I loved Rome from the minute I stepped outside of the airport. I love the Italian language, I love Italian rudeness and driving and most of all I love Italian art. I was fortunate to be staying in a hotel which was right in the centre of Rome, as I was able to walk to most of the sights in a reasonably short time. At the end of my first day I had already seen the Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, The Pantheon, Plaza Navona and Castel Sant’ Angelo.
The Trevi Fountain
The Pantheon
Unfortunately I didn’t sketch all that much in Rome, mostly because every sight was ridiculously crowded with tourists and annoying locals trying to sell you stuff. The only time I managed to sketch was when I was sitting in an alcove of the terrace of Castel Sant’ Angelo, where I spent a good while sketching the amazing view of St Peters Basilica. While I was sketching however many people stopped to watch over my shoulder as I sketched, telling me how good the sketch was. Although I appreciate the comments it is one of my pet hates to have people watching me when I sketch.
During my second day in Rome I visited Vatican City I never put my camera down. There was just so much to see and it was all so amazing. I particularly liked all the statues of Saints surrounding the top of St Peters Square.
St Peter's Square
View Of St Peter's Square From Basilica
St Peter's Square Statues
All the art inside the Vatican is so inspirational and perfect but so difficult to replicate, I didn’t even bother to get out my sketchbook apart from when I was sitting in the Sistine Chapel. I soon gave up on my sketch however and returned my sketchbook to my bag. Surprisingly I was able to take pictures throughout most of the Vatican rooms and corridors. Even in Raphael’s Rooms.
What struck me most about the art in the Vatican was the depiction of the natural human form and the amazing depictions of cloth and clothing in both painting and sculpture. I also found it interesting that a lot of the art was erotic in nature despite the conservative views of the Vatican. For example no shoulders or knees are to be shown at any time within that Vatican as it is deemed inappropriate, although a lot of the art depicts male and female nudes. The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in particular, painted by Michelangelo was, as with most of his art, was supposedly painted to celebrate male erotica and homoerotica –hinting at Michelangelo’s sexual orientation – despite showing religious scenes and events.
As far as I am aware the Vatican were not aware of the meaning and intention behind Michelangelo’s art, which is why he was able to paint as he did. I find it very amusing as had the Vatican known about Michelangelo’s love for male erotica, I am quite sure he would have not been commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Before leaving Rome I also toured Castel Sant’ Angelo and the Coloesseum. The ‘Mole Adriana’, now called Castel Sant’ Angelo (Castle of the Angel), was originally built between 123 and 139 AD, the monumental grave of the Roman Emperor and was used as a tomb by the Imperial families.
Angel Statue On the Bridge
Castel Sant' Angelo
I was interested in seeing Castel Sant’ Angelo as in Dan Brown’s novel Angels and Demons and the movie based on the novel, it is said to be the Church of Illumination. The Church of Illumination was said to be where the Illuminati – a secret organisation mainly made up of men of science who were against the church – would meet in secret without the church knowing. The church is at the end of the path of Illumination, described in Dan Brown’s novel, which is made up of four churches across Rome. These churches are the four Alters of Science, The Chigi Chapel in St Maria del Popolo, St Peter’s Church and Square, The Church of Maria della Vittoria and The Fountain of the Four Rivers at Piazza Novona. The path of illumination is marked by angels on each Alter of Science. The Angels lead the way to the church of Illumination, Castel Sant’ Angelo. The bridge leading to the Castle is decorated with Angels all pointing towards the Castel.
On my last day in Rome I saw the Colosseum, it was amazing to say the least. Unfortunately a lot of the original interior, structure is gone, which however is interesting as this allowed you to see the different layers and sections which make up the Colosseum.
The Colosseum Exterior
I loved my visit to Rome and it is definitely a place I want to return to. I love the art, the architecture, the sights, the history, the culture and the people. The next time I visit however I intend to experience the culture more, I will be less of a tourist and more of a visitor.
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