Tag Archives: Pope

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

April 17, 2013 · 10:56 am

St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy’s Vatican City

St. Peter’s Basilica at Early Morning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

: Image via Wikipedia

In 1506, Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter’s Basilica, originally built by Constantine from 324-329.

Emperor Constantine built a glorious crown for St. Peter’s tomb over the site where his bones were preserved.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: diluvienne)

English: Wide angle View of the altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Statue of St Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Façade of St. Peter’s Basilica as seen from Saint Peter’s Square. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St Peter’s Basilica (Photo credit: JP..)

Saint Peter’s Basilica is built above the site where Peter the Apostle was crucified, martyred and buried in the year 64.

English: Bernini’s “Gloria” surmounting the “Cathedra Petri”, also by him. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Peter was the first apostle and the first pope. He is always carrying his key.

Saint Peter’s Square (Photo credit: jimmyharris)

St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City (Photo credit: kvsankar)

Since Rome is a place of pilgrimage, a “Scave Tour” is available with advanced reservations and allows you to visit the tomb of St. Peter and the archeological excavations beneath the basilica. Travel from the Baroque church to the Romanesque sanctuary to the Roman cemetery and tomb of Peter the Apostle. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar. Pay hommage to St.Peter in the Basilica.

The Basilica contains the work of some of Italy’s finest sculptors. Vatican City is the world’s smallest country and occupies 109 acres; it has been a sovereign state since 1929 and is ruled by the Pope.

St. Peter’s Square is equipped with large video screens. When pilgrims and tourists converge upon the area for festivities, spectators have a bird’s eye view of the main event.

The red granite obelisk was brought to Rome from Egypt by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. It was moved to this square in 1587 by Domenico Fontana.

The statues surrounding the obelisk represent the zodiac. There are two 17^th century fountains in the square. The fountain on the right (1613) is by Carlo Maderno who also designed the façade of the church. The fountain on the left was added by Bernini in 1675 by Carlo Fontana.

English: A 5×6 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens from the dome of St Peter’s in Vatican City in Rome. Français: Image panoramique composée de 5×6 photos prises par David Iliff à l’aide d’un appareil Canon 5D et une lentille 70-200mm f/2.8L à partir du dôme de la Basilique Saint-Pierre au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Columns and Corinthian pilasters decorate the façade. The central balcony above the main entrance is the “Loggia of Benedictions” where the pope delivers the benediction after his election and gives his weekly blessing. Below the cupola, Bernini’s workshop created 13 statues: Christ the Redeemer, John the Baptist and eleven apostles. St. Peter and St. Paul’s 19^th century statues welcome visitors on the ground floor of the basilica.

St. Peter’s statue by Giuseppe de Fabris holds the golden key that he received from Christ.

St. Paul’s statue by Adamo Tadolini holds the sword that symbolizes his decapitation in Rome.

The dome of the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The building on the right is the Pope’s residence. The Pope appears every Sunday at noon to say the Angelus and give his apostolic blessing. The colonnade surrounding the square was designed by Bernini between the years 1656 and 1666. They represent two outstretched arms welcoming the faithful to the Basilica. There are 140 statues of saints watching over the Basilica above the colonnade.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are five bronze entrance doors. These sacred doors are symbolic and functional. From left to right these doors represent: Death, Good and Evil, the original door from the old basilica, the Sacraments and the Porta Santa (Holy Door). The Holy Door is only opened during Jubilee years so that religious pilgrims can receive the Pope’s special blessing.

Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Sculptor: Vico Consorti (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Michelangelo’s Pietà in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Français : La Pietà de Michel-Ange située dans la Basilique Saint-Pierre, au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

To learn more about Romevisit www.vino-con-vista.com. Buon Viaggio–

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April 15, 2013 · 11:27 am

San Marco is the Church of the Venetian Community in Rome

Basilica of S. Marco, the place of the election of Anacletus II. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Roma, basilica di san Marco, controfacciata e organo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Church of San Marco in Rome was founded by Pope St. Mark in 336. This may be the site where St. Mark the Evangelist stayed when he was in Rome. St. Mark was the patron saint of Venice. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire by Hadrian (772-795). It has undergone many transformations over the years. The façade (1466) was built by to Leone Battista Alberti with marble taken from the Colosseum and the Theatre of Marcellus.

Madama Lucrezia, Piazza San Marco (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Paul II (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In 1471, Pope Paul II Barbo made San Marco the church of the Venetian community of Rome. His crest can be seen in the gilded blue coffered ceiling. Many Venetian cardinals were buried in San Marco.

The church is located across the street from the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument. You can walk over to the Colonna Trajana and SS. Nome di Maria after you visit the church.

Interior, San Marco, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Presbytery “San Marco papa”, San Marco, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the 1740s, Filippo Barigioni created 20 columns with a veneer of Sicilian jasper. The colonnades on the sides of the church hide the original pillars of the nave. In the presbytery, the “Pope Saint Mark in Glory” fresco was done by Giovanni Francesco Romanelli. Beneath the altar, there is an ancient porphyry urn with the body of Pope St. Mark. In the crypt below, there is the tomb of 3rd century ROman martyrs Abdon and Sennen.

MOsaic in the absys of San Marco, Rome, showing Christ with saints: at the left of the absys, Mark evangelist; at right, Mark the pope. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Byzantine apse mosaic with an oversized Christ clad in royal purple. He is standing on a footstool that bears the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. He is holding a book with the words: “I am the Light, I am the Life, I am the Resurrection”.. Ln his right, yo can see St. Mark the Evangelist and St. Felicissimus.

Italiano: Roma, basilica di san Marco, angelo della tomba del cardinale Aloisio Priuli (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The altar has Pier Francesco Mola‘s “Immaculate Conception. You can also admire his “St. Michael Overcomes Lucifer” in this church.. I love the painting by Baccio Ciarpi, “St. Dominic Restores a Child to Life.” There are some beautiful Baroque monuments: Cardinal Marcantonio Bragadin and the monument to Cardinal Cristoforo Vidman. Visit the the tomb of Leonardo Pesaro (1796) by Antonio Canova.

Take time to admire the interesing artifacts in the Portico. I love the lions!

Trevi – san Marco vera di pozzo nel portico 00053 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trevi – s Marco portico 1000120 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ambo; Church San Marco in Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Vista frontale della statua (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Madama Lucrezia is one of the “talking statues” of Rome and is located next to the entrance of the basilica. It was once the bust of a statue of the goddess Isis.

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

Venice is the “Mistress of the Sea”: A UNESCO Site in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)
Trinita dei Monti Church in Rome at the top of the Spanish Steps (vinoconvistablog.me)
Insights into the Vatican in Italy: UNESCO’s Holy City (vinoconvistablog.me)
The Ten Most Seductive Places to Drink Wine in Italy (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Tagged as Baccio Ciarpi, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Caravaggio, Filippo Barigioni, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Italy, Mark the Evangelist, Pier Francesco Mola, Pope, Pope Mark, Pope Symmachus, Rome, San Marco, San Marco is the Venetian Church in Rome, St. Peter's Basilica, Venice

April 14, 2013 · 11:19 am

My Glorious Vino Con Vista Weekend in Rome: Non Basta una Vita

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If you follow my posts, you already know that I love Rome! The glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular historic sites, sumptuous fountains, magnificent art treasures, charming cafes and world-class restaurants and hotels. as

If you are traveling to Rome for a weekend, here’s a list of my favorite attractions for a “Glorious Vino con Vista” weekend in Rome. But remember that the Italians say: ‘non basta una vita’, “a lifetime is not enough” to visit 28 centuries of history!

Jump on the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus and visit the following sites:

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1. Rome is filled with incredible historic monuments! Pay tribute to the Papacy in the Vatican City formerly ruled by Pope Benedict XVI and presently lead by newly elected Pope Francis. Vatican City is the world’s smallest sovereign country in both land mass and population. It serves as the spiritual headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church.

English: Bernini’s baldacchino, inside Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pope Benedict XVI in St. Peter’s Square, Rome (2007). Polski: Papież Benedykt XVI podczas Audiencji Generalnej na Placu św. Piotra w Rzymie (2007). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St Peter’s Basilica with its famous dome is one of the highlights of Rome’s skyline. This area is one of my favorite “Vino-con Vista” destinations in Rome. The impressive architecture in this area offers a host of cafés and shops where you can buy rosary beads and interesting frames filled with pictures or Popes. My sons joke about all of my Pope frames.

Florence, Rome, Perugia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Bernini’s “Gloria” surmounting the “Cathedra Petri”, also by him. Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A 5×6 segment panoramic image taken by myself with a Canon 5D and 70-200mm f/2.8L lens from the dome of St Peter’s in Vatican City in Rome. Français: Image panoramique composée de 5×6 photos prises par David Iliff à l’aide d’un appareil Canon 5D et une lentille 70-200mm f/2.8L à partir du dôme de la Basilique Saint-Pierre au Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

Wait in line at Saint Peter’s Basilica to see Michelangelo’s Pieta and the incredible dome. Admire Bernini‘s Monument to Pope Alexander VII and take pictures and videos with your iPad of Bernini’s monumental bronze Baldachinno (canopy) over the Tomb of Saint Peter.

English: Interior of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome Česky: Uvnitř Baziliky svatého Petra, Vatikán, Řím (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do not leave Rome without seeing these sites! Send some postcards from the post office as you soak up the Baroque genius in this magical city.

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2. Wander through the Papal Palaces at the Vatican Museums and admire the beauty the Sistine Chapel.

The left half of the entire ceiling, after restoration (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo’s contributions to the remarkable Sistine Chapel include his legendary Last Judgement and the spectacular frescoed ceiling. “The Last Judgement” depicts the division of the damned from the redeemed. Jesus commands the center of the wall with his right arm raised over his head. Under that raised arm, his mother Mary is crouched at his side. Saint Bartholomew, with his flayed skin, has the face of Michelangelo and is seated in front of Jesus.

Watch this short clip: http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1kpcQm/:1cmVYfe2n:Z1jzCq$!/www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html/

The ceiling vault depicts nine scenes from the book of Genesis beginning at the altar end of the chapel: The Separation of Light from Darkness, The Creation of the Sun and the Moon, The Separation of Land from Water, The Creation of Adam, The Creation of Eve, and The Temptation of Adam and Eve combined in one panel with the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Then there is the Sacrifice of Abel, The Flood and finally, The Drunkenness of Noah. He painted the entire ceiling lying on his back.

Do not miss the Raphael Rooms. Raphael was born in Urbino in 1483. In 1508, he was summoned to Rome by Pope Julius II to decorate the papal apartments in the Vatican Palace. The first room he tackled was the Pope’s Library and office called the Stanza della Segnatura. This room has my favorite work of art by Raphael called “The School of Athens.”

A Escola de Atenas, afresco no Vaticano (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The themes he selected were Theology, Poetry, Philosophy and Jurisprudence. “The School of Athens” fresco represents “Philosophy.” It is filled with figures of people thinking, writing, arguing and reading. Basically, it represents a gathering of intellectuals where everyone is engaged in learning.

The School of Athens (detail). Fresco, Stanza della Segnatura, Palazzi Pontifici, Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Plato is in the center under the arch (on the left) in the red toga with his finger pointing upward toward the sky. He is demonstrating that all ideal concepts are found in the heavens; as he believed that we should aspire to imitate the divine. He’s holding a copy of “Timaeus.” The close-up shot of Plato, has the face of Leonardo da Vinci.

I found the numbered picture in a Twitter post by art historian Jeff Titelius. I think you will find the description of the cast of characters quite intellectually stimulating.

1: Zeno of Citium 2: Epicurus 3: unknown 4: Boethius or Anaximander or Empedocles? 5: Averroes 6: Pythagoras 7: Alcibiades or Alexander the Great? 8: Xenophon 9: unknown [14][13] or the Fornarina as a personification of Love [15] or (Francesco Maria della Rovere?) 10: Aeschines or Xenophon? 11: Parmenides? 12: Socrates 13: Heraclitus (Michelangelo) 14: Plato (Leonardo da Vinci) 15: Aristotle 16: Diogenes 17: Plotinus (Donatello?) 18: Euclid with students (Bramante?) 19: Zoroaster 20: Ptolemy? R: Apelles (Raphael) 21: Protogenes (Il Sodoma, Perugino, or Timoteo Viti). Photo: WikiMedia Commons.

Standing next to Plato, Aristotle (in blue) is holding his book inscribed “Nicomachean Ethics” in his left hand with his right hand pointing forward.

Detail of The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio, 1509, showing Plato (left) and Aristotle (right) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the right foreground of the scene, Euclid is drawing a geometrical figure with his protractor, but his face is really Bramante.

A Greek mathematician performing a geometric construction with a compass, from The School of Athens by Raphael. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The School of Athens ( ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On the steps to the left is Pythagoras, writing in a book. In front of him, with his head resting on his hand and sitting alone in the forefront is “Heraclitus” with the pencil in his right hand. He has the face of Michelangelo.

Raphael- School of Athens, detail showing R’s portrait of Michelangelo as Heraclitus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Each significant philosopher in the “School of Athens” has an group of eager listeners. Pope Julius II definitely picked the right artist for his office! Raphael is peeriing directly at you in the close-up on the right. He is shown on the right side of Zoroaster, who is holding the globe on the left of Raphael.

Detail of The School of Athens by Raphael, 1509, showing Zoroaster (left, with star-studded globe). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail from The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio, maybe an illustration of Hypatia (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

3. The ancient ruins are perhaps the most impressive and incredible sights in the city! Tour the Colloseum‘s interior and follow the footsteps of the gladiators as you witness this feat of Roman engineering; a driveby approach will not suffice! This breathtaking and insightful icon of both gladiators and Emperors reflects ancient Rome.

Ruins of the Roman Forum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Go to the Forum which is located right next to the Colloseum. Imagine Julius Ceasar and Mark Anthony giving historic speeches at this monumental venue. It was the quintessential Roman Marketplace in its heyday!

Pantheon, Rome, Raphael’s tomb. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The famous set of columns from the Roman Forum in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Image via Wikipedia

5. The Pantheon‘s classic architecture allows you to visit the tombs of historic European icons such as Popes and Italian Kings.

Raphael is buried in a niche in the Pantheon which reads: “The man here is Raphael; while he was alive, the Great Mother of All Things (Nature) feared to be outdone; and when he died, she, too, feared to die.”

Marvel at the masterpieces that adorn the circular wall and look up at the oculus that opens to the sky and sheds light throughout the magnificent structure. Originally, the great dome was sheathed in gilded bronze.

Image via Wikipedia

6. Throw a coin (over your shoulder) and make a wish in one of the world’s most famous fountains: the Trevi Fountain. Admire the ornate sculpture over the glistening water. This will guarantee a return trip to Rome. Next time, stay for atleast a week.

The Palazzo Poli forms the backdrop to the magnificent Trevi Fountain. This Palazzo is home to a major collection of copper engraving plates.

The 18th-century Trevi Fountain at night. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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7. Climb the widest staircase in Europe at the Spanish Steps. These beautiful steps join Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. Climb the Spanish Steps to enjoy a tour the magnificent hotels that lead to the Via Venato.

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Admire Bernini’s Boat Fountain at the base of the stairs before strolling along Via Condotti and buying some elegant designer shoes, purses and clothing.

Fountain of the Four Rivers

8. Do not leave Rome without visiting Piazza Navona. This is one of the best Baroque Vino con Vista Venues in town. Although the glorious city of Rome is adorned with spectacular fountains; some of my favorites are located in this Square including the Fountain of the Four Rivers, The Fountain of the Moor and Neptune’s Fountain.

Rome (Photo credit: Mathew Knott)

Fountain in Piazza Navona

Some of Rome’s fountains support obelisks and others anchor famous piazzas. The dramatic fountains in Piazza Navona host a cast of interesting characters that generally spew water from their mouths. The basins are shaped in the form of chalices and decorative elements including dolphins, tritons, theatrical masks and shells. This Piazza is filled with delightful cafes and live music!

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

St. Peter’s Basilica at Early Morning (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Tagged as Basilica St. Peter, Gianlorenzo Bernini, Michelangelo, Pantheon Rome, Pope, Pope Alexander VII, Raphael Rooms, Raphael's "The School of Athens", Rome, Saint Peter's tomb, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Top Attractions in Rome Italy, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, Vino con Vista Weekend in Rome

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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March 24, 2013 · 11:26 am

Witness the Story of Easter in Rome: Buona Pasqua

The 12th Station of the Cross - Jesus dies on ...

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A 14th-century of Jesus Christ bearing the cross, from the monastery in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The new Pope Francis and the Vatican gear up for Holy Week Celebrations and ancient traditions in and around Rome. These events commemorate the last week of the life of Jesus Christ before his painful death on the cross and ultimate Resurrection.

The Tiburtine Sybil named Albunea, told Emperor Augustus (27 BC-AD 14) in a mystic meeting, that the first-born of God would one day rule his empire: “Haec est ara primogeniti Dei”-This is the altar of the first-born of God.

Augustus commemorated the spot by erecting an altar. The church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli (altar of Heaven) now crowns the highest point of the Campidoglio in Rome with 124 steps that lead to the entrance of the church. In the church, the figures of Augustus and the Tiburtine Sibyl are painted on either side of the arch above the high altar.

Antonio da Trento, Tiburtine Sibyl and the Emperor Augustus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Inside this church are the relics of St. Helen in a porphyry urn. Saint Helena was the mother of Emperor Constantine who ultimately decreed the Christianization of pagan Rome. Inside the church, there is a chapel of the Santo Bambino. The Bambino is carved from olive wood from Jerusalem using wood from the Garden of Gethsemane. It was created by a Franciscan monk in the 15th century.

Furthermore, the Tiburtine Sibyl prophesied a final Emperor named Constan who would “vanquish the foes of Christianity and end paganism.” Michelangelo portrayed the Sibyls in the frescos of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The Tiburtine Sybil’s prophecy to the Emperor Augustus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Easter story of the “Passion of Christ” is depicted in the 14 “Stations of the Cross.” The “INRI” on the cross is the abbreviation of “King of the Jews” in Hebrew. During his lifetime, Jesus encountered the same type of pain that normal people excounter. He endured physical pain, mental anguish, rejection, abandonment and betrayal. Holy Week allows us to recall the great sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us and signifies new beginnings.

Holy Week is one of the most religious and exciting times of the year to visit Rome and many other towns in Italy and Spain http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZl_Ab29id4&NR=1. Holy Week events begin on Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday. On this day, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was welcomed as royalty with the path paved with branches and palms. The ceremonies during the week revolve around the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Palm Sunday, Holy Week begins with the Pope‘s blessing of the palms in St. Peter’s Square.

The three days before Easter are called the Paschal Triduum of Death, Burial and Resurrection of the Lord http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcNFTNu1I4M. The Easter Vigil is the high point of the Triduum: “The night Jesus Christ broke the chains of death and rose triumphant from the grave.” The church empties the Holy Water from the fonts on the days of the Sacred Paschal Triduum in preparation of the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil. The Passion is read three times during Holy Week: Passion Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday. The words of Jesus are always read by a priest.

On Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the Pope performs a rare morning mass. “The Mass of the Chrism” is held in St. Peter’s Square when the oils are blessed and the Chrism is consecrated. Chrism is a combination of balsam and oil and is used for annointing for occasions like confirmation and ordinations.

In the evening after sun-down, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the Last Supper of Jesus with the Apostles. This event includes a reading of Matthew’s account of the “Passion of Christ”; the narration of Jesus’ capture, suffering and death. It includes the representation of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his Disciples which was carried out by Pope Benedict at the Cathedral of St. John Lateran where he washed the feet of 12 priests http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngIUmGhwwqs.

On Good Friday, the day of Christ’s brutal crucufixion in AD33, choirs sing St. John’s version of Christ’s crucifixion. Peter Paul Rubens’ “Ecce Homo” (Behold the Man) portrays Christ with his “Crown of Thorns” before his Crucifixion. After his crucifixion, he was covered with a shroud http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dVQnkKlphY&feature=relmfu.

On this day in Catholic churches around the world, Christians glorify the cross in their individual parishes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubkiKyjo9WU. The cross is venerated as a symbol of our faith by kneeling in front of the cross and kissing it. In this way, we honor the Lord’s Cross as an instrument of our salvation. The cross was the means of Jesus Christ’s execution and as a sign of victory over sin and death. The church does not celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist on Good Friday, rather the Church commemorates the Lord’s Passion.

In Rome on Good Friday, a solemn “Via Crucis Procession” (The Way of the Cross) involves an evening torch-lit procession that follows the Pope as he traces the Stations of the Cross from the Colosseum to Palatine Hill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2qwjLTFcwQ. The church in Rome adopted the practice of “Adoration of the Cross” from the Church in Jerusalem where a fragment of wood believed to be the Lord’s cross has been venerated every year on Good Friday since the fouth century http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8eDPyXYv50.

St. Helen, the mother of emperor Constantine, discovered this fragment of wood on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 326. Pope Alexander VII had the top of the obelisk in St. Peter’s Square adorned with his insignia. There is a relic of Christ’s “True Cross” encased in this emblem of Pope Alexander that crowns the Obelisk.

Jesus had 12 disciples. They were pupils or followers of Christ. The Passion of Christ was initiated when the Temple Guards, guided by Judas Iscario, captured Jesus. Judas was a Disciple of Jesus who betrayed him by telling the guards that whomever he kisses, they should arrest. Judas was paid in silver for his betrayal which is portrayed in “The Kiss of Judas.” The trial and painful crucifixion of Jesus ensued. Judas ended up returning the silver and committing suicide.

On the Joseph Maria Subirachs “Magic Square” on the facade of Gaudi’s Sagada Familia in Barcelona (Quadrato magico di Sagrada Familia) next to “The Kiss of Judas” in the picture below, notice that all colums, diagonals and rows add up to 33, the year of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Judas Betrayed Jesus Christ before his Crucifixion

Judas Kiss and the Magic Square of 33

Pictured above is Caravaggio’s famous portrayal of “The Kiss of Judas.”

On Holy Saturday, Jesus’ lifeless body was cradled in the arms of Mary, as portrayed in Michelangelo’s “Pieta.” He was then laid to rest in the borrowed grave of a friend. Churches around the world conduct an Easter Vigil where we celebrate Jesus Christ; our light who drives away the darkness of our lives http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3d9LTi_U2w&feature=relmfu. At the beginning of the Easter Vigil, the church is darkened and gradually springs to life with the Ressurection of the Lord as faithful parishoners light candles inside the church. The Easter Vigil service includes the Service of Light, the Blessing of the Fire and the Preparation of the Paschal Candle and Procession.

The gloomy darkness of Good Friday is followed by the joyful celebration of trumpets at Easter which “dispels all evil, washes guilt away, restores lost innocence, brings mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings us peace and humbles earthly pride” (Paschal Praeconium, the Exsultet). Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. His Ascension into Heaven is the 40th day after Easter. On Easter Sunday, Pope Benedict delivers his blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world) in St. Peter’s Square http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5axrSsEU_U0&feature=related.

In the picture below, Jesus Christ is ascending into Heaven above the altar of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain. The term apostle came into use after the Ascension of Jesus Christ when the disciples (followers) who had witnessed his resurrection, became apostles (ambassadors of the Gospel: evangelists and teachers). The true apostolic age ended when the last apostle died in about 100AD.

Gaudi's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona Spain

The Pope delivers several messages to faithful pilgrims between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBwIefKXY0s.

Here was the 2011 Easter Message in Italian http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0mEEVTPU2I

Happy Easter and have a wonderful Vino con Vista celebration with your family and friends!

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

Learn more about Rome @ www.vino-con-vista.com.

Easter and Holy Week Rituals in Enna Sicily: Buona Pasqua (vinoconvistablog.me)
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December 5, 2012 · 11:54 am

Buon Natale: Holiday Traditions and Celebrations in Rome

: Image via Wikipedia

Italians embrace the holiday season with many seasonal market, events and festivals. There are many religious holidays between December and January. The festivities generally begin on December 6th with ”La Festa di San Nicola” to honor St. Nicholas, the patron Saint of the Sheperds and end on January 6 with “La Festa dell’ Epifania” ( The Epiphany). After Emperor Constantine adopted Christianity, instead of ending the holiday at the New Year, it was extended to the Epiphany. The Epiphany is the 12th day of Christmas when the three Wise Men gave gifts to Baby Jesus. December 8th is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, a national holiday. Rome celebrates with floral wreaths and a ceremony at the Spanish Steps by the Pope.

Rome (Photo credit: Moyan_Brenn)

Get a “Vino con Vista” tour of Rome while you listen to Dean Martin singing “Arrevederci Roma” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlqTwYGCW8A

English: Nativity scene (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The primary symbol of the Christmas season is the “presepio”, the nativity scene. They depict the birth of Christ. It is believed that in the 13th century, St. Francis, a modest monk, created the first replica of the scene by portraying the child born in Bethlehem. He placed an ox and a donkey next to a manger near the hermitage he built in Greccio, near the town of Assisi.

By the 18th century, the patronage of King Charles elevated the status of “Il Precepio” to stratosperic levels. During the reign of Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, famous artists like Giuesspe Sanmartino were even commissioned to create the figures. Most of the prized figures made of terra cotta and wood are produced in the workshops of Naples on Via Gregorio Armeno.

An elaborate Neapolitan presepio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, elaborate scenes are set up in churches throughout Italy. In some towns, living nativity scenes are usually staged when costumed participants wander through the streets.The first Christmas mass was conducted at the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the earliest known permanent Nativity Scene was created for the Rome Jubilee of 1300.

Vatican City erects a huge presepe in St. Peter’s Square for Christmas and is usually unveiled on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Eve mass is held in St. Peter’s square, usually at 10 pm.

In Rome, some of the biggest and most elaborate presepi are erected in Piazza del Poplo with 100 presepi on display from November 26th to January 6th www.presepi.it. Piazza Euclide, Santa Maria in Trastevere and Santa Maria D’Aracoeli on Capitoline Hill also host elaborate displays. A life-sized nativity scene is set up in Piazza Navona with a large Christmas Market from November 26th to January 6th with a Mercato della Bufana. The Church of Saints Cosma e Damiano has a large nativity scene from Naples on display all year long. It is located by the main entrance of the Roman Forum. Il Museo Tipologico is under the Church of Saints Quirico e Giulitta and has over 3000 figurines from all over the world. It is open each afternoon between December 24th to January 6th.

English: The three wise men, Santa Maria in Trastevere, in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Gifts are exchanged on the day of the Epiphany. Children hang up their stockings on the evening of January 5th awaiting a visit from “La Befana” a legendary old woman who flys around on a broom bearing gifts. According to legend, the Three Wise Men asked La Befana for directions to Bethlehem but she declined. It took an unusually bright light and a band of angels to convince La Befana that she must join the Wise Men, but she was too late. She never found the Christ child and has been looking for him ever since. So on the January 5th, she goes out on her broom delivering treats to the sleeping children of Italy. The Santa figure in Italy is called “Babbo Natale”, Father Christmas. Charlemagne’s coronation took place in Rome on Christmas day in 800 AD.

Tropenmuseum Amsterdam Crucifix with a christmas scene, Peru, c. 1960 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vatican Christmas Tree (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A trip to the Vatican City for Christmas is very exciting. The Vatican City erects a huge presepi in St. Peter’s Square and it is usually unveiled on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the Pope celebrates midnight mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. On Christmas day in St. Peter’s Square at noon the Pope gives his blessing from the window of his apartment overlooking the Square to the crowds gathered at the Vatican. On December 8th, the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, the Pope leads a procession to honor the Virgin Mary near the Spanish Steps.

Stay in Rome for the New Year Parade on January 1st and the Epiphany tradition when hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the wide avenue leading up to the Vatican, carrying symbollic gifts for the Pope. The Pope says a morning mass in St. Peter’s Basilica to commemorate the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts for Jesus.

In Rome, the traditional dish of Christmas Eve is “Capitone”, a big female eel that is roasted, baked or fried. Common Italian Christmas sweets are Panettone (a cake filled with candied fruit), torrone (nougat), and panforte (gingerbread).

Christmas in Italy includes Nativity Scenes and other Christmas Celebrations.

Happy Holidays from Vino con Vista

Buon Natale and Happy Holidays from www.vino-con-vista.com

Nativity scene on the 2001 Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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November 30, 2012 · 10:58 am

Buon Natale: The Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception in Rome

: Image by asw909 via Flickr

December 8th is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception. In Rome, there is an annual papal procession near the Spanish Steps. The Pope pays hommage to the Virgin Mary with a procession led by the Order of the Knights of Malta to Piazza Mignanelli at the Colonna dell’Immacolata in the southeastern section of the square. The 40 foot ancient column was found in 1777 under a monestery and was erected in this location in 1856 and a statue of Mary was placed at the summit of the column.

Marian Column in front of Santa Maria Maggiori in Rome

Listen to Luciano Pavarotti singing ”Ave Maria” by Schubert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPvAQxZsgpQ.

Pope Pius IX (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

On December 8, 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.”

Immaculate Conception Statue (Photo credit: Michael 1952)

Mary Mother Of Jesus Vector Illustration (Photo credit: Vectorportal)

At the annual ceremony, the reigning Pope honors Mary at this location. Listen to what Pope Benedict XVI said: http://bit.ly/fdDphS . After the prayers, the choir sings and one lucky Roman fireman gets to place a wreath of flowers at the top of the column on the Statue of Mary usually on her extended arm. This is a great opportunity to see the Pope in Rome. The Holy Father blesses a basket of roses that are placed at the base of the column. The Mayor of Romeand other civic department heads follow suit.

Image via Wikipedia

There is an evening concert at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli on Capitoline Hill. December 8th is a Holy Day of Obligation and a national holiday in Italy. There are celebrations throughout Italy and churches hold special masses to honor Mary. Look for bagpipes throughout Italy today as the Zampognari play “Quando Nascette Ninno” (When the Child was Born).

Visit the renovated frescoes at the “Immaculate Conception Room” at the Vatican Museums painted by Francesco Podesti. The frescoes are an artistic representation of the Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception declared by Pope Pius IX.

Buon Natale from 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 10, 2012 · 12:51 pm

Treasures of the Vatican Museums

Statue of the river Nile, Museo Chiaramonti, Vatican Museums, Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Vatican Museums ( Musei Vaticani) are located inside the Vatican City. Pope Julius II founded the museums in the early 16th century. These museums include the Museo Chiaramoni and display magnificent statues and works of art that have been collected by the Roman Catholic Church.

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vatican – musei Italiano: La targa sull’ingresso dei Musei Vaticani (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

An Egyptian mummy kept in the Vatican Museums. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

The collection includes: mummies, classical sculptures of emperors, tapestries, stained glass and some of the important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

I love the beautiful tapestries.

A Ignudo, Sistine Chapel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo’s masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel and the work of Raphael in the Stanza della Segnatura are some of most visited destinations in these museums.

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Last Judgement (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A Piece of the Raphael Room (Photo credit: Alias Rex)

Scala a Chiocciola Vatican Museums Vaticano Roma Rome Lazio Italia Italy Castielli CC0 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ceiling of one corridor in Vatican Museums, Vatican City, Rome Česky: Strop jedné z chodeb ve Vatikánských muzeích, Vatikán, Řím (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail of The School of Athens by Raffaello Sanzio, 1509, showing Plato (left) and Aristotle (right) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Raphael even included Michelangelo in his famous “School of Athens” frescoes in the Vatican Museums. The central figures in the masterpiece are Plato and Aristotle.

Raphael- School of Athens, detail showing R’s portrait of Michelangelo as Heraclitus. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are ornate ceilings everywhere. I love the magnificent helix staircase and the Gallery of the Maps. The topographical maps represent regions of Italy. They were painted on the walls by friar and geographer Ignazio Danti from Perugia. The maps were commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII (1572–1585). It took Danti three years (1580–1583) to complete the 40 fresco panels of the Map Room.