Traveling Italy – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

The Intricate Beauty of Amalfi Cathedral

Today, I’m showcasing some doors and details from my archives that feature the enchanting beauty and intricate details of the Amalfi Cathedral (St. Andrew’s Cathedral), its architecture, and a rich history. This cathedral, one of the standout attractions of the Amalfi Coast and among Italy’s most magnificent churches, sits in Piazza del Duomo at the heart of Amalfi. The beautiful Roman Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to the Apostle Saint Andrew, whose remains were brought to Amalfi from Constantinople in 1206 and are interred in the Crypt. In addition to being the patron saint of Scotland and Russia, Saint Andrew is also revered as the patron saint of Amalfi.

Click images to enlarge them.

I, for some reason, found it suitable for the season as I am listening to Christmas songs at the same time. Dan’s Thursday Doors

Thursday doors -Ravello

Cities, Traveling Italy

The whitewashed houses in Ravello are way more than just pretty sights; they capture the fun vibe and rich history of this lovely little Italian town. Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, these gorgeous buildings shine bright in the warm Mediterranean sun, their sunny exteriors popping against the lush greenery all around. Strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, you’re hit with the sweet smell of blooming bougainvillea and can hear the cheerful sounds life round you. What makes Ravello special isn’t just the stunning scenery; it’s also the friendly locals who take pride in their whitewashed homes, inviting everyone to dive into the unique charm of this peaceful coastal gem. These were taken in summer 2016.

The Cameo Factory showcases intricate jewelry and artisan craftsmanship in a charming town of Ravello in Italy.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Art gallery entrance featuring colorful ceramics and paintings.

A bustling square in Ravello, showcasing charming whitewashed houses and vibrant greenery under the sunny Mediterranean sky.

The architecture of Ravello’s church set against a clear blue sky, surrounded by lively cafes

Aged

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

One Word Sunday at Debbie’s here

Artifacts from Pompeii, including intricately designed pots, beautifully crafted vases, and detailed statues, serve as a breathtaking window into the lives of the ancient Romans who thrived in this bustling city before the catastrophic earthquake.

the Charm of Ravello’s Scenic Doors

Interiors, Photography, Traveling Italy

As I passed the first doors, there was a promise of a breathtaking view unfolding before me, a tantalizing glimpse of the sea. The moment I saw the second door , it absolutely fulfilled that promise, revealing a stunning view, and Juliet balcony that felt almost like a scene from a romantic film. The incredible panorama opened up before my eyes, showcasing the magnificent bay in Ravello, Italy, with its shimmering blue waters reflecting the radiant sunlight. I stood there, captivated by the vibrant colors of the lush gardens that spilled down the cliffs, blending harmoniously with the sky.

For Dan’s Thursday Doors

Capturing Nighttime Serenity

Cities, Photography, Traveling Italy

These are old photos that I edited for the mood challenge, but did not use them, and now they are quite handy for my open doors post for Dan’s Thursday Doors. These images are from a charming square in Amalfi, Italy, a place steeped in history and beauty.

I am happy I was able capture the warm tones and the night mood, evoking a sense of calm, day transitions into night, just about closing time. In the first photo, you can see a woman with pearls closing the gates of her store.

The cafes and restaurants surrounding the square remain open, creating a lively atmosphere, yet the mood is not hurried; it is calm and serene, even amidst the gentle flow of people moving about, enjoying the last moments of the day. The soft glow of the streetlamps reflects off the cobblestones, enhancing the tranquil ambiance.

Thursday Doors-Mecca

Cities, Traveling Italy

I liked how the door created reflections, so I took a shot of this home supply store door. The way the glass shimmered in the sunlight added a charm to the scene, making the mundane store pop. As I framed the picture, I noticed a pigeon perched nearby, the pigeon is a nice addition in the shot, even if it isn’t so sharp in the frame; its presence brings a touch of life and whimsy.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Monday Window

Cities, Traveling Italy

One window view from Positano – Amalfi Coast

Monday Window 2024

Monochrome madness

Cities, Photography, Traveling Italy

For monochrome madness this week is an image from the entrance of

Cattedrale di Sant’Andrea

door – in italy

Cities, Traveling Italy

The composition of an image can significantly alter the mood it conveys. The door to a Mecca building from Italy I chose demonstrates it , choosing between a landscape and portrait orientation can evoke different emotions. With a landscape orientation, the focus may broaden, capturing more of the surrounding environment, while a portrait orientation can emphasize the details and grandeur of the building itself. This shift in perspective can subtly influence the emotional impact of the image.

It’s intriguing how such a simple adjustment can evoke varied emotional responses, highlighting the powerful role of composition in visual storytelling.

Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors

Travel memories 19

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I was amazed by the history of this place – Pompeii, as a place full of treasures.

View of Temple of Jupiter and Mount Vesuvius

Pompeii

I love the sea, beaches, forests, mountains, countryside and lovely cities and the people in them. Colors; blue, green, red, white, yellows and what ever you can find around you. I love beauty and these photos remind me of beauty I have seen.

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 18

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Oh, the beauty of it all. These streets, cafes and restaurants just embrace you.

Strolling the lanes and stairs of Positao

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 17

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I will spend few more posts on the Amalfi coast. We also visited the lovely village called Positano. We could not go to the church as there was a wedding, I just popped in very quickly. Notice the two older gentlemen with strong bodyguards 🙂 arriving to the special occasion.

Wedding is about to take place at Assumption Parish of Our Lady Positano

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 16

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I will spend few more posts on the Amalfi coast. We also visited the lovely village called Positano. These are the views when approaching the pier.

Positano as seen from the sea

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 15

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

A View from Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, unesco world heritage site, Campania, at Annunziata.

Hills and vineyards of Ravello

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 14

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Cathedral of Ravello, Amalfi Coast

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 13

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

A View from Villa Rufolo in Ravello, Amalfi Coast, unesco world heritage site, Campania, at Annunziata.

Villa Cimbrone

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 12

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

At Villa Cimbrone in Ravello, Italy.

Villa Cimbrone

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 11

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Shopping, stores, boutiques isn’t that one of the joys of travel ? At least window shopping

Wine break

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 10

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I was going to leave Capri, but I have to share more of the beauty I saw. I am in no hurry, the travel ban is not going to lift anytime soon. These small roads, ways, are shouting out – shoot me, that sounds bad, – take a photo, is more appropriate 🙂

Clouds over the mountain tops!

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 9

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I was going to leave Capri, but I have to share more of the beauty I saw. I am in no hurry, the travel ban is not going to lift anytime soon. The coastline of Amalfi coast as we approached the island was beautiful.

Clouds over the mountain tops!

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 8

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

I was going to leave Capri, but I have to share more of the beauty I saw. I am in no hurry, the travel ban is not going to lift anytime soon.

Boating on a warm sunny day at the coast of Capri, wouldn’t that be something…

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 7

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Visiting Villa San Michele in Capri , looking at the long pergola and the that garden begins in the shade of the wisteria of the pergola, culminates bathed in sunlight on the Sphinx terrace and finds its end along an elegant avenue of cypresses. Every season has its flowers and scents of camellias, tree peonies, hydrangeas, vines and orange blossom.

Sphinx
The sphinx at Villa San Michele is approximately 3200 years old. It comes from Egypt and is carved in red granite.

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 6

Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Housing in Amalfi town , these buildings are so picturesque.

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 5

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

Visiting Villa San Michele in Capri , looking at Hermes

Where the sculpture loggia ends and the long pergola begins stands a bronze statue that somehow marks the transition between indoors and out of doors. It represents the messenger of the gods, Hermes, sitting at rest. The small wings on the sides of his feet are folded. The sculpture is a turn of the 19th century copy of an antique original which was excavated in Herculaneum and now stands in the Archaeological Museum in Naples. This work of art was a gift to Munthe from the City of Naples in recognition of his relief work during the cholera epidemic 1884-85. (text: villasanmichele.eu/collection)

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 4

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

What a view of an old building at Capri , I’m sure it also has a name, but I don’t know it 🙂

Welcome to my travels, some of them you might seen before…well, that’s life! Let’s go with the flow…

Travel memories 3

Photography, Travel, Traveling Italy

No travel in sight, so I am going to post photos of lovely places I have visited. I will keep it simple, lots of posts, less words is the theme in these posts.

What a view from Capri at some rock, I’m sure it has a name, but I don’t know it 🙂