A big thanks to Joe Rampino who showed us the city like we've never seen it before. It was certainly a treat for Laura, but also for myself, having lived here for 9 months and done very little in the way of learning about the city.
He asked us how long of tour we felt up for. I said, "Bring it On. We can handle it." So he led us on a 6 hour tour! It was amazing! We paid him in quiche.
I had never before seen the Basilica of St. Cecilia and now it's at the top of my list of favorite churches in Rome. On the outside it features a beautiful courtyard and a medieval bell tower.
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| The Basilica of St. Cecilia |
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| Inside of the Basilica of St. Cecilia |
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| Mosaic in the Apse of St. Cecilia |
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| Gettin' the low down on church mosaics |
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Neat Fact: Square halo means he was alive during the construction.
He holds the church in his hand because he helped to make construction happen. |
The cosmatti mosaic is one of my favorite designs in church architecture. But I particularly like it in twisted pillars and candle holders.
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| Cosmatti Tile Pillar |
Next church stop was the church where St. Benedict stayed and prayed with a very unassuming exterior.
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| San Benedetto in Piscinula |
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| Inside San Benedetto |
I know our apartment is humongous by Roman standards, so it's basically a palace by Benedictine standards.
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| Room of St. Benedict, where he wrote the Rule |
You probably didn't already notice this, but it's all pretty old, huh?
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| Door to Saint Benedict's monastic cell, on right |
Laura needed lots of proof of her visiting Rome. So I insisted that she stand in front of everything that I wanted a picture of.
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| Tiber River |
While our tour was mostly hitting some of the big Christian monuments, you can't help but pass by the ancient pagan temples on the way.
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| Strong peeps by Hercules' Temple |
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Skull of St. Valentine
*kiss kiss* |
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| Old rich people's private church, back in the day |
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| Very Famous Monument |
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| Can't think of the name... |
It was a riduculously hot day, but we stayed hydrated and lived to get another tour by Joe: The Pagan Day Tour. Stay tuned for more!
*I can't figure out why I didn't take more pictures of this day* It's our special present, I guess...no more for you!
