Christian Rome, Rome

Favorite thing: There are innumerable churches in Rome, some of them well known, others not. You wil be surprised at the riches you can find inside a church, that does not look very spectacular from the outside.

For a good overview, you might want to look at some of the mentioned websites, or you just go ahead and discover the churches yourself!

Favorite thing: I don't know how many churches have the name Santa Maria in Rome but there are several. I had a closer look inside the Santa Maria de Trastevere.

I really liked the palmtree paintings on the wall outside.

Favorite thing: Rome is connected with the christian religion from the beginning of christianity. Jesus Christ was born undr the reign of emperor Augustus. When te romans had occupied the middle-east. Although christians were procescuted until the 4th century, the new religion kept on and Rome became its center.
Popes have been in Rome since the begiining and in the past they have not only been religious leaders but also very important political leaders.
Today the Roman Catholic church has its center in Vatican City, which is an autonomous country, but it is situated within the roman citylimits.

You can find christian churches everywhere in Rome, and sometimes you will see some christian statues or other christian artpieces along the road.

Favorite thing: Santa Maria Maggiore, the large church near to Termini is reputed to have the best mosaics of the churches in Rome. Unfortunately I didn't see that church as it was under restoration but the mosaics at S.Maria in Trastevere must be a close second - they were stunning.

Favorite thing: This is the main square in Trastevere and its lovely church has its facade decorated with the mosaics of the 13th century. It occupies the 5th place in the hierarchy of Roman churches after St Peter's, St.Paul, St.John and S.Maria Maggiore for its ancient origins as well as for being the first dedicated to Madonna.

Favorite thing: Rome is an extremely photographic city. Make sure you bring extra everything for your camera (batteries, film). I had a digital camera and one of my cards started getting errors. Luckily I packed an extra one.

Fondest memory: We did lots of self portraits. Sure, one could use the timer, but be crazy and do it yourself. Just hold out the camera and aim.

Favorite thing: This is a 13th century gothic church built on top of a temple to the goddess Minerva. I loved the blue star-studded ceiling in this church. Michelangelo's Risen Christ is located near the altar. Apparently, the church officials were so shocked by the nudity, they put a little bronze 'cloth' on it to cover up the offensive bits. (Photo in my 'More Photos' travelogue).

The remains of St Catherine are near the altar as well. The church is open from 7am - 7pm; do be respectful if there is a mass on.

Favorite thing: All of Rome's 15 obelisks are permanently borrowed from Egypt or the Levant, stolen by emperors from Augustus to Constantine. (Paris and London can only claim one each, both gifts from the 19th century.) Today the obelisks stand on often-ornate pediments and decorate squares throughout the city (Navona, Trinita dei Monti, San Pietro, Laterano, Rotonda, Popolo, etc) and are just another wonderful and unique aspect of this enchanting Eternal City.