April 2012

Roma, Italia ~ March 2012

Departing Fiumicino Airport

Views from my room at the Lay Centre

Looking out the window of my room at the Lay Centre. I left the window open the entire time I was there because the weather was unseasonably warm for March.

Roman aqueduct ruins on the grounds of the Lay Centre

Walking down the driveway to the main entrance of the Lay Centre

Leaving the Lay Centre through the main entrance out into the rush of the city.

Looking down Largo della Sanità Militare just outside the Lay Centre entrance

Looking down Via Claudia just outside the Lay Centre entrance which is out of sight to the left

JoAnn and Robert

Walking down Largo della Sanità Militare

Morning at the Caffe Santos Bar

Each morning we enjoyed a breakfast of iced espresso and pastry

Street scene from the Caffe Santos Bar looking left

Street from the Caffe Santos Bar looking right

View from the park down Via dei Normanni

Strolling down Via della Domus Aurea to the Coleseum

The man playing the saxophone was excellent

Ruins of the Ludus Magnus or the Great Gladiatorial Training School as seen from Piazza del Colosseo

Looking up Via di San Giovanni in Laterano at the ruins of the Ludus Magnus

The Colosseum in the center of Rome

Looking up Via Claudia from the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine and the Roman Forum in the background

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill

A park at the end of Via di San Gregorio near the Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine with the Colsseum in the background

Walking up Via di San Giovanni in Laterano towards the Basilica di San Clemente ~ you can see the bell tower in the distance

Basilica di San Clemente

Walking up Via di San Giovanni in Laterano

The octagonal Battistero di San Giovanni is one of the oldest buildings in the city

The side view of the Papal Archbasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. The building on the left is the Lateran Palace.

People cooling off at the fountain

Walking down Via dell’ Amba Aradam without a map!

Walking down Viale delle Terme di Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla in the background

Walking on Via Celio Vibenna

Walking up Via Claudia knowing the Lay Centre is at the top of this giant wall

Looking left up Via Capo d’Africa

Looking up Via Annia at the park very near the entrance to the Lay Centre

Finally back to the Lay Centre after a very long walking tour without a map!

Walking up the driveway to the beautiful grounds of the Lay Centre

Roman aqueduct ruins on the grounds of the Lay Centre

Follow the signs to the Lay Centre

Santi Giovanni e Paolo is an ancient basilica church on the Celian Hill where the Lay Centre is located.

The Lay Centre is located on the grounds of the Passionists monastery. I woke each morning to sound of the monks singing Morning Prayer!

Walking past the courtyard and continuing along the tree-lined road

The Lay Centre entrance is at the end on the left

View from the rooftop patio at the Lay Centre

You can see the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica in the distance. You can also see the Victor Emanuel II Monument.

I am tired but happy! I am in beautiful Roma, Italia!

The courtyard at the Lay Centre ~ home to two black cats

Looking up the road from the Lay Centre gate

Walking up Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo

The altar in Santo Stefano Rotondo ~ the Basilica of St. Stephen in the Round on the Celian Hill

The church was the first in Rome to have a circular plan.

Entrance to the church courtyard from the street

Via di Santo Stefano Rotondo is very narrow

Looking ahead

Looking back

Interesting old entrance that is no longer used

Looking down the street to the right of the main gate to the Pontificio Collegio Irlandese.

The Pontificio Collegio Irlandese where the Lay Centre was once located

Looking up Via Merulana

Fountain at the Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano

Looking at the side entrance of the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Crossing the street to enter the building that houses the ‘Scala Sancta’ or ‘Holy Stairs’

Pilgrims ascend the ‘Scala Sancta’ or ‘Holy Stairs’ on their knees honoring the Passion of Jesus

Christian tradition tells us these are the steps that led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem which Jesus stood on during his Passion on his way to trial. They were reputedly brought to Rome by St. Helena, mother of Constantine, in the 4th century.

Sculpture of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Looking down from the top of the Holy Stairs

There are 28 wooden steps, now encased by white marble, located in a building which incorporates part of the old Lateran Palace

The stairs lead to ‘Sancta Sanctorum’ or Holy of Holies, the personal chapel of the early Popes

The main entrance to the Archbasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The official name ~ Archbasilica of the Most Holy Saviour and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist at the Lateran

Looking up Viale Carlo Felice

Walking up Viale Carlo Felice towards Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, a minor basilica in Rome, is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome

According to tradition, the basilica was consecrated around 325 to house the Passion Relics brought to Rome from the Holy Land by St. Helena of Constantinople, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I.

I love the fountains that are always flowing ~ you will find them all around Rome.

Ancient ruins incorporated into more modern buildings

Transportation! Rest for our weary feet…

Bus fare is only one euro

Robert and Jennifer after the Wednesday evening community dinner at the Lay Centre

Evening gelato ~ a great way to end the day!

Jennifer, JoAnn and Robert enjoying gelato

The Colosseum at night

And we thought the Smart Car was small?!

Scooter rental in Rome ~ you risk your life!

The extra small cars (they’re all small in Rome) can park alongside the scooters

Fresh produce on a street corner on our morning stroll to the Caffe Santos Bar for breakfast

The Pontifical Gregorian University was the first university founded by the Jesuits and has the largest Theology department in the world with over 1,600 students from over 130 countries. Robert is a graduate of the University.

The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous in the world.

A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain they are ensured a return to Rome. Needless to say I threw a coin in the fountain!

An estimated 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain each day. The money has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’s needy.

Interesting window display

Scooters are everywhere in Rome.

The Piazza di Spagna

The Spanish Steps ~ the monumental stairway of 138 steps ~ is the widest stairway in Europe.

The Piazza di Spagna

I love that there are palm trees in Rome.

A plaque on the history of the Spanish Steps

The church of the SantissimaTrinità dei Monti, a late Renaissance titular church in Rome, is best known for its commanding position above the Spanish Steps.

The Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Old Boat) is a Baroque fresh-water fountain in the Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the Spanish Steps.

Babington’s tea room is a traditional English tea shop at the foot of the Spanish Steps founded in 1893 by two English women.

Catching the Metro to the Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano more commonly known as Saint Peter’s Basilica located in Vatican City.

Waiting to catch the Metro

On our way to the Vatican ~ Loving life in Rome!

Lunch before heading to the Vatican ~ Robert knows restaurant owners all over Rome!

There is a reason you need a very small car in Rome!

At the Vatican ~ the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the background

Enjoying an espresso at an outdoor cafe at the Vatican

This colossal bronze pigna or pine cone was cast in the 1st or 2nd century.

Looking out over the city from inside the Vatican

Laocoön is one of the most famous Greek statues in ancient Rome. What an interesting story… google Laocoön.

Leaving the statue of Laocoön to further explore the Vatican museums

Bernini’s first work at Saint Peter’s was to design the baldacchino, a pavilion-like structure 30 meters tall which stands beneath the dome and above the altar.

This ancient bronze statue of Saint Peter. Pilgrims who come to the Basilica traditionally touch and kiss its foot, so that it is literally worn thin.

The statue of Saint Peter is in the background.

The tomb of Pope John Paul II

Michelangelo’s Pietà ~ a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture

Looking out onto Saint Peter’s Square as we leave the Basilica at the end of the day.

The Swiss guards at the Vatican

Looking up at the Basilica of Saint Peter

Looking to left from the Basilica of Saint Peter. The Pope’s private apartment is located at the top right of the upper building ~ look closely to see the two lit windows.

Roberto in Saint Peter’s Square

Nightfall at the Basilica of Saint Peter

Saint Peter’s Square

Just another interesting street in Rome

Enjoying a drink in a nearby Wine Bar because it’s too early to go to dinner.

Leaving the Wine Bar Gastronomia and heading off to dinner.

Walking over the bridge looking down the Tiber River.

Robert on the bridge crossing the Tiber River

JoAnn capturing the beauty of the Tiber at night.

You can actually walk along the Tiber River.

Dining at Ristorante La Pigna

Someone does not want her photo taken… but I can’t resist and Robert backs me up.

Leaving Ristorante La Pigna

Making our way to the Pantheon

At the centre of the Piazza della Minerva is the 1667 elephant by Bernini and the small obelisk atop it (you can see the top of the Pantheon in the background).

The five star luxury Grand Hotel de la Minerve is housed in a magnificent mansion dating from the 1600’s and overlooks the Pantheon.

The Pantheon in the Piazza Navona

Looking up at the Pantheon

Far too many flavors of gelato to choose from…

Della Palma gelato shop ~ one of the best.

Riding the bus back toward the Lay Centre after a long day.

Caffe Santos, where we had our breakfast every morning, is across the street from the Basilica of Saint Clemente.

Exiting a modern shopping mall to catch the Metro

Taking the Metro to the Basilica of Saint Paul

Leaving the Metro and heading to the Basilica of Saint Paul which is seen in the background ~ and yes, another McDonald’s!

Walking along Via Ostiense approaching the bell tower of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Stopped for lunch before visiting the Basilica

And of course an espresso in the bar near the Basilica

This burial ground spans over a period of time from the 2nd century BC to the 4th century AD

This burial ground is situated at the crossing between Via Ostiense and Via delle Sette Chiese in the surroundings of the Basilica di San Paolo.

View from the Piazzale di San Paolo

View from the covered portico that precedes the facade of the Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura ~ the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The courtyard of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The beautiful Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is built over the tomb of St. Paul, Apostle to the Gentiles who died in Rome about 67 A.D.

A flame for Saint Paul

A statue of Saint Paul behind the flame near the entrance to the Basilica

The sword represents the manner of his death and the book, the New Testament containing his letters to young Christian churches.

My most favorite ~ there are no side chapels along the nave of this great church. It is simply a classic basilica of one central nave and two aisles flanking either side. The huge interior is completely free of benches, chairs, statues, and often, even tourists.

Looking out the main entrance into the courtyard

Mosaic portraits of every pope in the history of the Catholic Church line the upper walls of the basilica. A spotlight highlights the current Pope’s portrait.

The 5th-century mosaics of the triumphal arch are original.

The huge marble Paschal candlestick stands more than 5 meters high and was made in the 12th century.

Looking back towards the entrance

Saint Paul’s tomb is below a marble tombstone in the Basilica’s crypt below the altar. The tombstone bears the Latin inscription Paulo Apostolo Mart “to Paul the apostle and martyr”.

The set of chains said to be the prison chains of Saint Paul used in the last days before his execution are located above his tomb.

The chapel of Saint Benedict.

The apse mosaic was made by Venetian artists ~ Christ is flanked by the Apostles Peter, Paul, Andrew and Luke.

A chapel dedicated to the Blessed Sacrament is located to the left of the apse. The Crucifix is from the 14th century.

Walking with Fr. Samuel to the sacristy and then on to a tour of the basilica museum

Looking back towards the entrance of the Basilica as it is closed for the evening.

Robert talking with his friend Fr. Samuel who celebrated the Mass we attended in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

Cloister of the Benedictine Monastery at the Basilica.

View from the courtyard of the Basilica of Saint Paul

Looking out into the courtyard of the Benedictine cloister

An interesting exhibit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council in basilica museum

Robert, Fr. Samuel and JoAnn viewing the exhibit

Pope John XXIII’s handwritten announcement of the opening of the Second Vatican Council

Robert, JoAnn and Fr. Samuel who lives in the cloister at the Basilica of Saint Paul and gave us a private tour

Public Evening Prayer with the Benedictine monks in the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul

In the 7th century it was recorded that there were two monasteries attached to the church, one for monks and one for nuns. Pope Gregory II (715-31) re-founded the male monastery for Benedictine monks who have been in residence ever since.

The Benedictine monks returning to the monastery after Evening Prayer.

The Abbot of Saint Paul’s now has the title of Pastoral Vicar of the Basilica.

The Benedictine monks of Saint Paul’s continue to labour with dedication in their traditional task, a responsibility given them by the Popes: to watch over the tomb of Saint Paul, to pray and work for Christian unity, and to offer monastic-pastoral service to all who come to Saint Paul’s.

Robert and his Benedictine friends

Leaving the Basilica of Saint Paul’s through the Benedictine cloister at the end of our visit

Cloister

Catching the Metro ~ graffiti just like home!

Robert and Avery at dinner

JoAnn enjoying a cold beer at the end of long day of walking

Hmmm delicious pizza with thin crispy crust and fresh tomatoes and mozzarella

This is going to taste so delicious

I was disappointed to find that McDonald’s has made it’s way to Rome

A usual site on the corner of a building in Rome

An after dinner stroll making our way to another gelato shop

The Fountain of four Rivers in the Piazza Navona

The Fontana del Quattro Fiumi ~ the four river gods represent four major rivers of the four continents through which papal authority had spread.

Piazza Navona

Looking up at Sant’Agnese in Agone ~ a seventeenth century Baroque church on the Piazza Navona

An artist selling his work in the Piazza Navona

JoAnn, Robert and Avery in front of Sant’Agnese in Agone

Walking along the Piazza Navona

Everyone walks in Rome ~ it’s so enjoyable!

An interesting window and balcony

Executions used to be held publicly in Campo de’ Fiori where on 17 February 1600 the philosopher Giordano Bruno was burnt alive by the Roman Inquisition.

In 1887 Ettore Ferrari dedicated a monument to him on the exact spot of his death: he stands defiantly facing the Vatican, reinterpreted in the first days of a reunited Italy as a martyr to freedom of speech.

The Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II) is a monument built to honour Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. The monument was controversial since its construction destroyed a large area of the Capitoline Hill with a Medieval neighbourhood for its sake. The monument itself is often regarded as pompous and too large.

No really, that’s a real car in Rome!

The chapel at the Lay Centre

“The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree” Acts 5:30

The view from the chapel window

Climbing four flights of stairs takes you to the living space of the Lay Centre where I stayed during my visit

Walking through the glass doors on the right ~ the chapel is the first door on the left and my room was further down the hall on the left

Walking through a low-ceilinged hall led out to the roof-top patio on the fourth floor

This spectacular view is so peaceful and serene in the middle Rome.

Looking down into the courtyard from the patio

Looking to the left from the patio ~ the windows are the rooms located on the right side of the hall where I stayed

At the opposite end of the hall and up the stairs are the Lay Centre’s staff suites. The first door on the left is the women’s bathrooms and showers.

Walking up the another tree-lined street on our way to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major

The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Roman Catholic Marian church in Rome

Signage of the layout of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Entering the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

The baldacchino in the basilica is incredibly ornate.

Under the high altar of the basilica is the Crypt of the Nativity with a crystal reliquary said to contain wood from the Holy Crib of the nativity of Jesus Christ.

Looking back toward the main entrance of the Basilica of Mary Major

Looking out from the main entrance of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

An old trolley car still operating in Rome.

In the Metro station ~ going to ride the metro to the end of Line B to meet Fr. Russell who will drive us out of the city to the countryside

Just one more espresso…

Stylish sunglasses? Mine match my sweater perfectly!

End of the Metro Line B ~ waiting for Fr. Russell

The town of Cerveteri is famous for a number of Etruscan necropolis

Looking down the main street in Cerveteri

Looking at the guide book to determine our next stop

Just make sure I can get an espresso

We are about to explore the most famous attraction of Cerveteri ~ the Necropolis della Banditaccia

What a spectacular tree lined drive into the Necropolis

The Etruscan tombs date from the 9th century BC to the late Etruscan age of the 3rd century BC

The countryside is beautiful.

Sweet little young cows grazing.

This is the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area

Cerveteri is often called a “city of the dead”

The tombs are like rooms in Etruscan homes

A short video was projected on the walls in some of the tombs ~ they were in Italian

Emerging from another ancient Etruscan tomb

The stonework is amazing when you think of how old these tombs are

Sunset on the Mediterranean Sea in the town of Ladispoli

Housing in Ladispoli on the Mediterranean Sea

Waiting for the tide

View from a pedestrian bridge in Ladispoli

This crane is used for dropping boats into the sea ~ what a spectacular sunset

Waiting for the green light to head up the single-lane road to Ceri

The town as it looks today was founded in 1236

The main attraction in Ceri is the Romanesque Church of the Madonna di Ceri

The church stands on an ancient site where Etruscans and Romans venerated the cult of the goddess Vesta

A side altar in the church

The sanctuary of the Church of the Madonna di Ceri

In 1980, during a restoration, frescoes from approximately the 12th century, representing some scenes from the Old Testament were discovered on a wall in the church building