Category Archives: history

Siena Palio horse selection video

Posted on July 30, 2011 by Mathew Lodge

We recently got back from a photo trip to Tuscany, where we got to see the July Siena Palio. This short (1 min 30 sec) video gives you a glimpse of the intense emotions of the Sienese around their favorite … Continue reading →

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Sienese Flag Throwing: Story Behind The Picture

Posted on July 31, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

Eagle (Aquilla) contrade members and their shadows, Siena, Tuscany You might be forgiven for wondering what is going on in this photograph. It is a vertical view down onto the heads of a bunch of grown men in medieval yellow silk outfits waving large flags. You can only tell they’re … Continue reading →

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Temple Church London and The Da Vinci Code

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

Exterior of Temple Church, London (c) Copyright 2006-2010 Mathew Lodge / www.lodgephoto.com. Updated March 2010. Temple Church is a remarkable building because it has survived intact in pretty much its original form in the centre of a major city for … Continue reading →

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Bastides: Taxes and Real-Estate Speculation in Medieval France

Posted on March 22, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

North-by-North-west of Toulouse, the Lot and Dordogne departmentare a joy to behold: well-preserved medieval towns called Bastides with their neat churches, gridiron layouts and square covered markets cling to the limestone banks of the rivers for which the regions are … Continue reading →

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What is Super Tuscan wine?

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

For many, Tuscan wine means Chianti — but Super Tuscan wines have been growing strongly in popularity, and increasingly appear on US wine lists. So what is a Super Tuscan, anyway? Super Tuscans started out as high quality wines from … Continue reading →

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What is Chianti Classico wine?

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Mathew Lodge

A trip to Tuscany inevitably means a glass of red Chianti Classico for most visitors. But what makes a Chianti wine special? Chianti Classico has to come from grapes grown in a strictly defined area of the Chianti hills between … Continue reading →

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Villa Vignamaggio and the Mona Lisa controversy

Posted on October 26, 2009 by Mathew Lodge

Villa Vignamaggio is a charming restored renaissance villa just outside the town of Greve in Chianti. It’s a beautiful location, is exceptionally photogenic and they make great wine… what more could you ask for? How about also being the birthplace … Continue reading →

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Chateau de Biron: Story Behind The Picture

Posted on October 19, 2009 by Mathew Lodge

Chateau de Biron is in the Dordogne region of France, south of Bordeaux in the South-Western corner of the country. Started in the 12th century, the chateau was in the hands of one family for 800 years, the Gontaut-Biron, and enhanced … Continue reading →

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Clos de Vougeot: Story Behind The Picture

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Mathew Lodge

The chateau of Clos de Vougeot is nestled in the vineyards of Burgundy, the area of Eastern France close to Dijon that brings us delightful red wine. Lighter than the more famous Bordeaux, I like Burgundies because of their delicacy … Continue reading →

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Stonehenge: the story behind the picture

Posted on September 7, 2009 by Mathew Lodge

It has to be one of the most famous places on Earth, never mind the United Kingdom: the prehistoric stone circle that is Stonehenge. But if you have ever been there, you’ll have found yourself behind a low fence on … Continue reading →

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