The “Chiesa Santa Maria dei Monti” or “ai Monte” is located in the Monti district in Rome, one of the oldest and largest sections of the city. The Monti rises from the foot of four of the seven hills of Rome; Esquiline, Viminal, Quirinal and Coelian. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Celio sector and the Coelian hill were separated to form a separate district. Continue reading “Chiesa Santa Maria ai Monti, Rome”
Among the ten largest palaces in the world is the Palazzo Quirinale in Rome. Located precisely in Quirinale or Quirinalis, name given to the highest of the seven hills of Rome. This in honor of Quirinus, god of war in Roman mythology and one of the main gods of the Romans. Continue reading “Palazzo Quirinale of Rome”
Since our arrival in Rome, all roads led us to the Trajan Forum. This forum was the last of the Imperial Forums, built by Emperor Marco Ulpio Trajan in his own honor. Currently, it defines the imperial city border to the modern city. Continue reading “The Trajan Forum, Rome”
The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore”, belongs to a select group of temples that were named major basilicas by a Pope. In Rome, we have as papal basilicas the “Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano”, “Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano”, “Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura” and “Santa Maria Maggiore”. All belong to the Vatican and the Pope has preferential right of usuage. The “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore” gets its distinction in 1390, the year in which a Catholic jubilee was celebrated, an event that happens every twenty-five years. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Rome”
The Society of Jesus was founded in 1534 by the Spaniard Ignacio de Loyola in the city of Rome. It is worth noting that Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Continue reading “The Headquarters of the Society of Jesus”
Italian desserts are in a class of its own. One of those desserts is the delicious “gelato”, a frozen dessert that is similar to the Ice Cream. In Italy, artisan “gelato” dominates the market, so when you want to satisfy that desire for a good “gelato”, there are many options to choose from. However, selecting the best craftsman to make it is a challenge. Continue reading “A special “gelateria””
Oceanus, the Titan of the Seas, is the figure that occupies the predominant position in the central niche of the “Trevi Fountain” in Rome. According to Greek mythology, Uranus and Gaia were the titan gods of heaven and earth. They had twelve children, being Oceanus the eldest, the Titan who would become the Father of the Waters and Master of the Seas. Oceanus and its waters covered the entire earth to the horizon. Continue reading “Oceanus, Titan of the Sea in the Trevi Fountain – Rome”
The “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres” in Rome, Italy, was consecrated by Pope Boniface IV in the seventh century. As its name clearly indicates, it is dedicated to Saint Mary and the martyrs. Therefore, the remains of the martyrs were transferred to the catacombs under the main altar, resulting in the Basilica also becoming a mausoleum. Continue reading “Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres, Rome”
Atop of one of the seven hills of Rome, the “Capitoline Hill” and facing the “Piazza Venezia”, one finds a large monument of white Botticino marble. It is the “Altare della Patria” of Italy, a national monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II (Victor Manuel II of Italy), who was king of Sardinia. Continue reading ““Altare della Patria” – Rome”
The Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle is a minor basilica in Rome, however, it is the headquarters of the Congregation of Regular Clerics of Divine Providence, also known as “Theatines”, a male religious order of the Catholic Church. Continue reading “Chiesa Sant ‘Andrea della Valle, Rome”