More Rome

Diane and I saw many amazing sites in Rome. This is a picture at the fountain of the Naiads (nymphs). It was just a short walk from our hotel.



This is a picture of dinner with friends at a restaurant near the Spanish Steps. The restaurants were so wonderful. I had a roman pizza (black olives and anchovies) at this one.



Our favorite restaurant was Al Grappolo D'oro. We were lucky to find it. It was across from our hotel and the first night we went because we were to tired to go any farther. Each time we has the same waiter, Francisco. He made some excellent suggestions. Anything with truffles was a wonder. But the best was their mixed buffet appetizer and the sea bass.



This is a nice picture of Diane at the fountain in front of the Pantheon. There is also an Egyptian Obelisk in the center of this fountain.



Diane in front of the Pantheon. It's probably my favorite site in Rome. It's the most intact ancient roman building in Rome. Gives you a sense of what it must have been like in Rome a couple thousand years ago.



Looking through the door you can see the inside of the dome and the Oculus, an 30 foot hole in the dome which allows light to enter the building.



Indulgentia plenaria perpetua pro vivis et defunctis which translates to "Perpetual plenary indulgence for the living and the dead". Big sale next week.



It's great the way the light that comes through the Oculus and illuminates parts of the Pantheon.



One of the most interesting areas of Rome is the Vatican. This is St Peter's Basilica. An enormous church and the center of the Catholic Church for the world. It is truly an amazing place. Especially when you realize it is about 400 years old.



The goal of this image is to give you a sense of how large this church is. The people in the picture reveal that the ceiling is 150 feet off the ground. An Architectural wonder.



Sunbeams coming in through windows in the central dome. Very dramatic.



THe Basilica is full of statuary. The most notable is the Pieta, by MIchaelango. It right at the entryway and potentially easy to miss as you enter the church.



Like the church itself, the statuary is also on a grand scale. Diane is provided for scale.



This is a sculpture by Bernini. I like the way it glows in the sunlight coming through the window of the Basilica.



Here is an image of Piazza San Pietro. The Obelisk is believed to have be here as a witness when St. Peter was Marytered. One of those very recognizable places in the world.



An interesting character playing with the pigeons on the Piazza. I hope he washed his hands (and arms) afterward.



A highlight of the Vatican is the Vatican Museums. We spent 6 hours there and didn't see everything. It starts with a collection of Egyptian treasures.



Next came a series of galleries with sculptures. Diane was fascinated by this granite bathtub.



We did an audio tour which explained much of the artwork



This image of a large bronze of hercules shows a number of things. From the bottom up it shows extensive mosaic on the floor. The museums were full of such artwork. Standing on the floor were very large crowds. The museums were jam packed with tourists. Sometimes there was quite a bit of jostling. I really wanted to throw a hip a few times. But I didn't. In the center of this image is the largest porphyry basin in the world carved from a single piece of granite. Quite the display of art and artwork.



In some areas the ceiling was elaborately decorated with painting and statues. This one in the map room seemed to go on forever.



In the Pope's apartments the walls and ceilings are painted by Raphael. Amazing! All these painted ceilings and walls set the stage for the most famous painted ceiling in the world.



The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by MIchelangelo. Breathtaking! Remarkable! over 500 years old. It was very chaotic and no pictures were allowed (hah). The guards were constantly running around telling people to be quiet and "no pictures". I just aimed my camera upward while it hung around my neck and snapped away. The Sistine Chapel was naturally lit making the conditions difficult. But with the sensitivity of my camera and the magic of photoshop I got some wonderful images.



This is a decent picture of part of Michelangelo'd "Last Judgement" It covers the wall above the door which is currently used as the entrance into the Sistine Chapel.



This is my favorite part of the Sistine Chapel paintings. The Creation of Adam. I like the way that god sits in clouds that look like a human brain as he reaches towards Adam. I also love the iconic hands. So relaxed and nonchalant as God reaches toward Adam to give him (and mankind) life.