When in Rome
August 15, 2019
Arrived in Rome at 7:30 am Rome time. Slept on the plane
a bit. I was annoyed with myself because I blew the mass transit option and had to take an airport taxi. I had breakfast while I waited for my room to be ready. This is the double i was convince to spend and extra $10 a night for.
Then armed with a local map and a few suggestions. I set out to explore the neighborhood. I stopped at Santa Maria Maggiore because it was the Basilica up the corner. The woman at the hotel was very proud of its basilica status. Of course, we have Sacred heart Basilica in Newark. Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Marian church in Italy.
It comes with an interesting story. There was a church on the site in the 5th century but in the 14th century snow fell in on August 5 initiating a bequest that a basilica be built to honor Mary in that spot. The Miracle of the Snow however has never been confirmed. Rome in August is HOT and I’ve been to Memphis and Mississippi in August.
Lots of detailed gold. The canopies over the altars is something that was removed from churches in our area ages ago.
I walked over to San Giovanni Laterno. Another huge church that has sculptures of the apostles. It’s an arch basilica because it is the oldest of the four basilica in Rome. Across the street is the Scala Sancta (The Holy Stairs). I thought the build was a little odd because it had a huge billboard for the new Samsung Note over it.
The Holy Stairs, are white marble steps encased in wooden ones. The tradition is that Christ walked on them when he met Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. The marble stairs are visible through openings in the wooden risers. the stairs were moved to Rome in the 4th century. It became tradition for pilgrims to ascend the 28 stairs on their knees.
Once a person starts they must finish and it was obvious that some people wish they hadn’t started. The picture is a stock photo because not photography is allowed. The stairs deep, so it’s a knee up, crawl in, knee up type of move. If the person in front of you is struggling you wait. Yup, I did it. But let’s face it. You’re reading this because you know me so you knew it as soon as I started.
So is this going to be a running commentary on how superior we are and think in the USA? More specifically New Jersey??
Hope each day gets better and brings you awe and deep satisfaction.
Wonderful photos, and even better co.me tary! More! What have eaten that was good? I k ow youre sleeping.now!
I am impressed with your strong knees and strong determination. I am glad you asked for a double room so you can turn around in bed. European churches are so beautiful — so much great artistry — and detail. I am sending this link to everyone to follow you and enjoy your adventure.