HOLY ROME

A MINI PILGRIMAGE TOUR IN ROME

The first thing that crosses a mind of any layman is that Rome is a holy land for many Christians. It is a ‘must place’ for Christians to visit at least once in their lifetime where they can perform a mini pilgrimage here, if they are not able to go as far as Jerusalem. This reasoning fits well in my agenda and here I am in the Vatican City to perform a pilgrimage I have longed for as a Christian, and to understand the city which is popular for the spread of Christianity and where the Pope influence reins until today.

However, Rome is not all strictly on Christianity, it is also a popular place for historical sight seeing, archaeology findings, shopping, cafe and foodies found around the capital.

WRITER POSING IN THE ST PETER'S CHURCH

THE VATICAN CITY

My first day in Rome is definitely to visit The Vatican City which is located in the city centre via a bus ride from the hotel I resided in at Domus Pacis Torre Rossa Park.

Upon reaching the city, an ‘awesome’ sight of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica welcome me. The square is crowded with tourists trying to capture a photograph with St. Peter’s Church as it’s backdrop, coupled with a beautiful Egyptian obelisk standing 25 m high at the centre of the square. The square measuring 314 m long by 240 m wide, is the largest square in Rome.

Once upon a time, the Vatican was the site of the great Circus of Nero, where under Nero, St. Peter was crucified and his body was buried nearby. More than 250 years later, Constantine built a magnificent basilica on the spot destined to become one of the marvels of the world, and his vision has definitely comes true!

During the 73 years that the papacy was in Avignon, the old basilica was so neglected that restoration was impossible. Later, Pope Nicolas V decided to rebuilt it, but after his death all work was suspended. It was only when Pope Julius II who began the construction of a new basilica which took 176 years to complete. Until Michelangelo, then aged 70 years old, began to build the dome, and there had been a succession of architects. After Michelangelo, the work went on according to his designs, which called for Bramate’s original Greek cross, and Maderno decisively adopted a Latin cross design for the new basilica. The Vatican has also been the residence of the popes only since 1377, and there has not been a pope who has failed to contribute to the grandeur of the Vatican to make this holy hill an increasingly worthy seat for the Supreme Head of the Catholic Church.

As I enter the St. Peter’s Church for the first time, I feel the presence of peace surrounds its atmosphere where every corner I am greeted with holy paintings, statues, altar and the elegant music from the chapels. Visitors are seen taking their turns to view impressive interiors illustrated with drawings on the wall, window, door and ceiling, left behind by great artist and architects during the period. Inside the church ground, one should join the congregation for an hourly prayer session held at the chapels. Those who wish to have a glimpse of the pope must be present on Wednesday. I, for one, will not miss this opportunity to be blessed by the religious head performing prayer meet at the chapel.

ST PETER'S SQUARE AT VATICAN CITY

Visitors worshiping at the chapel in St. Peter’s Church.

The Vatican Museum, located within the vicinity, hide an unrivaled trove of Renaissance art behind their grand frontages, displayed in rooms branching off from a magnificent spiral staircase. Here, one will be impressed with a collection of treasury works including sculptures, art, maps, statues and even tombs.

A brief meander away will bring visitors to the world-famous Sistine Chaple to get close with Michelangelo’s elaborate frescoes and Raphael’s tapestries depicting the lives of the Apostles. Famous paintings include - “The Disputation of the Sacrament” by Raphael and “The Last Judgement” by Michelangelo.

Visitor having a closer look at paintings drawn by Michelangelo and Raphael, at Sistine Chapel.

 

COLLOSEUM, THE FORUM AND PALANTINE

One of the greatest wonders of Roman civilization is none other than Colosseum (original name as Flavian Amphitheater), which is an amphitheater, whose imposing remains still allow us to admire its ancient splendor, was begun by Vespasian in 72 A.D and completed by his son Titus in 80 A.D. It was built by Jewish prisoners.

Roman history is closely connected to the Colloseum, which then became the symbol of the city and its life.

In this area, one can view not only the Colloseum alone but the Forum which houses historical buildings, statue, columns, temples, monuments and ruins existed some 2,770 years ago, filled with rich history of War and Empires. 

At the Form and Palantine, I am particularly amazed with the intact preservation of the Roman Forum carried out by its Government which include the Colloseum, Circus of Domitian, and a number of fallen temples namely Temple Vespasian, Temple Hercules, Temple of Julius Caesar.

THE FORUM AND PALANTINE

EMPEROR AUGUSTUS STATUE

 

COLLOSEUM THE GRESTEST WONDERS OF ROMAN CIVILIZATION

 

TEMPLE OF JULIUS CAESER AT THE FORUM

CITY CENTRE

Travellers used to say no visit to Lazio’s first city would be complete without throwing a coin in the Trevi Fountain followed with a walk-up the Spanish steps (Di Trinita Del Monti) and ‘shop till you drop’ at Piaza Di Spagna. The city’s myriad cafes also serve robust dishes like hickory-smoked chicken sandwiches, Caesar salads, pizza, roasted lamb and beef steak.

GLORIOUS FOOD

Rome is nevertheless one of the fashion capitals of the world, where one get source for branded goods namely handbags, clothing, watches and shoes, at reasonable prices.

ROME IS ONE OF THE FASHION CAPITAL IN THE WORLD

SOUVENIRS

Before saying adious to Rome I remember the verse “So, if you are in Rome, do what the Romans do!”- Eat, Shop and Be Merry and I followed suit during my five days visit to Rome.

VISITOR POSING WITH AN IMPERSONATE  ROMAN WARRIOR

SPANISH STEP IN CITY CENTER