Madonnas of Rome

Just a few Madonnas of Rome.
I believe I read once that there are over 400 of them within the walls.
To bless us and keep us safe.

Highlight Pictures - Pienza, Tuscany

Pienza - a hilltop town in Tuscany.
Italy is astonishingly beautiful.
Do, do, do click on them for best viewing.

 

Highlight Pictures - Borghese Gardens

I am addicted to beauty.

 

St. Peter's Basilica

This was my fourth visit to Rome.  While I decided to forgo, for the first time, a visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, I could not "not visit" St. Peter's.  So incredible.  So awe-inspiring.  So beautiful.

Back in 1981on my first visit I had not realized how lucky I was - at that time, travelling in March to Rome I think, the church was almost deserted.  We could just trot across the square and up the steps with no lines.  

Despite the crowds now, it is still wondrous.  (I went early in day - about 8:45 a.m. getting there and the lines were short.)

For the first time since 1981, though, I did climb Michelangelo's Dome!
Do you see the Sistine Chapel from a bird's eye view?
See the Vatican Grotto and Fountain of the Eagle?  Someday I hope to visit the Vatican Gardens and see them from the ground level!

 

Street artist - Amalfi Coast

Each major trip I take I purchase a work of art from a street artist and this year was no different. The works of art may range from 3 - 20 Euro (depending on what captures my fancy).   This was my choice for this trip - a print/copy from an artist in Positano.

When I return I always get the work costumed framed which costs a great deal more than the work itself.  However, this is my treat to myself - as if taking the trip itself wasn't enough of a treat - :) 

This work captured the essence of the Amalfi coast to me - the cliffs, the villages along the cliffs, the colours of the sea, the lemons (!) in the area, the flowers (!) everywhere (! ! ! !).

 I always choose a frame that works best with the work itself.  Hope you like my choice and the result.

Ponte Sant'Angelo – Bridge of Angels

Bridge of Angels

Lining the bridge are the ten angels all holding instruments of the Passion of Jesus, designed by the genius and master sculptor Bernini. At the end of the bridge are the apostles Saint Peter (holding a book) by Lorenzetto, and Saint Paul (holding a broken sword and a book) ) by Paolo Romano.

Legend has it that both the castle and the bridge took the name Sant'Angelo due to an angel that appeared on the roof of the castle to announce the end of a plague. During the Middle Ages the bridge became particularly important because it was the only controlled passageway for pilgrims going to Saint Peter’s Basilica. 

Then, as now, the bridge is symbolic of the transition between the secular world of Rome and the holy city of the Vatican. 

This bridge is one of my favourites even if it is a popular place for the beggars and the North African immigrant sellers of knock off junk.  If only they were banned then the walk would truly be inspirational.  

Don't forget to click on the pictures for best viewing!