Category Archives: Roman Emperors

April 26, 2013 · 10:35 am

Mangia and Vino con Vista in Ravenna: A UNESCO Site in Emilia-Romagna

: Image via Wikipedia

English: Cross. Detail from the 6th century Byzantine mosaic in the apse of the basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe (Ravenna, Italy) Italiano: Croce gemmata. Particolare del mosaico bizantino nel catino absidale di Sant’Apollinare in Classe a Ravenna (secolo VI). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Built in 548 A.D. The sights of Ravenna are mostly from the period when Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna houses early Christian Monuments in the Romagna Region www.turismoravenna.it . Ravenna was initially the seat of the Roman Empire in the 5^th century, the Visigoth Empire and finally the Byzantine Italian Empire under Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora until the 8^th century. Ravenna was the capital of the Western Roman Empire for 150 years.

Dante; Dante Museum, Ravenna, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Dante Alighieri’s portrait by Sandro Botticelli. Tempera 54,7 x 47,5 cm. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna’s proximity to the sea and unique collection of early Christian mosaics and monuments make it a desirable destination. The Torre del Pubblico leans more than the Tower of Pisa. Dante’s tomb is located on Via Dante Alighieri. Beautiful beaches are found in the Punta Marina di Ravenna.

Domenico di Michelino, La Divina Commedia di Dante (Dante and the Divine Comedy). 1465 fresco, in the dome of the church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Florence’s cathedral). Dante Alighieri is shown holding a copy of his epic poem The Divine Comedy. He is pointing to a procession of sin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna flourished under the Byzantine Empire. All eight artistically noteworthy buildings: the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, the Arian Baptistery, the Archiepiscopal Chapel, the Mausoleum of Theodoric, the Church of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe were constructed in the 5^th and 6^th centuries. The octagonal baptistery contains a beautiful mosaic of John the Baptist and Christ.

Ravenna 1996_0016 (Photo credit: thomas alan)

Ravenna’s mosaics are considered to be the finest in the world outside Istanbul. “The artistry of the mosaics and monuments presents an enlightened blend of Greco-Roman, Christian iconography, oriental and Western genres. Ravenna provides a glimpse into artistic and religious relationships during an important period of European cultural history.” UNESCO

Dante gazes at Mount Purgatory in an allegorical portrait by Agnolo Bronzino, painted c. 1530 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ravenna offers an array of annual events including the prestigious summer “Ravenna Festival” with opera performances, classical music and ballet. In September, the Basilica of San Francesco conducts Progetto Dante: “La Divina Commedia nel Mondo” with readings from Dante’s Divine Comedy. The Basilica was built in the 5th century and completely re-built between the 10th and 11th centuries. Dante Alighieri’s funeral was held here in 1321.

Gustave Doré’s illustration to Dante’s Inferno. Plate IX: Canto III: Arrival of Charon. “And lo! towards us coming in a boat / An old man, hoary with the hair of eld, / Crying: ‘Woe unto you, ye souls depraved!’” (Longfellow’s translation) “And, lo! toward us in a bark / Comes an old man, hoary white with eld, / Crying “Woe to you, wicked spirits!” (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dante’s death tomb in Ravenna. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the peaceful Piazza dell Popola, or beside the Marina di Ravenna, you can enjoy a pleasant “Vino con Vista.” Have a glass of Rosso Ravenna, Bianco Ravenna or Sangiovese de Romagna Superiore Riserva with your Parmigiano Reggiano. Ravenna is famous for its olive oil from Brisighella, and the vineyards from prestigious Albana.

Think about that Ducati or Ferrari you’ve had your eye on as you watch the Italians enjoy their testosterone infused rides. If you prefer, you can plan your next mosaic tile project as you sip your delicious Lambrusco at one of the charming cafes.

If you dine at Gigiole on Piazza Couvour or Antica Trattoria al Gallo 1909 on via Maggione, try some Tagliatelle Bolognese. In this region, they love cheese and butter; so don’t forget to take your cholesterol medication.

Dine at the Buon Ricordo destination at the Ristorante Hotel Tino in Massa Lombarda @ Via Resistenza, 22 (www.tinomassalombarda.it). The “Ossobuco del Cavaliere” comes with a charming collector plate depicting a knight on horseback. The veal is served with saffron risotto. Dine in the charming courtyard of this hotel.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Italy read www.vino-con-vista.com Travel Guides.

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Tagged as Basilica of San Vitale, Byzantine Empire, Dante Alighieri, Emilia Romagna, Italian wine, Italy, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Roman Empire, Rome, Travel and Tourism, vino con vista, World Heritage Site

April 18, 2013 · 11:42 am

Piazza del Popolo’s Top 5 Vino con Vista Opportunities in Rome

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza del Popolo is one of my favorite pedestrian-only squares in Rome because it offers so many interesting sites and things to do. The Piazza is situated between the ancient Porta Flaminia and the park of the Pincio.

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popolo archway

The Porta Flaminia was one of the gates in the ancient Roman Aurelian Wall. It was the starting point of the Via Flaminia which led north to the Roman town of Ariminum ( Rimini) in Ancient Rome. On the north end of the piazza stands the Porta del Popolo that is also called the Porta Flaminia.

Porta del Popolo or Porta Flaminia in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It leads to the the Piazzale Flaminio and the start of the Via Flaminia. The gateway was reconfigureed by Bernini for Pope Alexander VII in 1655, to welcome Queen Christina of Sweden to Rome following her conversion to Roman Catholicism after her abdication.

Popolo piazza

The Piazza has a suberb location in Rome. The central street, the Via del Corso follows southward to the Piazza Venezia, the Capitol and the forum. The Via di Ripetta leads past the Mausoleum of Augustus to the River Tiber and the Via del Babuino (“Baboon”) leads to Piazza di Spagna.

The Piazza has one of the tallest obelisks in Rome surrounded by outdoor cafes perfectly suited to an extraordinary Vino con Vista. There are three churches in the square: The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo with a simple facade and the twin Baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (1679).

1. From Piazza del Popolo you can climb the stairs behind the Neptune fountain to the top of the Pincio Steps that lead from the Piazza del Popolo to the Villa Borghese’s gardens. The stairs link the piazza with the heights of the ancient Roman Pincian Hill that overlooks the space from the east. The pedestrian steps leading up beside a waterfall to the Pincio park balustraded lookout that provides a passageway to the Villa Borghese gardens.

Pincio Hill in Piazza Popolo

Neptune Fountain

2. The Popolo Obelisk is the Egyptian obelisk of Sety I from Heliopolis. Three sides of the obelisk were carved during the reign of Sety I and the fourth side was carved during the riegn of Rameses II. The obelisk is also called “obelisco Flaminio” and it is the second oldest and one of the tallest obelisks in Rome. The obelisk was brought to Rome in 10 BC by order of Augustus and originally set up in the Circus Maximus. It was re-erected here in the piazza by the architect-engineer Domenico Fontana in 1589 as part of the urban plan of Sixtus V.

Popolo obelisk

At the center of the piazza is the Fontana dell’ Obelisco with a group of our mini lion fountains. Each lion is situated on a stepped plinth added around the base of the obelisk in 1818.

Popolo lion fountain

The layout of the piazza today was designed in neoclassical style between 1811 and 1822 by the architect Giuseppe Valadier when he removed a modest fountain by Giacomo Della Porta that was erected in 1572.

3. The Piazza has a lovely Fontana del Nettuno at the base of the Porta del Popolo on Pincio Hill. The Piazza Popolo Fountain of Neptune stands on the west side of the piazza and depicts Neptune with his trident accompanied by two dolphins.

Piazza Popolo Fountain of Neptune

4. Visit the symmetrical (almost) twin Baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (1681) and Santa Maria in Montesanto (1679), begun by Carlo Rainaldi and completed by Bernini and Carlo Fontana.

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria Montesanto

These churches define the junctions of the roads called the “trident” (il Tridente): the Via del Corso in the centre; the Via del Babuino to the left (opened in 1525 as the Via Paolina) and the Via di Ripetta (opened by Leo X in 1518 as the Via Leonina) to the right.

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Piazza Popolo

Miracoli altar in Piazza Popolo

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The two, almost twin, churches of S. Maria di Montesanto (left) and S. Maria dei Miracoli (right) in Piazza del Popolo were designed by Carlo Rainaldi. Gian Lorenzo Bernini provided him with advice on how to emphasize the similarity between the two churches. S. Maria di Montesanto was erected first (1678) and S. Maria dei Miracoli a few years later (1681). The columns come from the bell tower erected by Bernini for St Peter’s, a project that was eventually abandoned.

The high altar of Santa Maria dei Miracoli has the miraculous image of the Virgin which has given the church its name, “Madonna dei Miracoli” (Our Lady of Miracles). The first chapel on the right-hand side has an altar dedicated to Our Lady of Bétharram, named after a shrine near Lourdes. The church was erected by C.Rainaldi to preserve an image of the Madonna that was found on the wall close to Porta del Popolo. The church has two chapels on each side. The image of the Madonna is on the high altar surmounted by four marble angels by A.Raggi. In the presbytery, there are funeral monument to cardinal Gastaldi, who sponsored construction of the church, and his brother. The facade was later changed by G.L.Bernini and C.Fontana.

5. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo has a simple facade. It is an Augustinian church located on the north side of the Piazza del Popolo. It occupies the site where Pope Paschal II (1099-1118) built an oratory over the tombs of the Roman Domitia family at the foot of the Pincian Hills. The church includes works by several famous artists, architects and sculptors including: Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio, Andrea Bregno, Guillaume de Marcillat and Donato Bramante. The dome of the Chigi Chapel is decorated with Raphael’s drawings of the Creation of the World. These depict God as creator of the heavens, surrounded by symbols of the planets.

Raffaello Sanzio – Dome of the Chigi Chapel – WGA18820 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The original church was built on this site in 1099. A host of famous architects rebuilt this beautiful old church beginning in 1472; namely, A. Bregno, Pinturicchio, and B. Pontelli. Later, Bramante and Bernini made additions to it.

Santa Maria del Popolo contains one of the richest collections of art of all Rome’s churches, with the exception of St. Peter’s. It also contains two Chigi pyramid tombs embedded in the walls of the side chapels, the tomb of Cardinal Foscari, and the tomb of Cardinal Della Revere by Mino da Fiesole and A. Bregno.

Dämonenloch in der Santa Maria del Popolo, Rom English: Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome, Italy: Chigi chapel. Incrustated floor with the coats of arms of the House of Chigi hold by the Death. Italiano: Santa Maria del Popolo a Roma, Cappella Chigi. Pavimento intarsiato con lo stemma Chigi sorretto dalla Morte. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a the kneeling skeleton mosaic on the floor in the Chigi Chapel of the 17th century. It represents the coat of arms of the House of Chigi.

Visit the gorgeous Della Revere Chapel and be sure to admire the stained-glass of 1509 by French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. Also, there is the tomb of Ascanio Sforza, who died in 1505, built by Andrea Sansovino.

Nero lived on in the imagination of the people long after the fall of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, a legend arose that a walnut tree growing here on the spot where his ashes were buried was haunted by the Emperor. Ravens roosting in the tree were thought to be demons tormenting him for his hideous crimes. When the first church was built here, under Pope Paschal II’s reign, the tree was cut down, supposedly putting an end to the supernatural events that had terrified the locals for so long.

Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo

The apse was designed by Bramante. The oldest stained glass window in Rome can be found here, made by French artist Guillaume de Marcillat. Pinturicchio decorated the vault with frescoes, including the Coronation of the Virgin. The tombs of Cardinals Ascanio Sforza and Girolamo Basso della Rovere, both made by Andrea Sansovino, can also be found in the apse.

The Cerasi Chapel is one of five chapels located within the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. The Chapel contains important paintings by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio and Annibale Carracci, two of the founders of Baroque art.

Admire the two famous canvases painted by Caravaggio: “The Martyrdom and Crucifixion of St. Peter“ (St. Peter was crucified upside down) on the right side of the Chapel and ”Conversion of Saint Paul on the Way to Damascus“ on the left side of the chapel. These paintings were commissioned by Tiberio Cerasi in 1600.

Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of Saint Peter

Caravaggio’s The Conversion on the Way to Damascus

Situated between the two works of Caravaggio is the altarpiece Assumption of the Virgin by Annibale Carracci.

Santa maria del polpolo, cappella chigi 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria del Popolo, cappella Chigi, in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Chigi Chapel is the most lavishly decorated. The wealthy Sienese banker Agostini Chigi commissioned Raphael to design and decorate the octagonal funerary chapel. On the altar, admire the “Nativity of the Virgin” by Sebastiano del Piombo.

Jonah and the great fish, with the head of the Farnese Antinous. Marble, drawn by Raphael and executed by Lorenzetto (1522–27), Chigi Chapel of the Church Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome. Français : Jonas et le gros poisson, avec la tête de l’Antinoüs Farnèse. Marbre, dessiné par Raphaël et exécuté par Lorenzetto (1522-1527), chapelle Chigi de l’église Santa Maria del Popolo à Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the left alcove there is a statue of Johan and Elijah by Lorenzetto. The other two statues of Daniel and Habakkuk are by Bernini. The angel is telling Habakkuk to take the basket of food to the famished Daniel in the lions’ den in Babylon. Bernini also did the portraits on the Pyramidal tombs of Agostino and Sigismondo Chigi. In the inscription on the floor of “Death”, Bernini added the inscription, “Death is the way to Heaven.”

Santa maria del polpolo, cappella chigi 4 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

God the creator of the heavens is surrounded by the symbols of the planets guided by angels. Gian Lorenzo Bernini would later complete the chapel. His additions include the sculptures “Habakkuk and the Angel” (1655-1661) and “Daniel and the Lion” ((1655-1657). Bernini also created the portraits on the tombs of Agostino and Sigismondo Chigi on the sides of the chapel.

Santa Maria del Popolo (Rome) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The main altar has as image of the Virgin. Below the 13th century image of the Virgin it says: “You are the honor of our people.” There are two statues of Augustinian saints on either side of the picture of the Virgin: Nicholas of Tolentino on the left and William of Maleval on the right.

Santa maria del polpolo, pinturicchio 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria del Popolo main altar

The Della Rovere Chapel has a beautiful fresco by Pinturicchio depicting the Nativity and the life of St. Jerome.

Santa maria del polpolo, pinturicchio 1 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Photo of the Cybo Chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Cybo Chapel has sixteen columns of Sicilian jasper with an altarpiece by Carlo Maratto, “Immaculate Conception with Saints.”

On the sides of the chapel are the twin tombs of the Cybo Cardinals; Lorenzo on the left and Alderano on the right.

At the end of your site-seeing adventure, have a Vino con Vista at the Rosati Cafe. Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com.

Piazza Popolo’s Rosati Cafe

My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Art Treasures in Trinita dei Monti in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Ancient Rome, Aurelian Wall, Domenico Fontana, Donato Bramante, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Girolamo Basso della Rovere, Giuseppe Valadier, Italy, Our Lady of Miracles, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Venezia, Piazzale Flaminio, Pincian Hill, Pope Alexander VII, Rome, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, Santa Maria del Popolo, Spanish Steps, St. Peter's Basilica

· 10:41 am

Top Treasures of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in Italy

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Carlo Brogi (1850-1925) – “Rome – Vatican – Museo Pio-Clementino – Augustus in his older age”. Catalogue # 8262. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Fresco of Mercury – Vatican Museum – Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vatican Museums (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A spiral staircase inside one of the Vatican Museums (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Augustus of Prima Porta, statue of the emperor Augustus in Museo Chiaramonti, Vatican, Rome (with white background). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bust of Augustus of the Prima Porta type. Roman artwork, most of the bust is a modern restoration. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Vatican Museums ( Musei Vaticani) are located inside the Vatican City. They display works from the immense collection acquired by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the centuries. The collection includes some of the most renowned classical sculptures like the Apoxyomenos (Athlete Washing) in the Museo Pio Clementino that houses works of Greek and Roman sculpture. This statue was discovered in 1849 when it was excavated in Trastevere. This statue is a 1^st century Roman copy of an original Greek bronze by Lysippus.

Athlete Washing at the Vatican Musuem

I can’t resist the ancient “giant head ” sculptures in Rome! They truly relflect the egos that have dominated this town for centuries.

Classic vatican giant head

The museums contain some of the most important masterpieces of sacred Renaissance art. The intricate and elaborate Roman mosaic floors were made from tesserae colored marble.

Roman Mosaic floor of Neptune at the Vatican Museums

Many Roman military leaders were commemorated with statues throughout Rome. The statues were originally painted with vibrant colors like this replica of the Prima Porta Augustus shown below. The original marble Augustus of Prima Porta is also in the museum.

The statue of Augustus Caesar was discovered in 1863, in the Villa of Livia at Prima Porta, near Rome. Augustus Caesar’s wife, Livia Drusilla, retired to the villa after his death. The sculpture is now displayed in the Braccio Nuovo of the Vatican Museums.

There are 54 galleries (salas) in the museums. The last one is the Sistine Chapel. You will witness one of the oldest and most comprehensive art collections in the world! Let’s take a look at some of Vatican Museum’s treasures and masterpieces.

Vatican Museum Treasures

The Goddess of Fertility

1.Pope Julius II founded the museums in the early 16th century. They were visited by 4,310,083 people in the year 2007.

The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years ago; the sculpture of Laocoon.

The story of Laocoön was the subject of a play by the Greek writer Sophocles. According to Greek mythology, Laocoön was killed after attempting to expose the ruse of the Trojan Horse by striking it with a spear. The snakes were sent by Athena, and were interpreted by the Trojans as proof that the horse was a sacred object. The most famous account of these events is in Virgil‘s Aeneid. Laocoön warned his fellow Trojans against the wooden horse presented to the city by the Greeks. In the Aeneid, Virgil gives Laocoön the famous line Equo ne credite, Teucri / Quidquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes, or “Do not trust the Horse, Trojans: Whatever it is, I fear the Greeks even bearing gifts.” This line is the source of the saying: “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.”

The statue was unearthed in 1506 near the site of the Domus Aurea of the Emperor Nero in Rome, in the vineyard of Felice De Fredis near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Laocoon in Vatican Museums

Pope Julius II, an enthusiastic classicist, sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti to examine the discovery. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The pope put the sculpture of the Trojan “Laocoön and His Sons” who were named Antiphantes and Thymbraeus in the grips of a sea serpent on public display at the Vatican exactly one month after its discovery. It is believed that the scultures wre from the island of Rhodes and there names were Agesander, Athenodros and Polydorus.

2. The Stanze della Segnatura are four rooms decorated by Raphael. They formed part of the apartment situated on the second floor of the Pontifical Palace that was chosen by Julius II della Rovere (pontiff from 1503 to 1513) as his own residence and used also by his successors. The pictorial decoration was executed by Raphael and his school between 1508 and 1524. I love Raphael’s “Baptism of Constantine” and the “Deliverance of Saint Peter.”

Raphael’s Baptism of Constantine

Raphael’s ceiling

Raphael’s Deliverance of St. Peter

3. The Sistine Chapel houses Michelangelo’s brilliant frescoes on the ceiling and lunettes above the windows. Here’s a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

In 1473, Pope Sixtus IV commissioned Giovannni De Dolci to build a chapel for Papal ceremonies. This Sistine Chapel is located in the Vatican Museum a few blocks away from St. Peter’s. It is famous for its architecture and its elaborate decorative frescoed interior. Many Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Pinturicchio and others contributed to the magnificent art display in the Chapel.

Commissioned by Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo

He resented the commission but the ceiling and The Last Judgement (1535–1541) is Michelangelo’s crowning achievement in painting. The “Last Judgment” is located on the wall behind the main altar and was completed in 1541.

Saint Jerome holding his flayed skin with Michelangelo’s self-portrait

Pope Paul III commissioned Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” (1536-1541). It represents a vortex of divine, human and diabolical bodies. Some souls are blessed and reach paradise and others are damned and cast down into an inferno.

Vatican Last Judgement Information Board

There are information boards in the Cortile della Pigna that will help you navigate the art in the Chapel.

Check out the large Roman bronze pinecone that was once a fountain. It is positioned in front of the niche in the courtyard.

Michelangelo’s Ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the primary functions of the Sistine Chapel is that it is a venue for the election of each successive pope in a conclave of the College of Cardinals. During a conclave, a chimney is installed in the roof of the chapel. The smoke from the chimney serves as a signal. If white smoke appears, it is generated by burning the ballots of the election. The white smoke signifies the election of a new pope. If a candidate receives less than a two-thirds majority, the cardinals send black smoke up the chimney. This is created by burning the ballots along with wet straw and chemical additives, therefore it signals that the election has not been successful.

4. The Gallery of the Busts (Galleria dei Busti) is where many ancient busts are displayed in the Museum of Antiquities.

Ancient busts at the Vatican Museum

The Bust Room in the Vatican Museum

5. The Map Room at the Vatican Musuems is incredible. The barrel vaulted ceiling of the “Gallery of Maps” is the hallway that leads to the former residences of the popes. The map room illustrates stories of the saints and events charted on the wall maps. It is located on the west side of the Belvedere Courtyard in the Vatican. This magnificent hallway contains a series of painted topographical maps of Italy. The maps are based on drawings by friar and geographer Ignazio Danti. The gallery was commissioned in 1580 by Pope Gregory XIII.It took Danti three years (1580–1583) to complete the 40 panels.

A Map of Sardinia at the Vatican Museums

6. The Sarcophagus of Saint Helen, the mother of Constantine is located in Sala a Croce Greca. The ornate object is carved from red porphyry stone with Roman horsemen and barbarian prisoners from the 4^th century.

St. Helen’s Sarcophagus

7. The Pinacoteca Vaticana was commissioned by Pope Pius IV in 1790. The collection was first housed in the Borgia Apartment, until Pope Pius XI ordered construction of a proper building. The designer was Luca Beltrami. The art gallery contains paintings by Giotto, Lippi, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio including:

Leonardo da Vinci’s Saint Jerome

Fra Filippo Lippi’s Coronation of the Virgin

1. Giotto, “The Stefaneschi Altarpiece”

2. Fra Angelico, “Madonna and Child with St. Dominic, St. Catherine and the Angels

3. ”Filippo Lippi, “Coronation of the Virgin”

4. Bellini, “Pieta” (1471)

5. Pinturicchio, “Adoration of the Magi” (in the Borgia Apartment)

6. Leonardo da Vinci, “St. Jerome” (1480) Raphael’s Oddi Altarpiece, “Crowning of the Virgin” (1503) and “The Foligno Madonna”

Caravaggio’s Entombment

7. Caravaggio’s, “The Deposition” shows Christ’s hand brushing againstthe tombstone.Saint John the Evangelist and Nicodemus, the Pharisee and doctor of law, struggle to support his body.The Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene are bent toward Jesus.This painting was originally commissioned for a church in Rome but it was moved here when itwas returned from France.

“The Vatican Museums Under the Stars” Exhibit is open from May 6-July 15 every Friday. Get your tickets on-line, get there early and proceed to the Sistine Chapel immediately. I was fortunate enough to almost have the entire Chapel to myself!!

After admiring the amazing art, helix staircase and sculptures collected by the papacy since the 15^th century in the Vatican Museum, have a Vino con Vista by enjoying a glass of Cesanese or Montepulciano di Abruzzo wine in one of the charming neighborhood cafes like Bar Santa Anna or Pizzeria il Migliore on via Santa Anna.

Vatican Museums Helix Staircase by Giuseppe Momo in 1932

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

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Tagged as Apoxyomenos, Arts and Entertainment, Attractions at the Vatican Museums in Italy, Augustus of Prima Porta, Catholic Church, Domus Aurea, Michelangelo, Neptune, Pope, Pope Julius II, Prima Porta, Prima Porta Augustus, Renaissance art, Rome, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Trojan Horse, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, Villa of Livia

April 17, 2013 · 11:23 am

How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome

Piazza della Bocca della Verità – Street sign in Rome R. XII, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The belltower of S. Maria in Cosmedin towers over the fountain like a medieval skyscraper. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

ROME is the Eternal City; her history is complex and spans two and a half thousand years. It was the capital city of the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Rome (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn)

To understand how it earned this name, visit four principle areas:

Image via Wikipedia

1. Tour Ancient Rome: Visit the Forum Romanum (Foro Romano); the Palatine (Palatino); the Imperial Forums; the Colosseum; and the Capitol.

Though in ruins, the Flavian Amphitheatre, now known as the Colosseum, still stands today (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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2. Tour Medieval Rome: Visit Trastevere; Santa Maria in Trastevere; the Basilica Santa Cecilia; Santa Maria in Cosmedin and la “Bocca della verità”; and San Clemente.

Roma – Piazza Bocca della verità-fontana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Deutsch: Die La Bocca della Verità (Mund der Wahrheit) in Rom English: La Bocca della Verità (the Mouth of Truth) in Rome Français : La Bocca della Verità à Rome Italiano: La Bocca della Verità a Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Image via Wikipedia

3. Tour The Vatican City: Visit St. Peter’s; St. Peters Square and the Vatican Museums.

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4. Tour Baroque Rome (Il Barocco): Learn about Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his relationship to Piazza Navona, his elephant Obelisk in front of S. Maria sopra Minerva.

The Pulcino della Minerva, a famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini elephant sculpture, a base supporting one of the eleven Egyptian obelisks in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then find out about Francesco Borromini and his S. Ivo alla Sapienza. Next, understand the contributions of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio by visiting San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant’Agostino and Santa Maria del Popolo. No Baroque tour would be complete without visiting the Galleria Borghese.

Roma, Villa Borghese, Galleria Borghese, facciata. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Rape of Proserpina (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

5. The sight and sounds of Modern Rome surrounds you!! Enjoy the food and wine in this glorious Eternal City.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ecstasy of St. Teresa, 1647-52 (Photo credit: profzucker)

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I have written posts about all of these amazing periods, people and places. Read my blog posts and join me for a tour the the Eternal City.

I have included some of my related posts for your enjoyment.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

Bernini’s Church of Sant’ Andrea al Quirinale in Rome was his Favorite (vinoconvistablog.me)
Borromini’s Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
San Marco is the Church of the Venetian Community in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Rome, Italy : Happy 2,763rd Birthday (the-tin-man.com)

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Filed under Attractions in Rome near the Capitoline Museums, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Roman Amphitheater, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome History, Rome Italy, Rome's Spectacular Piazzas

Tagged as Colosseum, Francesco Borromini, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Peter, Rome, San Luigi dei Francesi, Santa Maria, Santa Maria del Popolo, The History of Rome, Trastevere

April 15, 2013 · 11:30 am

The Ancient Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Rome Italy

Roma-basilica cosma e damiano (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano is dedicated to the two twin brothers who were physicians. Damiano and Cosma soon became patrons of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists and veterinarians.

Português: Interior da Igreja dos Santos Cosme e Damião, Roma. Italiano: Roma: Mosaico absidale nella chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano (527/530, ma con ampi restauri successivi). All’estrema sinistra, papa Felice IV. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They were made famous by a miraculous operation whereby they transplanted an Ethiopian’s leg onto a white man’s body. They never charged their patients for services, so they were known as “silverless.”

Pesellino, santi cosma e damiano (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Cosmas and Saint Damian before Lisius (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They were both martyred in ancient Cyrus in northern Syria during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. For centuries, this became the hub of the medical area of Rome where many physicians conducted their meetings.

SS. Cosmas of Damian, Roma Mosaikk,detalje Italiano: Roma: Dettaglio del mosaico absidale nella chiesa dei Santi Cosma e Damiano (527/530, ma con ampi restauri successivi). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Felix IV presents Sts Cosmas and Damian with the basilica he rededicated to them. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 527, Pope Felix IV (526-530) converted two buildings in the Roman Forum to a Christian Church. Theodoric the Great, king of the Ostrogoths and his daughter Queen Amalasuntha donated the library of the Forum of Peace built in 70 by Emperor Vespian and a portion of the Temple of Romulus which was erected by Emperor Maxentius for his son Romulus to Pope Felix. He united the two buildings to create this Basilica. This was the first time that this was done in Rome. The original entrance to the church was from the Roman Forum.

Ss. Cosmas of Damian, Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The church was restored in 780 by Emperor Hadrian and in 1632, Pope Urban VIII had the church fully renovated using a design by architect Luigi Arrigucci. The church has two levels. One end of the church is below ground level and is known as the crypt.

The Crypt of Santi Cosma e Damiano

Mosaic apse of Santi Cosma e Damiano

The high altar has a 6th century Byzantine apse mosaic that became the model for other mosaics in Roman churches. The mosaic parousia depicts a majestic Christ wearing a Roman toga holding a scroll. The baroque altar is from 1628 with back and white marble columns from the original altar in the crypt. The picture in the center of the altar is a 13th century “Our Lady of Grace”.

Mosaic of Christ in the Church of Santi Cosma E Damiano

The Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian (Photo credit: jimforest)

Saints Damian and Cosma are carrying crowns of martyrdom. They are being presented to Saint Peter (the older one on the right of Christ) and Saint Paul (on the left of Christ) garbed in the white robes of heaven. Saints Damian and Cosma are dressed in grey togas. The faces of the two brothers are almost identical. To the left of the Saint is Pope Felix holding a model of his church and hovering over his feet are three Barberini bees signifying that the restoration of the church was done during the pontificate of Urban VIII. To the right of Saint Damian is St. Theodore, a soldier-martyr.

Saint Peter and Saint Damian in Rome Italy

Pope Felix with Cosmas and Saint Paul

Saint Cosmas and Saint Paul in Rome Italy

The mosaic on the triumphal arch is from the 7th century with an enthroned Lamb of God. The painted ceiling is from 1632 with a fresco by Marco Tullio Montagna of Saints Damian and Cosmas being greeted in heaven by the Virgin and Child. Each end of the ceiling has the coat of arms of Urban VIII with his Barberini bees.

Enter the church through the 17th century courtyard of the Franciscans with frescoes of the life of Saint Francis by Francesco Allegrini.

English: Nativity Scene in Santi Cosma e Damiano, in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In a room off the cloister there is an 18th century Neopolitan presepio. On November 29, 1988 some thieves stole some of the pieces and they were never returned.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. Learn more about Rome @ www.vino-con-vista.com

San Marco is the Church of the Venetian Community in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City (vinoconvistablog.me)
My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Roman Emperor History Tips (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Ancient, Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Rome Italy, Christian Church, Diocletian, Hadrian, History, Roman Forum, Rome, Saint Peter, Saints Cosmas and Damian

April 11, 2013 · 11:18 am

Saint Paul Outside the Walls: a UNESCO Basilica in Rome

San Paolo Fuori le Mura was erected in the 4^th century. It is one of the four patriarchal basilicas of Rome built at the request of Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of Paul the Apostle.

Front of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls – Roma – Italy. Italiano: Facciata della Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Paul Outside the Walls is sometimes called the “Basilica Ostiense” because it is located on the Ostian Way. Paul the Apostle was brought to Rome as a prisioner. He was martyred between the years 64 and 67, during the persecution of Emperor Nero. His body was claimed by a Roman woman who buried it in her family tomb near a vineyard on the road to Ostia. Emperor Constantine placed the Apostle’s body in a bronze sarcophagus with a marble slab over it. At the request of Emperor Constantine in 324, a basilica was built over St. Paul’s tomb.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – interior Polski: Wnętrze bazyliki św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – interno (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This first edifice was expanded under Valentinian I in about 370. Since many pilgrims came to visit the site, Emperor Valentine II made plans for a larger building. Emperor Theodosius began the new building and Emperor Honorius completed it.

English: Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – the tabernacle of the confession Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – ciborio di Arnolfo di Cambio Polski: Bazylika św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie – grób św. Pawła, przykryty gotyckim baldachimem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Rom, Sankt Paul vor den Mauern, San Paolo fuori le mura Italiano: Statua di San Paolo di fronte alla facciata della Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Leo III, further embellished the building and it became the largest and most beautiful church in Rome under his papacy. Of all the churches of Rome, this one preserved its primitive character for 1435 years. In 1823 it was almost completely destroyed by a fire.

St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

In 1823, it was rebuilt and enlarged by the architect Poletti and modified by Guglielmo Calderini. It was completed in 1854.

Roma – Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura – resti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Portrait of Pope Honorius I in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Rome Italiano: Ritratto di Papa Onorio I nella Basilica di San Paolo fuori la Mura, Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Necropolis of Saint Paul outside the Walls in Rome

The interior of the current basilica has 80 monolithic columns of Montorfano granite divided into five naves. On the upper part of the walls, frescoes illustrate scenes from the life of St Paul. Against the internal wall of the facade there are six large alabaster columns presented by the Viceroy of Egypt to Gregory XVI.

St. Paul Outside the Walls Frescoes in Rome

Saint Paul Outside the Walls is located at the site where Paul was executed and buried.

Tomb of Saint Paul in Rome

It is located outside the Aurelian Walls. The the basilica was damaged during the Saracen invasions in the 9th century. Pope John VIII (872–882) fortified the basilica and the monastery forming the town of Joannispolis (Giovannipoli) which existed until 1348, when an earthquake totally destroyed the town.

Fortified Walls in Rome

Map of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Interior of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome

The Basilica was founded where his followers erected a memorial, called a cella memoriae. In the chapel of the relics, lie the chains that bound Paul the Apostle when he was improsioned in Rome. In the 5th century, this church was larger than the Old St. Peter’s Basilica.

The front of the basilica has ten monolithic columns of red Baveno granite. A huge statue of St. Paul dominates the entrance to the new building. The inscription on the base of the statue says “To the preacher of truth, the teacher of nations”.

Facade of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

The facade mosaic is the work of Filippo Agricola and Nicola Consoni. In the typanum, Christ is seated in the center giving his blessing. On his right side is Saint Peter and on his left side is St. Paul. Below the Lamb of God, the four rivers of Paradise flow. Twelve sheep represent the Apostles who approach the Lamb from the holy cities of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

Here’s a Virtual Tour of the entrance and central courtyard: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Courtyard/index.html

Facade Mosaic

It was rebuilt by the architect Poletti and reconsecrated 1855 with the presence of Pope Pius IX and fifty cardinals. Many countries made contributions to the reconstruction efforts: the Viceroy of Egypt sent pillars of alabaster, the Emperor of Russia sent precious malachite and lapis lazuli for the tabernacle.

Saint Paul

In the right corner there is a statue of St. Luke the Evangelist. Saint Paul is in the front of the basilica.

Saint Luke

Under the portico, the wall niches have statues of St. Peter and St. Paul by Gregorio Zappala.

Popes Leo XII, Pius VIII and Gregory XVI, personally oversaw the reconstruction of the church. In 1854 Pope Pius IX was able to celebrate the completion of the reconstruction.

Under Pope Gregory the Great (590–604), the basilica was extensively modified. He had the pavement was raised to place the altar directly over Paul’s tomb. The tomb is covered by a Gothic baldachino by Adolfo di Cambio completed in 1285.

Tomb of St. Paul

Here’s a virtual tour of St. Paul’s Tomb http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Tomb/index.html. To make a portion of the tomb visible to religious pilgrims, the floor was lowered forming a confessio where people can pray. Directly below the altar, a grill-covered window reveals the stone sarcophagus. Carbon dating of the contents of the tomb indicated that the remains in the sarcophagus are from someone who lived in the first or second century indicating that they are the remains of the apostle.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) – the tabernacle of the confession Italiano: Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura (Roma) – ciborio di Arnolfo di Cambio Polski: Bazylika św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie – grób św. Pawła, przykryty gotyckim baldachimem (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over Saint Paul’s tomb, Arnolfo di Cambio‘s Gothic tabernacle is resting on four porphyry columns. The four cornices above the niches of the baldachin have statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, Saint Timothy and Saint Bartholomew. Excavations located a first century tomb with a marble slab covering it with the Latin inscription “Paulo Apostolo Mart”. You can see a plaster copy of the slab in the Church Museum located off of the cloister.

St. Paul’s Tabernacle

Arnolfo di cambio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter statue by Arnolfo di Cambio inside the Vatican Basilica, dressed with a vestment on St. Peter and Paul feast. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Arnolfo di Cambio also created the bronze Saint Peter statue in St. Peter’s Basillica and the ptesepe in the lower level of Santa Maria Maggiore.

Italiano: Presepe di Arnolfo di Cambio. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma, Italia . English: Manger by Arnolfo di Cambio, Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, Italy . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Paolo Fuori le Mura’s interior has 80 monolithic columns of Montorfano granite from the isolated mountain on Lake Maggiore. It is divided into five naves. Above the arches over the granite columns, all the way around the interior of the Basilica, there are circular mosaic portraits of all the Popes, from the first to the present. Only the current pope’s portrait is illuminated. According to legend, when this Basilica runs out of space for these portraits of the popes, the world will end.

Statue of St. Paul Apostle in the Basilica San Paolo fuori le Mura (Rome) Polski: Figura św. Pawła Apostoła w bazylice Świętego Pawła za Murami w Rzymie Italiano: Statua di San Paolo Apostolo nella Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura a Roma (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On the upper part of the walls, between the large windows, there are 36 frescoes with the scenes from the life of St Paul. Against the internal wall of the facade there are six large alabaster columns presented by the Viceroy of Egypt to Gregory XVI.

Roma – Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura – 9 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of the central nave of the basilica http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Nave/index.html

In the Apse, there is a mosaic from 1220 showing a majestic Christ wearing imperial colors with St. Paul and St. Luke on his right and St. Peter and St. Andrew on his left. Chirst is holding a book that says “Come blessed of my Father and receive the kingdom prepared for you.”

Apse Mosaic

The palm trees represent paradise. The papal chair has a relief of Christ instucting Peter to feed the sheep.

Jesus

Saint Peter and Saint Andrew

St. Paul and St. Luke in Rome

Here’s a virtual tour of the Apse http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Apse/index.html

Portrait of Honorius III – Detail of the apse mosaic of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (1220) – Roma – Italy Pope Honorius III ordered the mosaic and, following the Roman Catholic tradition, is represented near Christ’s feet. Pope Honorius III (1148 – 1227), born Cencio Savelli, was Pope from 1216 to 1227. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Honorius_III (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can see Hononius III at the foot of Jesus is the apse mosaic.

The graceful cloister of the monastery was erected between 1220 and 1241. The spiral columns of the cloister were built by the Vassalletto family in 1214 and survived the fire.

Cloister of the monastery of San Paolo fuori le mura (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of the lovely rose garden in the Cloister: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Cloister/index.html

The death of St. Paul – relief on the doors of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Rome) Italiano: La morte do san Paolo – rilievo sulla porta della Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura a Roma Polski: Śmierć św. Pawła – płaskorzeźba znajdująca się na drzwiach Bazyliki św. Pawła za Murami w Rzymie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From 1215 until 1964 this was the seat of the Latin Patriarch of Alexandria. The Holy Door was last opened in 2000 and there is a large plaque above the door commemorating the event.

The Holy Door (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The door pictured below on the right, is the work of Antonia Maraini and was cast in Florence in 1931. The cross on the bronze door is highlighted in silver and the horizontal bar bears the names of the evangelists. The verticle potion of the cross, has portraits of the Apolstles. The panels on the door depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter on the left and Saint Paul on the right. The figure of Christ shows him giving the keys to Saint Peter.

Holy Door

Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Silver

Visit the Pinocoteca with “Flagellation” by Bramante and other interesting works of art and tour the interesting Museum http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_paolo/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Paul_Museum/index.html.

See some of the fragments of the original basilica. Then stop at the where you can enjoy a Vino con Vista.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides. To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Pope Francis stops for prayer at Rome basilica

Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City (vinoconvistablog.me)
Visit Magnificent Churches on Rome’s Esquiline Hill (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Ancient Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Filed under Bernini Baldacchino, Churches in Rome, ebooks, Emperor Constantine, Holy Week in Rome, IPad, Italian Architecture, Italian art, Italy ravel, Italy Travel Guides, Pope Alexander VII, Pope Julius II, Renaissance Art, Renaissance Artists, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome History, Rome Italy, Sacred Art in Rome, Saint Paul the Apostle, Saint Peter, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, St. Peter's Basilica, The church of Saint Paul Outside the Aurelian Walls, Travel and Tourism, Uncategorized, UNESCO, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Rome

Tagged as Ancient, Aurelian Wall, Aurelian Walls, Basilica, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Christian, Churches in Rome, Churches of Rome, Cistercians, Constantine the Great, Emperor Constantine, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, History, Italy, Nero, Paul the Apostle, People, Pope Simplicius, Roman Emperor, Rome, Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, Saint Peter, San Paolo fuori le Mura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Vatican CIty

April 10, 2013 · 11:56 am

Visit Magnificent Churches on Rome’s Esquiline Hill

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Here’s a map of The Seven Hills of Rome. The seven hills are: Palatine, Esquiline Aventine, Viminal, Caelian, Capitoline and Quirinal.

Rome, The Piazza and Church of Santa Maria Maggiore (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visit all of the interesting sights in Rome by using this handy map.

The Egyptian obelisk at the center of Piazza Esquilino comes from the Mausoleum of Augustus.

Visit the magnificent Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the four greater basilicas of Rome and it has two facades. One of them is located in Piazza Esquilino. On the opposite side of the Basilica, it is easy to see the front facade with the twin domes.

English: Tabernacle in the Sistine Chapel of Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, c. 1590. Bronze angels made by Bastiano Torrigiani, other artwork was made by Leonardo Sarzana based upon a design by Giovanni Battista Ricci. Deutsch: Ziborium der Sakramentskapelle in der Patriarchalbasilika Santa Maria Maggiore, um 1590. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a church on the Esquilino in Rome, Italy. 41°53′50.4″N 12°29′56″E / °S °W / ; latd>90 (dms format) in latd latm lats longm longs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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The rear facade faces the lovely Marian Column and has a massive bell-tower. On Corpus Christi, the Pope conducts mass at San Giovanni Church and then leads a procession along Via Merulana to Santa Maria Maggiore.

One of the Roman / Early Christian Nave Mosaics depicting the Story of Moses, Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

According to legend, on the night of August 5, 356 the Madonna appeared in a dream to a nobleman and the Pope (cannonized Saint Liberius). She asked them to build a sanctuary dedicated to her on the summit of Esquiline Hill. The dream foretold of a blizzard that miraculously occurred in August of 352. There are beautiful mosaics representing the “Miracle of St. Mary of the Snow” in the portico.

Triomphal Arch Mosaics in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, right side, fourth register from up (bottom) Italiano: Roma, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, mosaici dell’arco trionfale, lato destro, quarto registro dall’alto (registro inferiore) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Português: Capela Borghese, Santa Maria Maggio...

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A precious (bronze, marble and lapis-lazuli) relief by Stefano Maderno in Cappella Paolina portrays the pope drawing the plan of S. Maria Maggiore on the snow which had fallen on the top of the Esquiline hill. Although snow usually doesn’t occur in Rome in August, hail-storms are not unlikely to occur. The miraculous “Legend of the Snow” is re-enacted every year at the Basilica on August 5th to commemorate the feast day of Our Lady of the Snow as white rose petals fall from the dome of the basilica.

A statue of Sixtus V in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Sacra Culla” in Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, in front of main altar (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of the basilica http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/index-it.html

Under the altar is a crypt housing the remains of St. Matthais, who was the Apostle that was chosen to replace the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot.

Foundation of Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Close-up of Saint Pudentiana in the mosaic of ...

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I love the Basilica di Santa Prassede all’Esquillino. This church was commissioned by Pope Hadrian I in 780. It was built above the remains of a 5th century structure that contained the bones of Saint Praxedes and Saint Pudentiana.

Italiano: Mosaico raffigurante il Salvatore sorretto da 4 angeli posto sulla volta della Cappella di San Zenone nella Basilica di Santa Prassede a Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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These female saints were murdered for providing Christian burial for early martyrs in defiance of Roman law.

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This church houses incredible mosaics and a small piece of a pillar that was used to flog Jesus befor his crucifixion. The relic is alleged to have been retrieved in the early 4th century AD by Saint Helena. She was the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine I. When she was 80 years old, she embarked on a pilgrimage to Golgotha in the Holy Land. She collected relics associated with the crucifixion of Jesus in Calvary.

the Church of Santa Bibiana, Rome, Italy. Facade. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Basílica Ulpia (Photo credit: DivesGallaecia)

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Italy Travel Guides @ www.vino-con-vista.com

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Drool over Bernini’s Angels in Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Ancient Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano in Rome Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
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Tagged as Alba Longa, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Baths of Trajan, Capitoline Hill, Colosseum, Domus Aurea, Esquiline Hill, Judas Iscariot, Mausoleum of Augustus, Pope, Quirinal Hill, Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, Seven hills of Rome, Stefano Maderno, Viminal Hill, Visit Magnificent Churches on Rome's Esquiline Hill, World Heritage Site

· 10:39 am

Who built Rome’s Historic Pantheon?

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English: The Pantheon in Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plan of the first ( Red ) (by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa) and of the third (Black) (by Hadrian) Pantheon. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

complete cupola of Pantheon Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pantheon in Rome has occupied its present location for nearly 2000 years. It was originally designed in 27 B.C. as a pagan temple for all twelve Roman deities; supernatural and immortal beings. The deities were Apollo, Ceres, Diana, Juno, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Minerva, Neptune, Venus, Vesta and Vulcan.

Pantheon – Rome (LOC) (Photo credit: The Library of Congress)

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The massive original doors are still used for entry into the Basilica.

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The structure is as wide as it is tall (140 x 140 feet). The 30 foot wide oculus in the roof is the only source of light and was designed to allow the smoke from the burning of sacrificed animals to escape. The hemispherical dome was made from un-reinforced concrete and is still the largest dome in the world of its type.

Circular exterior view of the side of the Pantheon

The coffers for the concrete dome were poured in molds. Eight massive granite columns support the triangular tympanon.

Agrippa was the son-in-law of Emperor Augustus. Agrippa’s name is still inscribed in the trabeation above the portico in Latin and bears the inscription “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time built this.”

Pantheon Restoration

Agrippa did not really build the Pantheon; he built an earlier temple on this site in 27 B.C. that was ravaged by a fire. The Pantheon was built in 125 AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

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The Pantheon was given to Pope Boniface IV in 609 and he converted it into a church and named it Santa Maria ad Martyres. Pope Boniface had 28 carloads of martyrs’ bones brought here from various cemeteries in Rome. It became the first pagan temple to be consecrated as a church.

English: An image of the tomb of Umberto I in the Pantheon, in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Saint Mary and the Martyrs houses the mortal remains of Raphael in an ancient marble sarcophagus. Raphael died in 1520. The bust of Raphael located in the niche left of the aedicule and was completed in 1833 by Giueseppe Fabris.

The tomb of the fist king of Italy, King Victor Emanuele II (1820-1878), has a statue of St. Ann and the Virgin in the aedicule to the left of the tomb by Lorenzo Ottoni.

English: Pantheon, Rome, Raphael's tomb.

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Bronze bust of Raphael on top of the artist's ...

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Most of the marble was recycled for St. Peter’s Basilica. In 1625, Pope Urban VIII (Barberini) removed the bronze from the beams of the portico to make 80 cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo and the four spiral columns of Bernini’s Baldachinno in St. Peter’s Basilica. The colossal bronze doors are original. Today we might consider that a “green” ecologically friendly move but the Roman’s say, “Whatever the barbarians didn’t do, the Barberini did.” The tomb of Victor Emanuele II was then created from bronze that was recast from the Castel Sant’Angelo’s cannons at the turn of the 20^th century.

The general area around the Pantheon is the financial and political hub of the city and includes the stock exchange and Parliament. I think the Cafe Agrippa is a great place for a “Vino con Vista”!

The Piazza della Rotunda is the name of the square in front of the Pantheon. One of Rome’s prized Egyptian obelisks occupies the center of the square. Did you know that you will never get lost in Rome if you follow the obelisks? They are like a Roman GPS system that mark important landmarks in Rome.

Dr. EveAnn Lovero writes Travel Guides to Italy and Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

To learn more about Rome visit www.vino-con-vista.com

Buon Viaggio–

Silent Night Holy Night: A Vatican Christmas (vinoconvistablog.me)
From Rome, With Love – A City Holidays Were Made For (vino-con-vista.blogspot.com)
Francesco Borromini’s Church of Sant Ivo alla Sapienza in Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)
Spend a Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita (vinoconvistablog.me)
Travel to Italy – Rome and Venice (vino-con-vista.info)

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Filed under Ancient Rome, ebooks, IPad, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Pantheon, Renaissance Art, Roman Architecture, Roman Emperors, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Barberini, Castel Sant'Angelo, Emperor Augustus, Emperor Hadrian, Hadrian, italy travel, King Victor Emanuele, Lorenzo Ottoni, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, Mary (mother of Jesus), Minerva, Pantheon, Pantheon oculus, Pantheon Rome, Piazza della Rotunda Egyptian Obelisk, Pope Boniface IV, Pope Urban VIII, Raffaello Sanzio Tomb, Raphael, Roman, Roman Empire, Roman mythology, Rome, rome history, Sain Mary and the Martyrs and the Pantheon, Santa Maria ad Martyres, Santa Maria ad Martyres is in the Pantheon, St. Peter's Basilica, Travel and Tourism, unesco, vino con vista, What are Roman deities, what does the inscription on the pantheon mean, What is an oculus, What is the name of the Pantheon church, when was the pantheon built, where is King Emanuele II tomb, Where is Raphael's Tomb, where is the pantheon, Who built the pantheon, who is buried at the pantheon, World Heritage Site

March 22, 2013 · 10:22 am

Semana Santa in Seductive Segovia Spain: Holy Week and Easter Traditions

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Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain that is imbued with the spirit of an old Castillian town. It was declared a UNESCO site in 1985 and it is protected by the Eresma and Clamores Rivers with and impressive collection of historic monuments.

Aqueduct of Segovia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Segovia is less than 50 miles away from Madrid. It is about 3,000 feet above sea level and has an incredibly well-preserved Roman aqueduct that is over 2000 years old. The mortarless Roman Aqueduct is made from granite blocks and was used to carry water from the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains to the city. It is considered to be one of the best civil engineering works in Spain with 166 arches and 120 columns that transported water fro the La Acebeda to the Alcazar, defying the laws of gravity. In 1072, 36 arches were damaged during the attack of Al-Mamun from Toledo. The town also has a fabulous cathedral and historic castle named Alcazar. UNESCO site in Spain

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During Holy Week (Semana Santa), at the base of the Aquaduct, faithful Christians don tunics, capes and pointed hoods for the annual ceremonies. The procession of religious brotherhoods are accompanied by their treasured sacred sculptures of Jesus and Mary.

Semana Santa reaches a climax on Good Friday when faithful adherents of the city’s brotherhoods work their way through the medieval streets to the Cathedral http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scyPexq0DNk&feature=related.

Segovia houses an impressive Alcazar fortress/castle with a moat and draw-bridge loaded with plenty of art, stained glass windows and military memorabilia http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN-YEQX4Ka8. It was built over the remains of a Roman fortress and became a Royal residence in the 13th century. Climb to the top of the tower to enjoy the magnificent Vino con Vista views of the historic city. The throne room has a beautiful mudejar ceiling www.alcazardesegovia.com.

Segovia Spain

The 16th century Renaissance-Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria frames Plaza Mayor and marks the border of th Old Jewish Quarter. It was consecrated in 1768. There are 18 chapels with noteworthy art by Spanish artists like Pedro Berruguete and Sanchez Coello. It has a beautiful altarpiece designed by Sabatini. Segovia is located in the Castilla and Leon region, a short drive from Madrid.

In Segovia, enjoy some suckling or roasted pig with some of the local white wines from Nieva or the red wines from Valtiendas. The town is also famous for marzipan made by cloister nuns and bakeries.

Happy Easter from your Travel Buddies @ www.vino-con-vista.com.

Vino Con Vista Travel Guides can be purchased at these sites.

Elaborate Easter Rituals in Toledo Spain: Semana Santa (vinoconvistablog.me)
Holy Week in Majestic Madrid: Semana Santa (vinoconvistablog.me)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain (vinoconvistablog.me)
Easter and Holy Week Rituals in Enna Sicily: Buona Pasqua (vinoconvistablog.me)
Witness the Story of Easter in Rome: Buona Pasqua (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Filed under Alcazar in Segovia Spain, ebooks, IPad, Roman Emperors, Rome History, Semana Santa in Segovia, Spanish Art and Architecture, St. Teresa of Avila, Travel and Tourism, UNESCO, vino con vista, Wine, World Heritage Sites, World Heritage sites in Segovia Spain

Tagged as Alcazar in Segovia Spain, Easter in Segovia Spain, Easter in Spain, Easter Week, Good Friday, Holy Week, Jesus, La Acebeda, Mary, Plaza Mayor in Segovia Spain, ROman Aquaduct in Segovia Spain, Segovia, Semana Santa, Semana Santa in Seductive Segovia Spain, Sierra de Guadarrama, Spain, Spanish Wine, Stained Glass windows at Alcazar in Segovia Spain, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, World Heritage Site

March 21, 2013 · 11:19 am

Elaborate Holy Week and Easter Rituals in Toledo Spain: Semana Santa

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English: House of El Greco (partial view) : Toledo, Spain. Español: Casa de El Greco (vista parcial) : Toledo, España (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visit the historical city of Toledo Spain during Holy Week or on Easter. The charming UNESCO World Heritage City of Toledo Spain is the repository of more than 2000 years of history and architectural styles. Toletum was the capital of Roman Carpetania. It is an outstanding Vino con Vista destination, especially during Easter ceremonies. Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site in 1986. Corpus Christi Week is the most important holiday in Toledo when the ground is covered with rosemary and thyme.

The Mudejar architectural style of the Middle Ages, arose from the multi-cultural interplay of forces among the three major religious groups who lived there: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Toledo has a broad spectrum of structures from the medieval period including walls and fortified buildings like San Servando Castle. The former capital of Spain is about 42 miles southwest of Spain‘s newer capital city of Madrid. Felipe II transferred the Royal Court to Madrid in 1561.

The River Tagus loops around the historical gems of this fortified city and is crowned with gorgeous historic bridges. The Alcazar fortress occupies the highest point of the city and was used as a military base and fortress by the Romans, Arabs and Christians. Ultimately, it became the residence of King Alfonso VI and then Carlos V converted the building into a Royal Palace. Each facade of the fortress is different and reflects different architectural eras: The east facde is Medieval and the facade on the west is Renaissance. It houses the Army and Military Museum.

The Primal See in Toledo was using an old Mosque which was reconsecrated as the main church in 1086 by Alfonso VI. The Primada Cathedral was built between 1226 and 1493 on the site of a VIsigoth church. The Gothic Cathedral‘s first stone was ceremoniously laid in 1221. The Cathedral is brimming with art treasures and has a valuable collection of El Greco and Goya masterpieces. Visit the beautiful chapels and the Renaissance Choir. The cathedral that was originally started in the sixth century by San Eugenio, the first Bishop of Toledo, was converted into a mosque that became the main church before the Gothic Cathedral was built.

El Greco is one of Spain’s most revered Renaissance artists.

El Greco self-portrait, 1604 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

His 1586 masterpiece “El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz” (translates into the Burial of the Count of Orgaz) is located at the foot of the church of Santo Tome. The painting portrays Saint Augustine and Saint Steven in elegant golden vestments. They are preparing to carry his life-less body to his tomb. The young boy holding the torch on the bottom left of the painting is El Greco’s son. The bearded gentleman directly above Saint Stephen is a self-portrait of El Greco.

One of my favorite El Greco paintings in Toledo is “The Tears of Saint Peter” which is displayed in the Studio of his Museum in Toledo. Tour the charming House and Museum of El Greco in Toledo Spain during Semana Santa. El Greco never lived in this place, but the house has a collection of his paintings. Another one of my favorite El Greco paintings is “Jesus Carrying the Cross.”

El Greco, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toledo, the former capital of Spain, sits majestically on a hilltop in the Castilla- La Mancha region immortalized by Miguel de Cervante’s famous “Don Quixote.”

Puerta del Sol Toledo Spain Toledo is 70 km south of Madrid. It is the capital of the province of Toledo and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage as one of the former capitals of the Spanish , España Empire. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Toledo was the temporary seat of Emperor Charles V. He endowed the city with the status of an imperial, crowned city. The fervor and devotion of Holy Week traditions of Semana Santa de Toledo are reminicient of 16th century Spanish traditions. Processions with residents dressed in hooded costumes signify the death and mourning of Jesus Christ. These solemn processions throughout the town during Holy Week, tell the story of the Passion and resurrection of Christ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4FCEnOPlng.