Decoration of the Sistine Chapel began in 1482. The best painters of the time painted parallel stories from the Old & New Testaments on opposite walls. From 1508-12 Michelangelo painted Old Testament stories on the ceiling. 23 years later, after the Reformation & the sacking of Rome, he took 6 years to paint the Last Judgement, containing 300 figures, on the wall behind the altar. The ceiling frescoes were restored between 1980 – 94 revealing the original brilliant colours. Kay was happy no photos were allowed. Just a place to marvel at!
The next day walking up the steps from the Metro and suddenly seeing the Coloss
eum immediately in front of us was a great start to the day! It is enormous. Built 72 – 80 AD, it seated around 80,000 people, strictly according to their station in life. The stage in the centre was the scene of regular games, greatly enjoyed by the population, consisting of fights between wild animals and between gladiators (to the death!). Dramas involved the real deaths of criminals & prisoners. It was even filled with water for naval battles and could be covered in wet weather. As with other buildings & columns it was clad in ma
rble. The small holes seen now are from the later removal of lead used to absorb earthquake tremors. (Interesting structural engineering techniques 2000 years ago!)
The 4th century Arch of Constantine nearby.
The remains of the Roman Forum, the centre of civic & economic life in BC times.
Ancient Rome and its forums cover an extensive area and are dissected by a major road, built by Mussolini in 1932. There are mixed feelings about this road these days!
The next day walking up the steps from the Metro and suddenly seeing the Coloss
eum immediately in front of us was a great start to the day! It is enormous. Built 72 – 80 AD, it seated around 80,000 people, strictly according to their station in life. The stage in the centre was the scene of regular games, greatly enjoyed by the population, consisting of fights between wild animals and between gladiators (to the death!). Dramas involved the real deaths of criminals & prisoners. It was even filled with water for naval battles and could be covered in wet weather. As with other buildings & columns it was clad in ma
rble. The small holes seen now are from the later removal of lead used to absorb earthquake tremors. (Interesting structural engineering techniques 2000 years ago!)
Titus who conquered & destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. Jewish prisoners were used to build the Colossuem.
The 4th century Arch of Constantine nearby.
The remains of the Roman Forum, the centre of civic & economic life in BC times.
Ancient Rome and its forums cover an extensive area and are dissected by a major road, built by Mussolini in 1932. There are mixed feelings about this road these days!
An original Roman road leading to the modern amongst the ancient.
Palatial homes of emperors and patrician families overlooked the city from Palatine Hill. Marble from here, and elsewhere including the Colosseum, was used for churches and Vatican buildings in the busy Renaissance period. Some call this recycling, others theft! Some colours of marble are now more valuable than precious stones.
The story of Romulus & Remus is alive and well.
Flowers are still left on Julius Caesar's remains.
Sending a text from Capitoline Hill?
The Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument was squeezed into the heart of Rome in the late 19th century to commemorate Italian unification.
The Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument was squeezed into the heart of Rome in the late 19th century to commemorate Italian unification.
The sumptuous Trevi Fountain celebrates the quality of Rome's water (true!) and promises a return to those who throw a coin into it.
Mike did this 34 years ago so it must work!
Mike did this 34 years ago so it must work!
We particularly enjoyed the 17th century Cathedral of Rome, the Basilica of St John Lateran.
Has she lost the keys?
This door is only opened in Holy Year, every 25 years since 1300. Note the touching spot on Jesus foot.
Has she lost the keys?
Emperor Constantine, who gave Christians freedom of worship in 313. This statue & the green (bronze) doors are from ancient Roman sites.
Mosaic of the Redeemer restored from the original 4th century basilica.
This is where some of that marble went!
The welcome sight of the Vatican radio masts & the Roman aqueduct, a landmark close to Anguillara. We had unwittingly caught the express train & had no idea where the first stop was!
The welcome sight of the Vatican radio masts & the Roman aqueduct, a landmark close to Anguillara. We had unwittingly caught the express train & had no idea where the first stop was!
We certainly made the most of our 6 days at Susie & Luigi's cottage. They were very warm & helpful hosts & the stay was capped off by dinner with them and their American guests on our last night. We look forward to seeing them in NZ one day too!