Category Archives: Sacred Art in Rome

April 18, 2013 · 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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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

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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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May 23, 2012 · 11:01 am

The Amazing Archbasilica of St. John Lateran is a UNESCO Site in Rome Italy

The Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) is Rome’s cathedral. It serves as the the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome. Pope Benedict celebrates the Mass for the feast of Corpus Christi here and then leads a Corpus Christi procession along Rome’s Via Merulana, which links the basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore).

On the roofline, note the statues of the Doctors of the Church: Saint Ambrose, Saint Augustine, Saint Jerome, and Pope Gregory I who were the original Doctors of the Church in 1298. Doctors of the church are individuals who are recognized as having special importance, usually regarding their contributions to theology or church doctrine.

Doctors of the Church. Attic of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Docteurs de l’Église. Attique de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). Italiano: Dottori della Chiesa. Attico della Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano (Roma). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Basilica of St. John Lateran, cathedral of the Bishop of Rome, Italy. Español: Basílica de San Juan de Letrán, catedral del Obispo de Roma, Italia. Italiano: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Roma Polski: Bazylika św. Jana na Lateranie (znana jako Bazylika Laterańska), katedra biskupa Rzymu, Włochy. Português: Basílica de São João de Latrão, catedral do Bispo de Roma, Itália. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Matthew by Camillo Rusconi. Nave of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Saint Matthieu, par Camillo Rusconi. Nef de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope’s chair, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Roma, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Here’s a virtual tour of St. John Lateran http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/index-en.html

Lateran papal altar

The archbasilica contains the papal throne (Cathedra Romana) that is located in the Aspe behind the papal altar http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Nave1/index.html. The altar contains the skulls of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Lateran ceiling

There are interesting sites in the complex. I love the ornate ceiling and the beautiful statues.

St. Andrew by Camillo Rusconi. Nave of the Basilica of St. John Lateran (Rome). Français : Saint André, par Camillo Rusconi. Nef de la basilique Saint-Jean-de-Latran (Rome). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The decorated ceiling of the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Take time to visit the charming cloister

San Giovanni in Laterano (cloister) (Photo credit: MarcelGermain)

Here’s a virtual tour ot the cloister http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Cloister/index.html.

Basilica of St. John Lateran – statue of St. John Italiano: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – la statua di san Giovanni Polski: Bazylika św. Jana na Lateranie – figura św. Jana Apostoła (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The ancient baptistery was also built by Constantine and was converted from a Roman temple. The Lateran Baptistery is one of the oldest in Christendom. The present name is a result of the importance of the baptistry of the church, and of the presence of a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist. Here’s a Virtual tour of the Baptistery: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/vr_tour/Media/VR/Lateran_Baptistery/index.html

Lateran baptistery building

San Giovanni in Laterano was the first cathedral of Rome. This was the first Constantinian Basilica and is the oldest basilica in the world, founded in 311 and consecrated in 324. Emperor Constantine gave Pope Melchiades a parcel of imperial property for a church and a papal residence. It was known as “Lateran” because the property previously belonged to the family of Plautius Lateranus of the former Roman Empire. The Laterani lost their properties to Emperor Constantine who in turn gave it to the Christian Church in 311. The basilica suffered extensive damage during the earthquake of 896 and was restored by Sergius III who dedicated it to St. John the Baptist. Later, Saint John the Evangelist was added as a patron of this church by another pope.

The popes lived in the Lateran Palace adjacent to the church until Clement V (1305-14) transferred the papal seat to Avignon in France. The popes lived at Palazzo Laterano from the time of Constantine until 1304 when the Papacy moved to Avignon. When the popes returned to Rome in 1377, the papacy moved to the Vatican. Excavations beneath the basilica have uncovered pagan buildings and foundations of the 4th century Constantinian basilica.

Lateran Palace on the left of the obelisk

The central bronze doors came from the Curia of the Roman Senate in the Forum. The Holy Door is on the far right. The main travertine facade is on Piazza di Porta Giovanni with five entrances that lead to the portico with five more doorways.

Lateran door

On the top front entrance of the basilica, Jesus Christ is carrying a cross. He is surrounded by St. John the Evangelist, St. John the Baptist and the Doctors of the Church.

Lateran roofline with Jesus and saints

In 1646, the basilica was in danger of collapsing so Pope Innocent X gave the task of restoring it to Francesco Borromini. Pope Innocent X had the interior completely remodeled by Borromini in preparation for the Jubilee (Holy Year) of 1650. It was during Borromini’s restoration that the church was given its Baroque appearance. The eastern façade was created in 1736 by Alessandro Galilei with statues of saints welcoming visitors.

In front of the north facade ( adjacent to the Lateran Palace) you can find the Lateranense obelisk. It is the tallest obelisk in Rome that dates back to 1500 B.C. and weighs over 230 tons. The red granite obelisk in the square in front of the Lateran Palace was originally commissioned by Pharaoh Thuthmose III and completed by his grandson Thutmose IV and stood in the temple of Amun in Karnak. It was placed in the Circus Maximus until Pope Sixtus V had Fontana re-erect it in this square in 1588 in place of the equstrian statue of Marcus Aurelius that was moved to the Capitoline Hill.

Lateran obelisk inscription

Lateran obelisk

Lateran rear entrance

The Renaissance coffered ceiling is attributed to Pirro Ligorio and was started in 1562 during the pontificate of Pius IV.

The apsidal mosaic was restored by friars who were commissioned by Nicholas IV (1288-1292). The apse mosaic depicts the miraculous appearance of Christ in the basilica’s apse at the time of its consecration by Pope Sylvester.

There are beautiful statues in the nave in grey marble aedicules. The statues are flanked by verde antico columns.

Lateran coffered ceiling and apse mosaic

Lateran Saint Peter

The monumental tomb of Leo XIII by Giulio Tadolini is over a door leading to the Sacristy.

The archbasilica has a lavishly decorated interior. The Lancelloti Chapel was designed by Francesco da Volterra and rebuilt by Giovanni Antonio de Rossi. The “Saint Francis of Assisi recieves the stigmata” painting was done by Giovanni Battista Puccetti in the altarpiece.

Lateran fresco

Lateran fresco Mary Immaculate by Placido Costanzi

There are additional parts of the Lateran complex worth visiting in close proximity to the church. Walk over to the Scala Sancta to see the Sancta Sanctorum and the Triclinium of Pope Leo III These Holy Stairs are particularly attractive for Christian pilgrims who wish to honor the Passion of Jesus. These are the marble stairs that were brought to Rome from Jerusalem in 326 AD by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. These are the stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to his trial with Pontius Pilate; the staircase leading once to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate at Jerusalem .

The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) consists of twenty-eight wooden steps that encase white marble steps and are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his Passion. The marble stairs are visible through openings in the wooden risers. The stairs are located in a building which incorporates part of the old Lateran Palace, located opposite the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. They are located next to a church which was built on ground brought from Mount Calvary. The stairs lead to the Sancta Sanctorum ( Holy of Holies) which is the personal chapel of the early Popes in the Lateran palace, known as the chapel of St. Lawrence.

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

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Tagged as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Bishop of Rome, Catholic Church, Church of Rome, Corpus Christi, Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, IPod, Italy, Lateran, Lateran Baptistery, Pontius Pilate, Pope, Pope Benedict XVI, Rome, Scala Sancta, St. John Lateran Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, The Passion, Vatican CIty

May 22, 2012 · 11:23 am

Ascend La Scala Sancta in Rome: The Holy Stairs that Jesus Climbed

Image by Stephen and Therese Jennings via Flickr

Italiano: Affreschi del Sancta Sanctorum della Scala Santa. Roma. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In close proximity to the archbasilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome, visit the Holy Stairs or “La Scala Sancta.” For centuries, the Scala Sancta has attracted Christian pilgrims. These pilgrims come to honor the Passion of Jesus.

The building was designed by Domenico Fontana in 1589. It houses two surviving parts of the old Lateran Palace. One is the pope’s private chapel (Sancta Sanctorum) and the other is the Holy Staircase (Scala Santa). The 28 steps, said to be those that Christ ascended in Pontius Pilate‘s house during his trial, were brought from Jerusalem by St. Helena in approximately 325 A.D.

Christ before Pontius Pilate, Mihály Munkácsy, 1881 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fresco at the Scala Sancta in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When the Lateran Palace was destroyed in the late 16th century, Pope Sixtus V had the steps moved to their present site. No foot may touch the holy steps, so they are covered by wooden boards. They may be climbed but only on your knees, a penance that is performed especially on Good Friday.

Scala Sancta: the sacred stairs, exterior (Photo credit: SpirosK)

In Jerusalem, you can visit the Chapel of the Ascension near the top of the Mount of Olives. It is a Christian and Muslim holy site that is believed to depict the place where Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after his resurrection. There is a small church/mosque with a stone imprinted with his footprint. Prior to the time of Emperor Constantine, Christians honored his Ascension by meeting in a cave out of concern for their safety. Constantine’s mother Helena was instrumental in marking this spot with a memorial chapel at the end of the 4th century.

Other highlights of this building include the sculpture, Ecce Homo, by Giosue Meli in 1874. The Scala Santa lead to the Chapel of St. Lawrence, or Sancta Sanctorum, built by Pope Nicholas III in 1278. This chapel contains many important relics, the most precious being an image of Jesus, the Acheiropoeton, or “picture painted without hands.” It is believed to be the work of St. Luke, assisted by an angel. The image was taken on procession in medieval times to ward off plagues.

There are three surviving monuments from the original Lateran Palace. Two of these monuments are located in one building built by Domenico Fontana in 1589. These monuments are the Scala Santa and the Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum. The third monument is the Triclinium of Leo III, which can be seen on the structure at the top of the stairs facing the archbasillica of St. John Lateran. Under the roofline, there is an incredible mosaic in the apse. In the center mosaic, Christ is surrounded by his Apostles.

Lateran Triclinium of Leo III, near the Scala Sancta; Jesus is surrounded by his Apostles under the roofline in the aspe.

The Scala Sancta are marble stairs that were brought from Jerusalem to Rome in 326 AD by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. According to legend, these are the stairs that Jesus climbed on his way to his trial with Pontius Pilate after he was betrayed by Judas.

Lateran Scala Sancta Ecce Homo statue

This was the staircase that lead to the praetorium of the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Jesus was crucified in Calvary during the prefecture of Pontius Pilate, who governed Judaea from 26 to 36 AD. In the Middle Ages these stairs were known as Scala Pilati, the Stairs of Pilate.

Lateran Scala Sancta Judas statue

Lateran Scala Sancta Jesus Statue

The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs) consists of twenty-eight wooden steps that encase white marble steps. They are sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus Christ during his Passion. The marble stairs are visible through openings in the wooden risers. The Sanctury can be visited during these hours:

Scala Sancta sign

The stairs are located in a building which incorporates part of the old Lateran Palace, located opposite the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. They are located next to a church which was built on ground brought from Mount Calvary. When Sixtus V in 1589 destroyed the old papal palace and built the new one, he ordered the Holy Stairs be transferred to their present site, before the Sancta Sanctorum (Holy of Holies).

The stairs lead to the Sancta Sanctorum which is the personal chapel of the early Popes in the Lateran palace, the chapel deicated to St. Lawrence. This is the only remaining part of the former Lateran Palace. The name is derived from the many precious relics preserved there. The Sancta Sanctorum also contains the celebrated image of Christ which on certain special occasions was carried through Rome in procession. These holy treasures have not been seen by anyone since Leo X (1513-21).

Lateran Oratorium near Scala Sancta

Lateran Scala Sancta altar

The Scala Sancta are covered with a layer of protective walnut wood boards. These Holy Stairs are flanked by additional sets of stairs for common use on both sides because the Holy Stairs may only be ascended on one’s knees in devout prayer. This devotion is favored by religious pilgrims and faithful Christians who are seeking an indulgence, especially on Fridays and during in Lent. In 1908, Pius X granted a plenary indulgence to be gained as often as the stairs are devoutly ascended after confession and communion. Imitations of the Scala Sancta have been erected in various places, such as in Lourdes and in some convents of nuns. Some indulgences are also associated with these stairs.

Lateran Scala Sancta stairs praying

In 1589, Pope Sixtus V relocated the steps to their present location in front of the ancient Palatine Chapel (Il Sancta Sanctorum).

Lateran Il Sancta Sacntorum

The decoration of the Scala Sancta was one of the major refurbishment exercises of the papacy of Sixtus V, led by Cesare Nebbia and Giovanni Guerra. Many artists were enlisted to decorate the premises with statues and frescoes including: Giovanni Baglione, Giacomo Stella, Giovanni Battista Pozzo, Paris Nogari, Prospero Orsi, Ferraù Fenzoni, Paul Bril, Paulo Guidotti, Giovanni Battista Ricci, Cesaro Torelli, Antonio Vivarini, Andrea Lilio, Vicenzo Conti Baldassare Croce, Ventura Salimbeni and Antonio Scalvati.

Lateran Scala Sancta ceiling

Pray these prayers as you ascend the steps:

At the foot of the Holy Staircase, before beginning your ascent
on your knees, recite:

“My Jesus, by the merits of your passion, I pray that you inspire
in me feelings of faith, of hope, and of charity, and that you grant
me pardon for my sins, while I, having decided to change my
life, proceed to climb the Staircase, which I venerate as a memento
of your sacrifice and as a spur to trusting in your mercy in this
life and to getting myself ready for eternal salvation in the next.
Amen.”

1st Step:
My Jesus, by the anxiety that oppressed you in taking leave of
Holy Mary and of your beloved disciples, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

2nd Step:
My Jesus, by the mortal anguish that made you sweat living
blood in the olive garden, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

3rd Step:
My Jesus, by the bitterness that Judas’s betrayal caused you,
have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

4th Step:
My Jesus, by the confusion felt in the ways of Jerusalem, exposed
as you were to the taunts of the vulgar crowd, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

5th Step:
My Jesus, by the meekness you displayed before the tribunal,
have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

6th Step:
My Jesus, by the patience you exercised during the mocking and
the insults that preceded your sentencing, have pity upon me! Holy
Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

7th Step:
My Jesus, by the fatigue you felt on climbing up and descending
this staircase a number of time, have pity on me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed
in my heart!

8th Step:
My Jesus, by the silence you met the false witnesses with, when
they accused you before Pilate, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in
my heart!

9th Step:
My Jesus, by the humility with which you let yourself be jeered
at and dressed as a madman in Herod’s court, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

10th Step:
My Jesus, by the shame suffered on seeing yourself stripped of
your clothing and chained to a column, have pity upon me! Holy
Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

11th Step:
My Jesus, by the torment of your pitiless flagellation, have pity
upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

12th Step:
My Jesus, by the agony caused by the spines that pierced your
head, have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about
that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

13th Step:
My Jesus, by the humiliation suffered when you were dressed
in a mantle of purple, with your eyes blindfolded and saluted in a
parody of how a king is saluted, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in
my heart!

14th Step:
My Jesus, by the pain you felt on being presented to the people
that cried out that you were to be sentenced to death, have
pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

15th Step:
My Jesus, by the insult undergone in being put Bar Abbas, have
pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds
of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

16th Step:
My Jesus, by the resignation with which you embraced the cross
and walked up to Calvary, have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah!
Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

17th Step:
My Jesus, by the sadness you felt in meeting your afflicted
mother Mary, have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it
about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

18th Step:
My Jesus, by the efforts you tolerated in your trip to Calvary,
burdened by the weight of the cross, have pity upon me! Holy
Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

19th Step:
My Jesus, by the disgust that the bitter drink of wine mixed
with gall procured you, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

20th Step:
My Jesus, by your suffering on feeling your clothes torn
from your bleeding and sore-strewn flesh, have pity upon me!
Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

21st Step:
My Jesus, by the strength with which you lay down upon
the cross and let your hands and feet be pierced with nails,
have pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that
the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

22nd Step:
My Jesus, by the infinite love that induced you to pardon
those who had crucified you and to pray for them, have
pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

23rd Step:
My Jesus, by the generosity with which you promised
paradise to the repentant assassin and, through John, gave
to the faithful Holy Mary as a mother have pity upon me!
Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

24th Step:
My Jesus, by the cruel thirst that sharpened the torments
of your frightful agony, have pity upon me! Holy Mother!
Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

25th Step:
My Jesus, by the horror you felt on feeling forsaken by
the Father and cursed by men, have pity upon me! Holy
Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the wounds of the Lord be
impressed in my heart!

26th Step:
My Jesus, by the love with which you sacrificed your life
to reconcile me with God and make me worthy of eternal
salvation, have pity on me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it
about that the wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

27th Step:
My Jesus, by the wound in your side, from which the
church, mother and teacher of its faithful, was born, have
pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

28th Step:
My Jesus, by the tears Holy Mary shed, she having
hugged you in her arms and arranged you in the tomb, have
pity upon me! Holy Mother! Ah! Bring it about that the
wounds of the Lord be impressed in my heart!

You have finally reached the top top of the Holy Staircase.
Let us pray:

“Oh God, in whose passion a sword of grief, according to
Eimon’s prophecy, pierced the sweet soul of the glorious
virgin and mother. Mary grant that, in celebrating with
veneration your grief, we may earn the fruits of your passion.
You, who live and reign forever and ever. Amen!”

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

Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome at the top of the Spanish Steps (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Basilica of St. John Lateran, Chapel of the Ascension in Jerusalem, Domenico Fontana, Jesus, Lateran, Lateran Palace, Middle Ages, Mount of Olives, Pontius Pilate, Pope Sixtus V, Rome, Saint Helena, Sancta Sanctorum, Scala Sancta, The Passion

January 28, 2012 · 11:04 am

Borromini’s Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome

English: Francesco Borromini - San Carlo alle ...

Image via Wikipedia

The Baroque Church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome was Borromini‘s first independent commission.

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane 2 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

San Carlo in Rome Italy

The dome of the church by Borromini has intricate, interlocking coffering composed of octagons, crosses and hexagons. These geometric shapes diminish in size as they rise to the glass window with the symbol of the Holy Spirit.

: Image via Wikipedia

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (Rome), Borromini (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The charming, church is named for the four fountains, located at the intersection of the 4 corners of Via del Quirinale and Via Quattro Fontane. This intersection has four landmark fountains; one on each corner.

Francesco Borromini – San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Rome. Interior. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The figures of the four fountains represent the River Tiber (the symbol of Rome); the River Arno the symbol of Florence; the Goddess Diana; the symbol of Chastity; and the Goddess Juno, the symbol of Strength.