Tag Archives: St. Peter’s Basilica

April 19, 2013 · 9:57 am

Drool over Bernini’s Angels in Sant’Andrea delle Fratte in Rome

Facade of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Sant’Andrea delle Fratte is located on via Sant’Andrea delle Fratte. The church is dedicated to St. Andrew. The name St. Andrew of the Thickets is derived from the fact that this church was built in the northernmost part of Rome in the 12th century in an area of wild “thickets” or countryside.

S andrea delle fratte 3 – dal chiostro (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It was originally the national church of the Scottish people in Rome. In 1585, Pope Sixtus V donated it to the Friars Minor of Saint Francis of Paola. I love the Chapel of the Madonna.

Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, Angelo del Bernini (Roma) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Borromini partially rebuilt the church in the 17th century. Francesco Borromini is responsible for the apse, the tambour of the cupola and the square campanile with four orders. After his death, the project was completed by Mattia De Rossi.

Italiano: Roma – Campanile della Chiesa di S. Andrea delle Fratte (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Borromini’s bell-tower are beautiful. The dome has his characteristic style with an intricate pattern of convex and concave surfaces.

When you enter the church, admire the Chapel of the Miraculous Madonna. Then you can drool over the Bernini Angels. These angels were originally carved for the Ponte Sant’Angelo but were “declared too breathtaking to be left outside.” My favorite is the “Angel with the Crown of Thorns.”

BerniniAngel01 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Angel of Bernini (Photo credit: kudumomo)

Angel – Bernini – Sant’Andrea delle Fratte (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The angels were moved to the church in 1729. There are angel caryatids (supporting columns) in the bell-tower. They have with flaming torches that resemble ice cream cones.

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

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Tagged as Bernini's Angels in Sant'Andrea delle Fratte in Rome, Churches of Rome, Ennio Antonelli, Francesco Borromini, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Ludovico Gimignani, Mattia De Rossi, Rome, St. Peter's Basilica

April 18, 2013 · 11:42 am

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

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

Image via Wikipedia

popolo archway

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

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

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

Popolo piazza

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

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

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

Pincio Hill in Piazza Popolo

Neptune Fountain

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

Popolo obelisk

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

Popolo lion fountain

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

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

Piazza Popolo Fountain of Neptune

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

Roma – Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria Montesanto

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

Santa Maria dei Miracoli

Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Piazza Popolo

Miracoli altar in Piazza Popolo

Piazza del Popolo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo

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

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

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

Caravaggio’s Crucifixion of Saint Peter

Caravaggio’s The Conversion on the Way to Damascus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Santa Maria del Popolo main altar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Piazza Popolo’s Rosati Cafe

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

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

· 10:41 am

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

Image via Wikipedia

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

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

Vatican Museums (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

Athlete Washing at the Vatican Musuem

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

Classic vatican giant head

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

Roman Mosaic floor of Neptune at the Vatican Museums

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

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

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

Vatican Museum Treasures

The Goddess of Fertility

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

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

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

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

Laocoon in Vatican Museums

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

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

Raphael’s Baptism of Constantine

Raphael’s ceiling

Raphael’s Deliverance of St. Peter

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

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

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

Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo

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

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

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

Vatican Last Judgement Information Board

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

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

Michelangelo’s Ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

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

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

Ancient busts at the Vatican Museum

The Bust Room in the Vatican Museum

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

A Map of Sardinia at the Vatican Museums

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

St. Helen’s Sarcophagus

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

Leonardo da Vinci’s Saint Jerome

Fra Filippo Lippi’s Coronation of the Virgin

1. Giotto, “The Stefaneschi Altarpiece”

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

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

4. Bellini, “Pieta” (1471)

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

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

Caravaggio’s Entombment

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

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

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

Vatican Museums Helix Staircase by Giuseppe Momo in 1932

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

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

April 17, 2013 · 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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Filed under Ancient Rome, Baroque Art, ebooks, IPad, Italian art, Italy, Italy Travel Guides, Peter the Apostle, Renaissance Art, Rome, Rome History, Rome Italy, St. Peter's Basilica, UNESCO, vino con vista, World Heritage Sites

Tagged as Ancient Rome, Arnolfo di Cambio, Basilica, Basilica St. Peter, Bramante, Carlo Fontana, Carlo Maderno, Catholic Church, Egyptian Obelisks in Rome, Emperor Constantine, Holy Door, italy travel, Italy Travel Guides, Jubilee Celebration, Martyr, Peter the Apostle, Pope, Pope Julius II, Porta Santa, Rome, rome history, Rome Travel, Rome Travel Guide, Saint Peter, Saint Peter's Square, Scave Tour, St. Peter's Basilica, Travel and Tourism, Vatican CIty, vino con vista, What is the Vatican, Where is St. Peter's Basilica, Who is St. Peter, Why does saint Peter have a key, World Heritage Site

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

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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.

Image via Wikipedia

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)

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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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Filed under Best Attractions in Rome, Italy Travel Guides, Top attractions in Rome Italy, Weekend in Rome

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 13, 2013 · 11:49 am

Santa Maria in Traspontina sits on the site of an Ancient Pyramid in Rome

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I love this delightful church! Santa Maria in Traspontina is located on via della Conciliazione near Saint Peter’s Basilica.

This Carmelite church sits on the site of an ancient Roman pyramid. The travertine exterior was recycled from the Colosseum. Over the entrance, there is an 18th century Madonna.

Galego: Castel Sant´Angelo – Roma (Mausoleo de Adriano) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Pope Alexander VI demolished an ancient Roman pyramid on the same site (the Meta Romuli). The original church was built by Hadrian.

In the Middle Ages, this site was believed to have been the Tomb of Romulus. This event is portrayed on the bronze entrance doors to St Peter’s Basilica and also in a Giotto triptych in the Vatican Museums.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

This church was built in 1566 as a replacement for an earlier church that was completely destroyed by cannon fire at Castel Sant’Angelo during the Sack of Rome (1527). The earlier church was demolished during the pontificate of Pius IV (1559-1565) to clear the line of fire for the cannons of the Castel Sant’ Angelo.

Sack of Rome of 1527 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Bridge of Angels near Castel Sant’ Angelo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is the only church in Rome whose cupola is without a drum. The reason for this was to not obstruct the gunners of Castel Saint Angelo during a crisis so the artillery could exercise shooting on the Gianicolo Hill.

Image via Wikipedia

On the third chapel on the left, observe the two columns that are considered to be the columns that St. Peter and St. Paul were bound to before their their martyrdom in the circus of Nero. The third chapel has a “Flagellazion of Saints Peter and Paul” by Ricci.

English: Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The main altar by Carlo Fontana, has 8 slender red marble columns and a baldachin over the venerated Carmelite image of the Virgin.

Image by jovike via Flickr

Santa Maria in Traspontina (or Transpontina) is a Carmelite church in Rome, Italy. The main altar (1674) was designed by Carlo Fontana. The statues around the altar are by Alessandro Rondoni, Giacomo Antonio Lavaggi, Vincenzo Felici, and Michel Maille.

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

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Filed under Churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Transpontina in Rome

Tagged as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Basilica of St. John Lateran, Caravaggio, Castel Sant'Angelo, Francesco Peparelli, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Giovanni Sallustio Peruzzi, Italy, Peter, Roman, Rome, Sack of Rome, Santa Maria in Traspontina, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museum

April 10, 2013 · 10:39 am

Who built Rome’s Historic Pantheon?

: Image via Wikipedia

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

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

complete cupola of Pantheon Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

Image via Wikipedia

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

Circular exterior view of the side of the Pantheon

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

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

Pantheon Restoration

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

Image via Wikipedia

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

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

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

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

English: Pantheon, Rome, Raphael's tomb.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buon Viaggio–

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

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

April 9, 2013 · 11:26 am

The Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella in Rome is also called the Chiesa Nuova

The church of Santa Maria in Vallicella is connected to the life of Florentine St. Philip Neri who is one of Rome’s patron saints.

Madonna della Vallicella Peter Paul Rubens Oil on slate, 425 x 250 cm Rome, Santa Maria in Vallicella (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chiesa Nuova after restoration (2006). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Santa Maria in Vallicella in Rome Italy

St. Philip is buried in the chapel to the left of the choir in a mother-of-pearl tomb under a copula supported by Sicilian alabaster. The church is filled with beautiful sacred art donated by patrons primary from the art period between 1620-1690.

St. Philip Neri can be considered the father o...

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St. Philip Neri’s image, on the saint’s corpse, at his tomb in Santa Maria in Valicella (Rome) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The altar has a mosaic copy of Guido Reni‘s painting of “St.Philip Neri in Ecstasy”. The altar was designed by Onorio Longhi in 1600.

Guido Reni – St Filippo Neri in Ecstasy – WGA19295 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Facade of Chiesa Nuova in Rome Italy

The facade was designed by Faustolo Rughesi and completed in 1605. The inscription over the main door bears the dedication: “To the Virgin Mother of God and St. Gregory the Great“.

There are two statues in niches above the main door: Saint Gregory the Great on the left and Saint Jerome on the right. The inscription on the architrave names the facade’s donor: “Angelo Cesi, Bishop of Todi, erected this in the year of our Lord 1605.

Ancient Roman saints Domitilla with Nereus and Achilleus, by Peter Paul Rubens, at Santa Maria in Vallicella (Rome) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The brick palazzo on the left of the church is called Casa dei Filippini and was built in 1650 using a design by Francesco Borromini as a residence for the Oratorians an order founded by St. Philip Neri in 1561.

Santa Maria in Vallicella (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

St. Philip Romolo Neri (Filippo Neri; known as Apostle of Rome), (July 21, 1515 – May 27, 1595), was an Italian churchman, noted for founding a society of secular priests called the “Congregation of the Oratory”. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Virgin and Child Adored by Angels, 1608, oil on slate and copper. This is the central panel depicting The Virgin and Child Adored by Angels above the High Altar, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This church has a beautiful painting by Peter Paul Rubens of “Saint Domitilla with St. Nereus and St. Achilleus.”

There is a magnificent painting over the main altar “Virgin and Child” by Peter Paul Rubens (1607). The removable oval painting of the Virgin covers an earlier fresco.The columns that flank the painting are giallo antico.

Rubens also painted St. Gregory the Great with Saint Maurus and Papius located in the presbytery. The relics of these Roman martyrs were brought to this church in about 1590 and placed beneath the main altar.

Nederlands: Interieur van de Chiesa Nuova te Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Another interesting aspect of the art in this church is the copy of the Caravaggio. One of my favorite Carravaggio paintings is ”Deposition from the Cross“ or The Entombment of Christ (1604). Unfortunately, this church has a 19th century copy of the original painting that was taken to Paris in 1797 and then the original was transferred to the Vatican Pinacoteca.

Italiano: La Deposizione di Cristo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Allesandro Vittrice was the nephew of a friend of Saint Phillip. Vittrice is also known to have been the owner of Caravaggio’s The Fortune Teller.

The Fortune Teller (1594) by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio Oil on canvas, 115 x 150 cm, Musei Capitolini, Rome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Alessandro Vittrice commissioned Caravaggio in 1601 to paint The Entombment of Christ as an altarpiece for the church of Santa Maria in Vallicella.

Caravaggio’s “Deposition from the Cross” in Rome Italy

Chiesa Nuova in Rome Italy

Copy of Caravaggio’s “Deposition” in Rome Italy

In the Cappella Dell’Ascensione there is a beautiful painting of the “Ascension” by Gerlamo Muziano (1532-1592) flanked by columns of giallo antico.

The Ascension by Ferlamo Muziano in Rome Italy

In the Cappella della Presentazione in the left transept, admire the Presentation of Mary in the Temple by Federico Barocci ((1528-1612).

Presentation of Mary by Federico Barocci at Chiesa Nuova in Rome

In the Cappella dello Spirito Santo, admire Giovanni Maria Morandi‘s (1622-1717) ”Discesa dello Spirito Santo.”

Discesa dello Spirito Santo by G. Maria Morandi

I love the Assumption altarpiece ”Assunzione” by G. Domenico Cerrini (1609-1681).

Assumption by G. Domenico Cerrini in Rome Italy

Saint Philip’s body was sent to this church seven years after his death.

Rom, Santa Maria in Vallicella (Chiesa Nuova), linke Orgel (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Italiano: Roma, madonna all’arco della Chiesa Nuova (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The church was called “Vallicella” because it was originally built in the “little valley” of Rome by Pope Gregory I and is located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Santa Maria in Vallicella (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fontana della chiesa nuova (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Statue of Metastasio in Rome, Piazza della Chiesa Nuova (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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Tagged as Alessandro Vittrice, Caravaggio, Caravaggio paintings in Rome Italy, Caravaggio's Deposition from the Cross was removed from the church and relocated to The Vatican Museum, Chiesa Nuova, Chiesa Nuova in Rome Italy, Entombment of Christ, Federico Barocci, Francesco Borromini, Giovanni Maria Morandi in Rome, Guido Reni, Guido Reni paintings in Rome Italy, Italy, Onorio Longhi, Peter Paul Rubens, Peter Paul Rubens paintings in Rome Italy, Philip Neri, Rome, Saint Gregory the Great in Rome Italy, Saint Philip Neri in Rome, Santa Maria in Vallicella, Santa Maria in Vallicella is also called Chiesa Nuova, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum

November 28, 2012 · 11:09 am

Silent Night Holy Night: A Vatican Christmas

: Image via Wikipedia

Rome became the fulcrum of Western spiritual life in the 4th century. The grandeur of church rituals is reminiscent of the glory days of Julius Caesar. Roman senators became bishops, scholars became monks and philosophers became theologians. The pope or high priest adopted the title held by the emperor, “Pontifex Maximus”. Look for this word in the Latin inscriptions throughout Rome.

An image from the necropolis under the Vatican in which Jesus = Mithras (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The re-birth of Rome can be traced to April 18, 1506 when Pope Julius II (Giuliano Della Rovere) laid the cornerstone for the new Basilica of Saint Peter to be built over the old Basilica of St. Peter. Bramante was commissioned by Pope Julius II to renovate St. Peter’s Basilica, originally built by Constantine between 324-329.

In the Clementine Chapel in the Vatican Grottos under the Basilica, you can see the precious chest protecting the sepulcher of St. Peter. Behind the altar, protected by a gilded bronze grid, lie the remains of the “Memoria Petri”. This monument was built by C0nstantine to protect the mortal remains of Peter. This is the epi-center of the Apostolic Roots of the Catholic Church. The grottos contain the tombs of many popes.

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

This is the holy site where the Apostle Peter, the “Prince of the Apostles” was crucified upside down, martyred and buried. A “Scavi Tour” of the Vatican Necropolis is available with advanced reservations (at least 90 days before your departure). All requests must be made in writing to the excavations office: scavi@fsp.va. The crypt is located under the Papal Altar. For over 1900 years, pilgrims from all over the world have come to this location to venerate the remains of Saint Peter. The Scavi Tour ends at the Clementine Chapel in the grottos near the tomb of Pope John Paul II.

English: Christ Handing the Keys to St. Peter by Pietro Perugino (1481-82) Fresco, 335 x 550 cm Cappella Sistina, Vatican. Ελληνικά: Λεπτομέρεια από την νωπογραφία του Πιέτρο Περουτζίνο, Ο Χριστός Παραδίδει τα Κλειδιά στον Πέτρο, 335 x 600 cm, Καπέλα Σιξτίνα, Πόλη του Βατικανού. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums are located a short distance from the Basilica. Magnificent works of art are housed in the Vatican City that became sovereign in 1929. It is the world’s smallest country. It occupies 109 acres and it is ruled by the pope.

My favorite time to visit the Vatican is during Christmas. The square in front of the Basilica is lavishly decorated for Christmas with a giant tree and a presepe. The square is equpped with large video screens so that during the holiday festivities, everyone gets a bird’s eye view of the holy events. Every year a different part of Italy or a different European country donates a spuce tree to the Vatican. The tree is decorated with 3000 ornaments and 1500 lights. Watch the tree lighting: http://www.romereports.com/palio/Vatican-lights-up-Christmas-tree-english-3257.html

ROME - DECEMBER 23: A Christmas tree stands i...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

The glorious tree is a symbol of life and hope. It signifies the birth of Christ. Listen to Mahalia Jackson sing “Silent Night” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dsnkuuehmU&feature=fvw. The magnificent tree creates quite a spectacle in St. Peter’s Square. The generous donation of the tree is considered a great honor. This year the majestic 110 foot, 94 year old tree was donated by Luson in Trentino-Alto Adige. In addition, the Vatican erects a huge “Il Presepio” nativity scene in the square. It is generally unveiled on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Eve, the Pope celebrates midnight mass at the Basilica. At noon on Christmas day, the Pope delivers his Christmas message and gives his blessing from the window of his apartment overlooking the square to the crowds gathered at the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous Catholic Church in the World with a staircase of over 500 steps that leads to the summit of the dome. The Treasury of Saint Peter’s houses a collection of precious relics.

On New Year’s Day there is a parade in the Vatican City. For the Epiphany, hundreds of people in medieval costumes walk along the wide avenue leading up to the Vatican called the “Street of Reconciliation” bearing symbolic gifts for the pope. The Pope says morning mass to commemorate the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts for the Christ child.

As the hub of the papacy, Rome had tremendous power and wealth. Artists and architects flocked to Rome to work for the popes. In a lunette over the central opening into the portico of the Basilica is Giotto’s mosaic “Navicella della Chiesa” from 1298. This restored mosaic shows Jesus walking on the waters of the Sea of Tiberias with his right hand extended toward Peter. He is inviting Peter to come with him. Peter is overcome by fear and is beginning to sink. Jesus saves him and says” “How little faith you have! Why did you falter?” This symbolic representation is inspired by the words of Christ, comparing the church to a ship that is constantly battered by storms. Saint Peter’s ship will never sink because it can always rely on the help of its founder.

In the middle of the 17th century, the papacy commissioned Gian Lorenzo Berninito work his distinctive artistic magic on Rome. The world’s greatest Baroque scultptor lavished his creative genius on the ancient city. In 1665, Bernini completed the splendid “Throne of Saint Peter in Glory” at the far end of the nave beneath the glistennig “Dove” stained-glass window in the space behind the altar. The throne depicts the power of the pontiff and is surrounded by the statues of the founding fathers of the church.

Image via Wikipedia

Bernini’s flamboyant baroque genius is apparent in other Vatican monuments. Admire his opulent bronze Baldacchino and tabernacle at the papal altar. The bronze for Bernini’s canopy was taken from the Pantheon. His incredible monument to Pope Alexander VIIis one of my favorite sculptures and memorializes the life of the pope with elaborate marble allegorical figures. Bernini also designed the Piazza outside the church. The colonnade surrounding the square was designed by Bernini between 1656 and 1666. The configuration represents two outstretched arms welcoming faithful pilgrims to the Basilica. There are 140 statues of saints watching over the Basilica above the colonade.

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

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

Michelangelo Buonarotti designed the dome in 1546. It is almost as wide as Hadrian’s dome on the Pantheon. Michelangelo’s magnificent “Pieta” is housed in St. Peter’s Basilica. It was sculpted halfway through the last millennium when he was 25 years old. It has been protected by glass since it suffered glass a devastating attack of vandalism in 1972. A madman struck the face with a hammer and also knocked off the Madonna’s left arm.

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)

In 1473, 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 houses Michelangelo’s brilliant masterpieces. His monumental frescoes are a magnificent sight to behold and are considered the greatest masterpiece in the history of art. The barrel vaulted ceiling has a scene that represents Adam and Eve’s Original Sin and Expulsion from the Garden of Eden. The “Last Judgment” is located on the wall behind the main altar and was completed in 1541. Christ, the supreme judge, welcomes the blessed and banishes the damned. St. Peter holds the key that Christ gave him when he appointed him the head of the Church.