of the Ingauni, a Ligurian tribe. The area became Roman and Albingaunum received 45 BC. Roman citizenship under Julius Caesar. After the end of the Roman Empire, the city suffered from Visigoth raids, which partially destroyed and plundered Albenga.

Albenga established itself as a medieval municipality in 1098. That same year, Albenga, with her own banner and troops joined the First Crusade and was granted free trade rights by the King of Jerusalem. Later, after Frederick Barbarossa's invasion of northern Italy, the city supported him and joined the Ghibelline coalition, which was never abandoned in the centuries that followed. In 1159 Albenga received the imperial investiture for its entire territory.

Today the city is characterized by more than ten slender family towers. A church was founded here as early as the fifth century. The current structure dates from the Middle Ages and was built around 1100, with a major remodeling in the second half of the 12th century and another in 1582. The bell tower was rebuilt in its current form in the 1390s. It is surrounded by the old family towers.

Albenga

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 22:17:15 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Bagnasco - Vespa

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Sat, 18 Mar 2023 22:19:36 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Vespa scooters were developed and designed in Italy after WWI and latest, when in 1952, Audrey Hepburn side-saddled Gregory Peck's Vespa in the feature film "Roman Holiday" for a ride through Rome, the Vespa hit the world. Italy is pizza. And Vespa..

Prata a Lesegno - San Nazario

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:51:12 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The Romanesque chapel of San Nazario is located in the hamlet of Prata a Lesegno. The building, first mentioned in 1013, has a rectangular plan with a single nave and a cylindrical apse. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was renovated and its interior walls were frescoed several times.

Prata a Lesegno - San Nazario

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:40:05 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

Alba - Duomo di Alba

nobody@ipernity.com (Martin M. Miles) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 23:07:51 +0000

Martin M. Miles has posted:

The town on the south bank of the Tanaro has been under Roman rule since 89 BC. It was a Roman municipium under the name Alba Pompeia.

In the early Middle Ages, Alba was conquered by the Burgundians, the Lombards and later the Franks and suffered from the Saracen invasions. In the 12th century, Alba became a free comune and joined the Lombard League of Northern Italian Cities. Several monasteries and hospitals were built in the walled city area. It fell under the rule of the Gonzaga, was conquered and lost three times by Charles Emmanuel I and then fell into the power conflict between France and Spain. With the Peace of Cherasco (1631), Alba fell to the Savoy. Today Alba is world famous for the white truffles that grow here.

The earliest structure have been built on the site at the end of the 5th century. A subsequent Romanesque structure was built on its ruins. The current structure originally dates to the first half of the 12th century but was reshaped. It was restructured into late Gothic architecture n the 15th century by bishop Andrea Novelli who arrived in Alba in 1484. The most important renovation dates to 1652 to repair the damage caused by earthquakes in 1626. The last major restoration was undertaken in the 19th century.

St. Theobald (aka "Teobaldo Roggeri") was a shoemaker known for his simple lifestyle and dedication to the needs of the poor. He also worked also as a porter, carrying sacks of grain from place to place. Roggeri died in 1150 and was buried on an unmarked piece of land between the two churches of San Lorenzo and San Silvestro. His tomb became a place of pilgrimage and miracles, but after several decades his tomb darkened and was lost. His remains were rediscovered in 1429 by the Bishop of Alba and are now kept in Alba Cathedral.

Here is the reliquary bust, made in 1430/1450. It was stolen from the cathedral in 1983 but was rediscovered in Minneapolis/USA in 2011 and returned to Alba a year later.