The Pantheon of Rome, Italy

I have read about the Pantheon in a book by Dan Brown, Angels and Demons. It is where the first cardinal is supposed to be killed by the terrorist. The unfolding events in the story have aroused my interest about how the Pantheon looks like.

The Pantheon’s dome is said to be the largest un-reinforced concrete dome in the world. It has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7^th century dedicated to St Mary and the Martyrs although originally, it has been built by Marcus Agrippa as a temple for the gods of ancient Rome then later rebuilt by Hadrian in 126 AD.

Inside the Dome

Raphael's Bust above his tomb

I have learned from the Dan Brown book that Raphael, the renowned painter has been buried inside the Pantheon. Although, I do not know which details from the book are true and accurate. Anyways, it is just for fun in reading.

The Pantheon must be an amazing place to see because of its age and historical value. How I wish I can tour that place too someday!

The Vatican Museums

One of the most famous tourist destinations in Rome, Italy are the Vatican Museums. On record, the Vatican Museums receive more than 4 million visitors a year. For me, one of the remarkable sections of the museums is the spiral staircase. I have not been there but I am amazed as I see it in photographs.

“The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest who, according to Greek mythology, tried to convince the people of ancient Troy not to accept the Greeks' "gift" of a hollow horse, was discovered 14 January 1506, in a vineyard near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican, to examine the discovery. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public display at the Vatican exactly one month after its discovery”. (wikipedia)

This is one place that I want to see for real. The collection of artifacts and sculptures arouse my imagination and interest. Unfortunately, going there physically is something I cannot do but at least through this virtual journey, I can say at least, I have been there.

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I am not a Catholic but places where I can trace the history of the church attract me. Rome may not be the origin of Christianity but it has played an immense influence in the lives of the early saints and the early church.

Those who are interested to visit the Vatican Museums, here is a link to their official website. Just click the image below.

The two images at the top are courtesy of Wikipedia

Forum Romanum or The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is a major tourist destination in the city of Rome. It is a small, rectangular plaza encircled by the ruins of buildings from the ancient glory of the city. Romans used to call it Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. It has been the center of Roman public life for centuries, where they hold triumphal processions and elections, a place for public speeches, criminal trials, and where gladiators measure each other’s strength. It is also a center for commerce.

This is the place where they erect statues and monuments to celebrate great Roman men. Scholars believe that this is the most famous meeting place in the history of the world.

Excavations and restorative efforts continue at the Roman Forum and continuously attract people around the world.

Images above courtesy of:

www.wikipedia.org

The Colosseum: The Flavian Amphitheater

The Colosseum of the Flavian Amphitheater is one of the oldest structures still existing. It is a showcase of ancient Roman architecture and engineering. It sits at the center of Rome with a capacity of 50,000 people. Although, because of the ruin state of its interior, it is not used as a venue for large events but its exterior can be used as a backdrop.

The 9^th Emperor or Rome, Vespasian (Flavius) has ordered the construction the colosseum from the his generals’ share of the booty or treasures they have captured during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD and has become a monument that celebrates Roman victory. Dio Cassius, a noted Roman consul and historian writing in Greek has said that 9,000 wild animals have been killed during the inauguration games in the colosseum. It has been a center of entertainment with battling gladiators, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of legendary battles and drama based on Roman mythology.

By the 6^th century, it has ceased to be an entertainment spot. A church has been erected into the edifice of the Colosseum and the arena has become a cemetery. By the 1200, during the European patricians, the Frangipani family, a powerful Roman patrician (family that holds political functions) has used the Colosseum as a fortified castle.

In 1349, the Colosseum has suffered great damage from an earthquake that has collapsed its southern wall into the ground. Most of the stones that have fallen have been used to build churches, palaces and hospitals. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV has declared the colosseum sacred in memory of the Christian believers who have been martyred in the theater. However, there have been no evidence to back up the claim.

Today, the Colosseum or the Flavian Amphitheater is Rome’s most popular tourist attraction. Millions of tourists visit the old amphitheater every year. I surely wish to be one of those.

Images and info above courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colosseum

Rome: the Ancient City

At a certain time in history, all roads have led to Rome, the capital of the mighty Roman Empire, the governing power in Western Europe for at least 700 years from 100 BC to 700 AD. 

From 800 AD, it has become the seat of Papal States until 1870. In 1871, it has become the capital of the Kingdom of Italy until 1946 when the Italian people have adapted a republican constitution. Since then, it has become the capital of the Italian Republic or Italy.

Rome is the eleventh most-visited city in the world and the third most visited in the European Union. Undoubtedly, it is the most popular tourist attraction in Italy. UNESCO has listed its historic center as a World Heritage Site. The Vatican Museums and the Colosseum are among the world's fifty most visited tourist destinations. According to reports, the Vatican Museums receive four point two million tourists and the Colosseum receive four million tourists every year.

Rome’s rich archaeological and architectural treasures make it the most significant tourist destination in the world.

Recently, Rome has beaten London in becoming the world’s fourth most important center for fashion. Milan remains on top along with Paris and New York.  Fashion houses and jewellery chains, such as Bulgari, Fendi, Laura Biagiotti and Brioni (fashion), are in Rome.

When visiting Italy, you must not miss the ancient city of Rome.

Image above courtesy of:

http://www.eventservices-rome.com/

The Pizza City: Naples Italy

Naples is one of the oldest cities in the world and the largest in Europe. The Greeks have founded it in the 8^th and 9^th century BC. Naples sits at the west coast of Italy by the Gulf of Naples near the famous Mount Vesuvius. It has a wealth of history, culture, art and architecture that go back 2,800 years in Italy’s rich history. UNESCO has listed the city as one of the World Heritage Sites.

It boasts of about 448 historical churches, which has made Naples one of the most Catholic cities in the world. There are fascinating monuments and structures that bear ancient architecture including castles and fountains. If you want to walk down history lane, walking down the streets of Naples would be a remarkable experience.

Naples is also a home to the best tasting real Italian pasta and pizza, which has remained unaltered after so many years. In fact, a Julia Roberts’ film has featured a famous pizzeria in Naples, which has attracted many tourists who have seen the movie.

Your visit to Naples can never be complete without indulging in the best tasting pizza in the world.

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa

One of the most famous structures in the world is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It stands around 183 feet on the low side and around 186 feet on the high side. It has seven levels with a bell chamber at the top.

It has been a popular tourist destination in Italy. In fact, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. Many make funny poses at side of the tower as photographers capture with their cameras their incredible positions as if they are pushing it back up. It could have been an amusing experience.

I can say that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a clear example of an error in construction. The tower has started in 1173.  However, after the construction of the second level by 1178, it has begun to sink because the foundation has been weak. It has been only 3 meters on wobbly layer of soil. That has halted the construction for about a hundred years.

In 1272, a new architect has resumed construction. He added upper levels but to correct the tilt, he built levels that are higher on one side, which have made the tower curve. However, due to war, the construction stopped in 1284.

Construction has continued again. The seventh level has been finished in 1319 and the bell chamber has been added in 1372. It has 7 bells at the top, which correspond to the seven notes in the major scale.

In 1964, the government of Italy has asked the help of multinational experts to prevent the tower from falling since the tilt has been increasing as time goes by without removing the tilt because if its historical and tourism value. Initially, they have applied lead counterweights on the high side of the tower. In 1990, Italian authorities has closed the tower to the public and the bells have been removed to ease some weight on the tower in order to implement the necessary repair according to a two-decade study of multinational experts. Finally, in 2001, the tower has been declared stable after removing 38 cubic meters of soil from beneath the high side of the tower.

It’s amazing that such a structure with a faulty foundation has received great historical significance instead of structural condemnation. I guess, that’s one reason that has made the Leaning Tower of Pisa truly incredible.

Image Above Courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa