The building in the image is the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano), located in Rome, Italy. It holds the title of the cathedral of Rome and is considered the “mother and head of all the Churches of the Urbe and Orbe” (the city of Rome and the world). It … Read more
At the end of the second century A.D. Tertullian informs us that at Rome St. John the evangelist underwent martyrdom by being immersed in boiling oil, from which he emerged unscathed. The place where this was said to have occurred is at the Latin Gate. He was later exiled to Patmos. The basilica was erected … Read more
Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Rome Opera House) is a theater is located in Rome, Italy, and is known for its iconic 19th-century architecture and lavish productions. The interior features the traditional horseshoe-shaped auditorium with vertically stacked private boxes, ornate gold decorations, and red seating, which creates an intimate atmosphere. Also known as the Teatro Costanzi after … Read more
The Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), are an ancient Roman public bath complex in Rome, Italy. The baths are located near the ancient Appian Way, south of the Circus Maximus in Rome. Construction of the vast complex began around 212 AD under Emperor Septimius Severus and was completed by his son Caracalla in 216 … Read more
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major papal basilicas and the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is a masterpiece of Christian art and architecture with origins dating back to the 5th century. As one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome, it has a special status and … Read more
We visited Pompeii on a day when the only cloud in the sky cast shadow over the long dormant volcano on Mount Vesuvius that put Pompeii into the historical record as the world’s largest and longest continuously excavated archaeological site. The city was buried under volcanic ash, freezing a slice of Roman life in time. … Read more
As we approached the Pontifical Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary of Pompei, the bell tower drew our eye to the shrine. This is a major Catholic place of worship and one of the most important shrines in the world. The shrine was co-founded by Bartolo Longo and his wife, Countess Mariana di Fusco, … Read more
I was thrilled to find that Sorrento was a short train ride from the railroad station just outside of the Pompeii Archaeological Park. With tickets in hand I made my way there, fully drained from a day of walking. Even my phone battery was empty so that meant no pictures as I walked around and … Read more
I arrived in Pompeii after dark. As I approached my phone was nearly out of power, making it challenging to find my room that had been reserved before arrival. This didn’t discourage me from exploring a bit. Distinctive pavers with light and dark colors helped to make the sidewalk visible and easier to navigate, even … Read more
The piazza is located at the top of the Viminal Hill, near the Termini train station. The distinctive semi-circular palaces lining the square (known as the Palazzi dell’Esedra) were designed by architect Gaetano Koch and built between 1887 and 1898. Their curved shape mimics the exedra (a large semi-circular recess) of the ancient Baths of Diocletian, … Read more