On this, my 4th visit to Rome, I wanted to do 'new things' not just the 'regular things'. I had never before explored the Trastevere district of Rome. This time I did.
It was wonderful.
The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere (English: Our
Lady in Trastevere) is a minor basilica in the Trastevere district
of Rome, and one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor
plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and
much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in
221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus and later completed by Pope
Julius.The church has large areas of important mosaics from the
late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini.
The inscription on the episcopal throne states that it is the
first church dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some
claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica of Santa Maria
Maggiore. In its founding it is certainly one of the oldest
churches in the city.
I had a 'moment' when I entered this square.
The Basilica, its
shining mosaics on its facade, the fountain, the stillness - and there was an
accordion player playing music.
I felt I was meant to be exactly where I was.
It was exquisite.
The interior was awe inspiring.
Like my dear cousin Heather, love that Jesus is putting his arm around his mother!
(Click on pictures for best viewing!)
Villa Rufolo Gardens, Ravello, Italy
Amalfi Coast
Details of this will be developed when I eventually do up my webpage on this trip BUT for the moment simply enjoy the pictures.
Click on them for best viewing pleasure.
These ones are really worth it, the setting is so spectacular!
The Pantheon is a building in Rome commissioned by Marcus Agrippa the during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) and rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian about 126 AD.
It is one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings. It has been in continuous use throughout its history.
Since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been used as a church dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs" but informally known as "Santa Maria Rotonda".
The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda.
Love the "thoughtful" man in the lower right hand corner of my picture!
Highlight photos from Radicofani, Tuscany - it is a village just below a hilltop fortress first built in the 10th century. Largely undiscovered by tourists - it was amazing.
Daniela engaged local people in conversations. See the picture of the local pharmacist talking to a local lady with her child.
Up near the top, near the fortress was one of the most beautiful cemeteries, still in use and tended lovingly by the town inhabitants. LOVE the flowers they keep on them - some plastic, some fresh.
Also LOVE the flowers in all the squares, along the flower pots on sides of walls etc.
Maggie and I began to climb to the fortress but didn't have time to complete it. We had some wonderful views nevertheless. See the volcano? It is still active. See the steam in the left hand side of the picture - a vent of the volcano. Evidently there is a electric plant at this spot as well, harnessing the power of the volcano.
Side note: We should have continued climbing - two others did and kept the bus waiting 20 minutes to the extreme annoyance of the rest of us.
Make SURE you click on these to get best viewing pleasure.
I figured I would highlight two pictures each day (or so) on a destination. Hard to make the choice but here are the two I have chosen for Florence.
The Ponte Vecchio is a medieval bridge over the Arno River and an iconic landmark of Florence, Italy.
See the windows along the top? That is Vasari's Corridor - one segment of a long, enclosed and elevated corridor that allowed Cosomo Medici get between important points in the city without having to navigate the public streets.
The Ponte Vecchio always had shops which lined it, but in Cosomo's time it was butchers. They would toss rotting meat into the Arno River. This stunk. Cosomo banned it and gold and silver merchants replaced butchers. This tradition of shop keepers continues to this day.
Love that I caught those two young people running along the banks of the Arno and enjoying their city!
Also depicted is the facade of Florence's main Cathedral - this is a picture of the duomo (dome) and Bell Tower. The official name of the cathedral is Santa Maria del Fiore.
The Dome is a masterpiece of Brunelleschi and it still dominates the skyline of Florence.
Enjoy.
Make SURE you CLICK on the pictures for BEST viewing pleasure!
