Today started off with a visit to the Church of #St Paul. This Church and Monastery are located on the spot where St Paul was martyred. It is officially known as the Church of St Paul, Three fountains. Tradition says that when he was decapitated his head bounced three times, each place a spring of watered flowed forth. Today the fountains are still running and are located inside the church. I have to say, I have been lucky enough to visit many "holy" sights. This place is one of the most tranquil places I have ever been. In the heart of the bustling city, but quiet and peaceful.
Our next stop was in honor of St Helen, HR is named for her. The Bassilica of the Holy Cross, Jerusalem. This church was at one time the home of St Helen , the mother of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor. It is now a church housing relics from Jerusalem, the finger of Doubting Thomas, a piece of the cross, a nail believed to be from the cross, and thorns thought to be from the Crown of Thorns.
Next we visited the #Catacombs of San Callisto. These catacombs were in use from the first to the third centuries, over 500,000 people are buried there including 3 Popes. These catacombs are significant because they were the first Christian burial sight. You enter and start walking down stairs, the temperature drops about 15 degrees once you get to the second tier. There are 4 tiers excavated.
On to #Caracalla baths. These were one of the largest baths in ancient Rome. 6000 people a day visited these baths. Now for those who think these were just places to get clean, think again. The Roman baths were more like todays country clubs. Sports, baths, swimming, eating, massages, entertainers.
#Trevvi fountain. What a dissapointment. First it is under construction. The Mayor of Rome has decided to put a "bridge" through the fountain. Making it one of the ugliest landmarks in Italy. Shame.
The Spanish steps are exactly that. Steps.
Steps provided by the Spanish for the French embassy personnel to easily access the streets below.
We stopped for coffee at the famous Coffe #Eustachio, yes it was fabulous and then we had gelato at Blue Ice. A nice slice of pizza from a little pizzeria for lunch, yum. It may be just pizza but it was gooood.
Then off to the #Vatican. Wow.
The museum is overwhelming. So much artwork, sculptures, antiquities, tapestries, relics just absolutely WOW. Into the #Sistine Chapel. No pictures of course, though HR kept her video recording. It is amazing. Michealango.Pictures do not do it justice.
Followed by St Peters. What a phenomenal structure. St Patricks from New York will fit inside with room for another large church also.
We spent about 4 hours in the Vatican complex. We hired a private tour guide, Maria Laura Giorgi, this is the way to go. With a private guide you completely bypass the lines and go straight in. She also was able to give us so much information and teach us about the complex, things you would never learn or see by yourself or group tour. Duch as all the symbolism in the artwork and architecture. Amazing.
When we get home I will share more of the 200 or so pics I have taken.
Enjoy...
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