GALLERIA UMBERTO 1 -- part 6

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

Based on Giuseppe Mengoni’s design for the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan (1863 – 1875), Galleria Umberto I (1885 – 1892) was designed by Emanuele Rocco and Francesco Paolo Boubèe as a covered passageway connecting the San Carlo Theater to Via Roma.

Its iron and glass construction is a rare example of “industrial architecture” in Naples. 

Today, Galleria Umberto I is a shopping arcade. 

Below the Galleria, is the Salone Margherita, a fixture of Naples Belle Époque.

-- Bonnie Alberts

GALLERIA UMBERTO 1 -- part 5

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

Even without the shops, the people watching opportunities and the architecture of the Galleria Umberto I make it an essential part of any visit to Naples.

--https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/architecture-of-galleria-umberto-naples.html

GALLERIA UMBERTO 1 -- part 4

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

The Galleria fell into disrepair for some decades but is now being extensively renovated in keeping with its status as a part of the UNESCO listing of the Historic Centre of Naples. 

Today it is a place for shopping, eating and meeting your friends. 

There is also an upmarket hotel (the Hotel Art Resort Galleria Umberto) built and furnished in the Baroque style within the Galleria itself.

--Karen Warren

GALLERIA UMBERTO 1 -- part 3

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

Built in the shape of a cross, the gallery has the feeling of a cathedral, soaring upwards to a vaulted glass ceiling and a vast glass dome at the centre. 

As you walk around, note the rich architectural detail and the mosaics on the floor, in particular the central mosaic with the signs of the zodiac.

--https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/

GALLERIA UMBERTO 1 -- part 2

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

The Galleria is no ordinary shopping arcade.

Unlike many modern constructions, it is of architectural interest in its own right, a magnificent confection of iron and glass. 

Modeled on the Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II in Milan, it was intended as a centrepiece for the risanamento, or revitalisation, of Naples in the late 19th century.

--Karen Warren

GALLERIA UMBERTO 1

19TH CENTURY NAPLES ITALY

Naples' most famous 19th-century arcade is a breathtaking pairing of richly adorned neo-Renaissance fronts and a delicate glass ceiling capped by a lofty 56m dome. 

Complete with a sumptuous marble floor, the galleria is at its most spectacular at night, when it becomes a surreal setting for impromptu soccer games.

--Lonely Planet

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

OAXACA CITY, MEXICO

Unesco World Heritage site includes modest building to the rich Plaza de la Constitucion.

 Their Art Nouveau detail, from the Porfiriato era, creates a unique contrast with the simple Renaissance style of the Government Palace, which construction was completed in 1884.

The churches are another great legacy of the colonial period.

The church and former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzman and the San Felipe Neri (St. Philip Neri) monastery are examples of Baroque Spanish style from sixteenth century and the nineteenth century.

As for vice-regal architecture, the Basilica of Our Lady de la Soledad, erected in the seventeenth century in honor of the patron saint of the city, is a favorite among visitors thanks to its imposing façade and green stone walls.

--Visit Mexico

MY BEST AIR BnB EXPERIENCE EVER -- IN COLONIAL QUITO

FRANCESA: THE MOST WONDERFUL HOST ONE COULD ASK 

FOR IN THE HEART OF QUITO, ECUADOR

I could write endlessly to explain all the reasons you should stay with Francesca in her one in a million home and explore the colonial charms of old town Quito.

First, we’ll start with the basics and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10:

• Clean room, comfortable bed, great writing desk, plenty of drawers and hanging space for clothes – check, 10 of 10.

•  Full bath – toilet & tub shower right in the room, with endless warm water – again, 10.

• Quiet room – yes, is in a courtyard building. It is so close to the nightspots and activity on Ronda, Plaza Santa Doming, etc. – that we thought sure there would be noise. But no, even the most neurotic and finicky of sleepers zonked out like babies in the tranquility of this castle. Score – 10.

• Host better than a concierge at a 5-star hotel. You bet. Francesca had snacks, coca tea (for combat high altitude), a calming before bed tea, warm water, filtered cold water, chocolate and more ready upon arrival. Her resourcefulness and calm demeanor ranks a perfect 10.

• Breakfast unique and memorable? Humitas, toast (one unique with blueberries in it), cereal in sesame milk, coffee, more tea, other delights – in a warm and super well-equipped kitchen. 10.

• Location? Honestly, there couldn’t be a more perfect location in all of Quito. Want to look up at Panecillo from the roof terrace – you got it. Need to catch the 25 cent per ride trollebus? It’s crawling distance away? Want to visit some of the best colonial architecture, museums, church interiors, authentic restaurants, theaters, vibrant plazas – they are a few blocks away. Score 10.

• Want to wake up in a classic home nearly 500 years old, gaze at an ancient preserved fresco in the kitchen, play with sweet Siamese cats, live among antiques and warmth? Pick here – 10.

• Want a safe place with keyed entrance – both to the main house and your private room? Want to live in a real neighborhood with shopkeepers and bakeries – not tourist traps – this is your base of operations. Want a safe and affable driver for that hour-long airport trip – stay here. 10.

That’s the basics. I must say something about Francesca. She is the best host I’ve stayed with, based on hundreds of B&B and thousands of hotel stays.

She speaks perfect English and Spanish. She has a space heater and extra blankets for the room. If you asked her to find a left handed monkey wrench, she’d roam the streets to accommodate you.

Francesca is an artist. Her nearly 9,000 SF abode is filled with her museum-caliber art. She is a soulful person. You could talk to her from dusk to dawn about any subject – silly to super meaningful – with ease.

She’s an encyclopedia of Quito and Ecuador knowledge – only better, because her hints and suggestions are delivered with warmth that no book or website could duplicate.

You will adore her. Even if you are very private, you will enjoy your time with her more than your time in her UNESCO World Heritage site engaging city.

http://rota-loiseau.com/casadelastiasenglish.html 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/407958