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.
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| 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.
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| ST PETER'S SQUARE AT VATICAN CITY |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| THE FORUM AND PALANTINE |
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| EMPEROR AUGUSTUS STATUE |
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| COLLOSEUM THE GRESTEST WONDERS OF ROMAN CIVILIZATION |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| ROME IS ONE OF THE FASHION CAPITAL IN THE WORLD |
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| 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.
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| VISITOR POSING WITH AN IMPERSONATE ROMAN WARRIOR |
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| SPANISH STEP IN CITY CENTER |
