Tag Archives: Vatican Museum

April 18, 2013 · 11:28 am

Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums

English: Giotto._The_Stefaneschi_Triptych_(detail)_Pinacoteca,_Vatican (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fra Filippo Lippi – Coronation of the Virgin – WGA13215 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

There are amazing works of art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana; the Art Gallery of the Vatican Museums.

The Vatican Museums are among the greatest museums in the world. Pope Julius II founded the museums in the early 16th century that include the Sistine Chapel and the Stanze della Segnatura decorated by Raphael.

The Pinacoteca Vaticana is the art gallery that was housed in the Borgia Apartment, until Pope Pius XI ordered construction of a new building. Some of my favorites are: Filippo Lippi‘s Marsuppini Coronation, Giotto‘s Stefaneschi Triptych, Raphael’s Madonna of Foligno, Oddi Altarpiece and Transfiguration, Leonardo da Vinci‘s St. Jerome in the Wilderness and Caravaggio‘s Entombment.

Filippo Lippi, Coronation of the Virgin, 1441-45, Wood, 167 x 69, 172 x 93, 167 x 82 cm, Pinacoteca, Vatican. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Marsuppini Coronation is a painting of the Coronation of the Virgin by the Italian Renaissance painter Filippo Lippi from 1444. The panel is divided into three sections. The scene depicts the coronation of Mary as she is kneels at the feet of Christ.

Giotto, “The Stefaneschi Altarpiece” In 1320, Giotto finished the Stefaneschi Triptych for Cardinal Giacomo Gaetano Stefaneschi.

The Stefaneschi Triptych, detail from middle panel of the front face, created by Giotto di Bondone in 1320 for Cardinal Jacopo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Stefaneschi Triptych, rear face, created by Giotto di Bondone in 1320 for Cardinal Jacopo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Painting of Giotto di Bondone Stefaneschi triptych in Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican Museums in Vatican City, Rome Česky: Dílo malíře Giotto di Bondone Stefaneschi triptych z Vatikánských muzeí, Vatikán, Řím (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Leonardo da Vinci’s, “Saint Jerome in the Wilderness” shows Saint Jerome during his retreat to the Syrian desert where he lived the life of a hermit. In Jerome’s right hand he “holds a rock with which he is traditionally shown beating his chest in penance.” At his feet is jis friend the lion. The lion is his loyal companion because he extracted a thorn from its paw. “The lion, the stone and a cardinal’s hat are the traditional attributes of Saint Jerome.”.

St Jerome (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The crowning of the Virgin (also known as the Oddi Altar-piece). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Crowning of the Virgin ( ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino ( 1483 – 1520) was called Raphael. He was an Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance. Together with Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, he forms the trinity of great masters of that period.

Painting by Raffaello Sanzio – Verklärung Christi wood, 405 x 278 cm Rom, Pinacoteca Vaticana (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Raphael’s Oddi Altarpiece, “Crowning of the Virgin”, Transfiguration and “The Foligno Madonna” are some of my favorites in the Pinocoteca Vaticana.

The Crowning of the Virgin ( ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Madonna di Foligno – Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Caravaggio 054 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Entombment of Christ (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio – The Entombment (detail) – WGA04149 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Caravaggio’s Entombment is called “The Deposition. ” It shows Christ’s hand brushing against the 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 it was returned from France.

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

How to Decipher the Eternal City of Rome (vinoconvistablog.me)

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Filed under Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums, Italy Travel Guides

Tagged as Art at the Pinacoteca Vaticana in the Vatican Museums, Caravaggio, Filippo Lippi, High Renaissance, Italian Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, List of Italian painters, Marsuppini Coronation, Raphael, Sistine Chapel, Stefaneschi Triptych, Vatican Museum

· 10:41 am

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

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

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

Vatican Museums (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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

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

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

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

Athlete Washing at the Vatican Musuem

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

Classic vatican giant head

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

Roman Mosaic floor of Neptune at the Vatican Museums

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

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

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

Vatican Museum Treasures

The Goddess of Fertility

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

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

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

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

Laocoon in Vatican Museums

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

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

Raphael’s Baptism of Constantine

Raphael’s ceiling

Raphael’s Deliverance of St. Peter

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

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

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

Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo

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

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

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

Vatican Last Judgement Information Board

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

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

Michelangelo’s Ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

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

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

Ancient busts at the Vatican Museum

The Bust Room in the Vatican Museum

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

A Map of Sardinia at the Vatican Museums

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

St. Helen’s Sarcophagus

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

Leonardo da Vinci’s Saint Jerome

Fra Filippo Lippi’s Coronation of the Virgin

1. Giotto, “The Stefaneschi Altarpiece”

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

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

4. Bellini, “Pieta” (1471)

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

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

Caravaggio’s Entombment

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

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

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

Vatican Museums Helix Staircase by Giuseppe Momo in 1932

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

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

April 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)

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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)

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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.

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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 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.

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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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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 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

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.

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

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The Beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome Italy

Façade with obelisk, Santa Maria sopra Minerva...

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Piazza della Minerva with Bernini’s Elephant

The Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva was built above the ruins of a temple to honor the goddess Minerva that was built by Gnaeus Pompey the Great around 50 B.C. to honor his Asian victories. The basilica is located in Piazza della Minerva. On the right side of the facade of the basilica look for inscriptions that mark the flooding of the Tiber River between 1422 and 1870 because this is the lowest point in Rome and was subject to frequent flooding. Some of the Tiber flood waters rose to as high as 65 feet.

Interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, the only Gothic church in Rome. The church houses the tomb of St. Catherine of Siena. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Dominicans began construction on the gothic church in 1280 and used Santa Maria Novella in Florence as their model. Above the main doorway’s triangular pediment is the coat of arms of the Dominican Pope St. Pius V (1566-1572)

To the right of the neo-medieval church facade, admire the Palazzo Fonseca which is now the luxurious Grand Hotel Minerva. Stop in for a lovely Vino con Vista.

Lobby of the Grand Hotel Minerva

Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome ItalyInterior of the Grand Hotel Minerva in Rome Italy

Gian Lorenzo Bernini‘s famous smiling elephant called “Pulcino della Minerva” supports one of Rome’s smallest Egyptian obelisks that was escavated in the Domenican cloister and brought to Rome by Diocletian during his reign from 284-305. The Latin inscription at the base of the monument that was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII says “A strong mind is needed to support solid knowledge.”

see filename (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Detail of the vault (one of the 4 sibyls : Sibyl of Delphi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bernini also has some interesting works inside the basilica including the funeral monument of Maria Raggi constructed in 1643. Before San Giovani dei Fiorentini was built, Minerva was the church of the Florentine nation and houses tombs of nobles and citizens from Florence including Pope Urban VII. Fra Angelico and Pope Paul IV. The tombs of two Medici popes Leo X and Clement VII are located in the choir area behind the altar.

Altar in Santa Maria sopra Minerva in Rome, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bernini’s monument to Maria Raggi

Bernini

One of the fascinating aspects of sightseeing in Rome is visiting the churches to view an amazing spectrum of art.

There are over 900 churches in Rome Italy and they are the frequented by religious pilgrims and locals. These amazing churches are repositories of the relics of martyrs that are venerated within as well as priceless artistic treasures. The Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is located in Piazza della Minerva near the Pantheon.

Rear view of the Pantheon from Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome Italy

Look for the trusty map inside the church to help you identify the key artwork in the basilica. In front of the altar you will find a staue of St. John the Baptist by Giuseppe Obici (1858) on the right and Michelangelo’s ”Risen Christ the Redeemer” on the Left.

The churches of Rome (hotair.com)

Michelangelo’s statue of “Christ the Risen Redeemer” was started in 1519 and shipped unfinished from Florence in 1521. The bronze draping was added later.

Saint Catherine of Siena is also buried in the Basilica beneath the main altar; although her head is in the church of San Domenico in Siena. The monument was created by Isaia da Pisa in 1430. In 1939, Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi were proclaimed principal patrons of Italy and she was also proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1970.

The Chapel of Saint Dominic has a painting byPaolo de Matteis and Benedict XIII’s tomb is protected by a lovely statue of “Purity” by Pieto Brracci on the right side of the ornate tomb.

Visit the Carafa Chapel of Saint Thomas Aquinas with beautiful frescoes by Filippino Lippi. I love the scene that depicts St. Thomas presenting Cardinal Carafa to the Blessed Virgin. The relics of St. Thomas were kept in this chapel until 1511, when they were moved to Naples.

In the Chapel dedicated to the Annunciation you can admire the “Annunciation” painting by Antoniazzo Romano. The Virgin is shown giving dowries to young girls who are kneeling with Cardinal Juan de Torquemada. The cardinal is buried nearby.

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

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Tagged as Annunciation, Architecture, Art, Arts, Bernini, Bernini's elephant in Piazza della Minerva, Christ, Christian, Churches in Rome, Churches of Rome, Egyptian Obelisks in Rome, Florence, Fra Angelico, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Gnaeus Pompey the Great, Gothic architecture, Italy, Lazio, Michelangelo, Pantheon Rome, Piazza della Minerva, Pompey, Pope Alexander VII, Pope Paul IV, Pope Pius V, Pope Urban VII, Rome, Saint Peter, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Santa Maria sopra Minerva Basilica in Rome Italy, St. Peter's Basilica, Tiber River, Travel Blogs, Vatican CIty, Vatican Museum, Vatican Museums

July 14, 2011 · 8:25 am

Santa Maria Maggiore’s Re-enactment of Rome’s Blizzard

This is a rare photo of the Salus Populi Roman...

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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. One of the facades has twin domes. The rear facade faces the lovely Marian Column and has a massive bell-tower.

Santa Maria Maggiore bell tower

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. 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.

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. In front of the confessio that houses part of Christ’s manger is a kneeling statue of Pope Pius IX. The tombs of Popes Pius V, Sixtus V, Paul V, Cardinal Rodriquez (1299) and Clement VIII are in this basilica. The 1740 Baldacchino was built by Ferdinando Fuga.

The church has had many names over the years: Santa Maria della Neve (English: St. Mary of the Snow), then Santa Maria Liberiana after Pope Liberius. After the basilica obtained a relic of the Holy Crib it was called Santa Maria Del Presepe (St. Mary of the Crib). It was finally named Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) because it is the largest of the 26 churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church has a wide central nave separated by 40 columns; 36 are made from bianco greco marble and four are granite columns. There are mosaics on each side of the nave from 430-431 during the papacy of Sixtus III. Above the mosaics and between the windows, there are a series of frescoes from 1593 representing scenes from the life of the Virgin. The gilded gold coffered ceiling was begun by Giuliano da Sangallo in the middle of the 14oos.

Santa Maria Maggiore ceiling

The Marian column that graces the front of the basilica is crowned with a bronze statue of the Virgin known as the Salus Populi Romani (The Salvation of the Roman People). It is from Constantine’s Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine and was erected in 1614 according to the design by Carlo Maderno. It has a fountain at the base with eagles and dragons. The column was erected as a token of gratitude for the miraculous remission of the plague during the Baroque era.

As a papal basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore is often used by the pope when he presides over the annual Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15th each year.

Pope Paul V put Carlo Maderno in charge of relocating a column in front of the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; the surviving 46 foot high column of Basilica di Massenzio. At the time this building was known as Tempio della Pace and in the long inscription the pope explained that the column was dedicated to the Virgin Mary because ” ex cuius visceribus princeps verae pacis genitus est donum dedit” (the Prince who gives true peace came from her womb). For this reason the column is also known as Colonna della Pace. The column and the small fountain in front of it are decorated with the eagles and dragons of the pope.

Marian Column in front of Santa Maria Maggiori

Santa Maria Maggiori in Rome Italy

In papal Rome, the basilica became one of the fulcrums of the urban plan of Sixtus V. The other three papal or major basilicas in Rome are St. John Lateran, St. Peter and St. Paul outside the Walls.

The construction of Santa Maria Maggiore started in 420 under Pope Celestine I but the majority of the basilica was built under Pope Sixtus III (432-440) after the Council of Ephesus. The inscription on the triumphal arch reads: “Sixtus Episcopus plebi Dei” (Sixtus the bishop to the people of God). Pope Sixtus III built the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore on the summit of Esquiline Hill.

The travertine facade is flanked by twin buildings with five entrance doors into the Basilica. The one on the left is the Holy Door.

Santa Maria Maggiore Porta Santa

The Holy Door (Porta Santa) is opened only when a Holy Year is announced. The doors to the left of the Holy Door lead to the loggia with the mosaic decorations of the old facade.

Here’s a virtual tour of the Loggia
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Loggia/index.html

Arrangements must be made in advance to view the georgeous mosaics by Filippo Rusuti that were created toward the end of the 13th century.

The contemporary bronze doors were a gift from Pope Pius XII and the panels illustrate scenes from the life of the Virgin. They were made by Pogliaghi.

: Santa Maria Maggiore doors

Santa Maria Maggiore contemporary doors (1949)

In the Borghese Chapel, the basilica currently houses the oldest Marian image in Rome called the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People ). For centuries, the people of Rome have prayed to this icon in times of famine, war and national crisis.

It was painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist using the wooden table of the Holy Family in Nazareth. It is currently enshrined in the Santa Borghese Chapel of the basilica surrounded by five gilded bronze angels designed by Camillo Mariani. Here’s a virtual tour of the Borghese Chapel with the treasured icon http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Borghese_Chapel/index.html .

The icon was placed in the chapel in 1613. The crowns were added to the icon by Pius XII in 1953. Radiocarbon dating establishes the age of the icon to be approximately 2,000 years old.

After the Crucifixion, Christ’s mother ”Our Lady” moved to the home of St. John. She took a few of her personal belongings with her including a table built by the Redeemer in the workshop of St. Joseph. When the residents of Jerusalem asked St. Luke to paint a portrait of the Mother of God, he did it on top of this table. St. Luke listened carefully as the Mother of Jesus spoke of the life of her son, facts which the Evangelist later recorded in his Gospel. Legend also tells us that the painting remained in and around Jerusalem until it was discovered by St. Helena in the fourth century. Together with other sacred relics, the painting was transported to Constantinople where her son, Emperor Constantine the Great, erected a church for its enthronement.

Santa Maria Maggiore Borghese Chapel

The relief above the altar in the Borghese Chapel depicts Pope Liberius marking off the dimensions of his basilica in the newly-fallen snow. The relief was made by Stefano Maderno in 1612.

The basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has the tallest bell tower in Rome at 240 feet. The two twin cupolas are a characteristic element of the Rome’s domed landscape.

The basilica is loaded with coveted mosaics; there are 36 panels in the nave and the mosaics of the triumphal arch date back to the 5th century. The “Coronation of the Virgin” mosaics in the apse were finished in 1295 and are signed by the Franciscan friar Jacopo Torriti. The coveted mosaics depict scenes of the Virgin and Christ, as well as scenes from the Old Testament and Egyptians Drowning in the Red Sea.

The lovely rear facade of the basilica was designed by Carl Rainaldi (1673) and it reflects Baroque architecture. Santa Maria Maggiore is the only Roman basilica that retained the core of its original structure despite several additional construction projects and damage from the earthquake of 1348.

Santa Maria Maggiore stained glass window

Pope Pius IX

When the Avignon papacy formally ended and the Papacy returned to Rome, the Basilica became a temporary Palace of the Popes due to the deterioration of the Lateran Palace. The papal residence was later moved to the Palace of the Vatican in what is now Vatican City.

The basilica houses the tombs of many popes. The Capella Sistina was built for Pope Sixtus V and houses his tomb. The altar in the Chapel’s center has a beautiful ciborium from 1590 composed of four bronze angels holding a tempietto. Pope Paul V is buried in the Borghese Chapel with the “Salus Populi Romani” icon of the Virgin.

In front of the main altar there is a beautiful statue of Pope Pius IX by Ignazio Iacometi. The pope is kneeling in contemplative prayer while gazing at the relic of Christ’s manger from Bethlehem.

Sacra Culla:The relics of Christ's manger from Bethlehem

Pius IX in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome Italy

Clement IX

The relic of Christ’s manger is located in front of the main altar in the confession in a gold and silver reliquary designed by Valadier in 1802. The relic came to Rome when Saint Jerome’s body was brought to the church from Bethlehem. The relic is in front of Pius IX kneeling in Prayer.

The canopied main papal altar resembles Bernini’s Baldachinno in Saint Peter’s Basilica. It was designed by Fuga who used four porphyry columns. The columns are encircled with bronze palm branches moving in an upward direction that were added by Giuseppe Valadier in 1823. The Corinthian capitals with Pope Benedict XIV’s coat of arms on the base of the columns.

Here’s a virtual tour of the altar showing the Baldachinno and the passageway to the relic of the crib
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Nave1/index.html

The monument of Clement IX is by C. Painaldi. The baroque statue of the pontiff was done by Domenico Guidi with “Charity” on the left by Ercole Ferrata and “Faith” on the right by Cosimo Fancelli. The pope is actually buried in front of the confessional.

Charity

Pope Clement's Monument Papal Altar of Santa Maria Maggiore

I love the Baptismal Chapel with the beautiful font. Here’s a virtual tour of the Baptistery
http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/vr_tour/Media/VR/St_Mary_Baptistery/index.html

Bernini’s Saint Cajetan holding the Holy Child resides in this church. Near the papal altar there is an inscription on the marble step that reads: “Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who brought honor and art to the city, here humbly lies.” Bernini’s father Pietro is also buried here.

Bernini's Grave

The gilded gold of the coffered ceiling of the Basilica was presented by the soverieigns of Spain, Ferdinand and Isabella from the gold mines of Latin America. There’s an interesting musuem under the church. It’s loaded with sacred artifacts and objects. I love the presepio.

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

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June 5, 2010 · 10:10 pm

Bernini’s Baroque Monument in St. Peter’s Basilica: Pope Alexander VII

: Image via Wikipedia

The Vatican has the oldest and widest collection of priceless art in the world. The Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are brimming with masterpieces.

One of my favorite Bernini treasures is at St. Peter’s Basilica. Bernini’s breathtaking monument of Pope Alexander VII was completed in 1678 when Bernini was 80 years old. Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to enclose St. Peter’s Square with the famous colonnade.

This sculpture memorializes the Pope‘s life and like all funeral monuments it depicts important virtues that the Pope practiced during his life. In the sculpture, the Pope is surrounded by opulent marble allegorical figures that represent: Truth, Justice, Charity and Prudence. Just like a pope, it’s a good idea to practice these “Virtues” on a daily basis.

“Charity” has a child in her arms. Notice that the figure of “Truth” has her foot on a globe. There is a thorn projecting from England on Bernini’s globe. This is because King Henry VIII, (King of England) decided to abandon the Catholic Church when they would not grant him a divorce which ultimatelly spawned the Anglican Church. The pope attempted to quell the growth of Anglicanism in England but he was not successful. The Pope’s struggle is immortalized by Bernini’s globe.

Bernini’s guilded bronze skeleton of “Death” is holding an hour-glass in front of “Truth.” We are reminded that our days are numbered. Watch this YouTube video of Bernini’s work

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