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- An ancient Roman times the Lateran Palace was a palace belonging to Roman noblemen but later it became the major papal residence. It was originally kwon as the Apostolic Palace of the Lateran.
The Lateran Palace In ancient Roman times the Lateran Palace was a palace belonging to Roman noblemen but later it became the major papal residence. It was originally kwon as the Apostolic ... morePalace of the Lateran. The Lateran Palace is one of the major Lateran buildings in Rome. It was the primary Apostolic residence prior to the Avignon Exile.
Nowadays the Lateran Palace displays the history of the Papal States. The Lateran Palace is now occupied by the Museo Storico Vaticano. In addition, the Lateran Palace houses some residential apartments of the Cardinal Vicar and the offices of the Vicariate of Rome. During the ancient days, the Lateran Palace also housed some of the collections and relics of the Lateran Museum, which were later distributed in different museums of Vatican.
The Lateran Palace is next to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, which is the cathedral church of Rome. The Lateran Palace obtained its name from the Laterani family whose family members served as administrators for numerous Roman emperors and donated land, property and funded several projects in Rome.
Despite the change of its use, the Lateran Palace has remained an incredibly well kept palace and it is now an important part of the Roman Catholic Church's history. The palace is surrounded by several gardens and structures that make it a tourist attraction. Different popes who have ruled Rome have also used the Lateran Palace to serve various purposes; mostly for holding important meetings. It is at the Lateran Palace that the Lateran Treaty was signed on 11th February 1929.
The Lateran Palace is open to the public and tourists are allowed to visit the palace especially in the morning hours. In case you are new to the place, you will be guided through the whole palace and shown important sites and their meanings. The Lateran Palace itself is an incredible place to visit. The inside of the palace is full of historical relics and artifacts created by the great artists of Rome. It is here that the popes used to reside and therefore it is given the attention and respect it deserves. There is tight security in the place and no incidences of crimes despite the high crime rate in Rome.
It is also important to note that the Lateran Palace was destroyed by fires in 1307 and 1361.Due to the damage the ancient building of the Lateran Palace was replaced with the same structure, which is the current Lateran Palace, during the papacy of Pope Sixtus V. The restructuring was designed and supervised by architect Fontana.
The Lateran Palace houses the famous Scala Sancta and as it is among the holiest places in Rome, you will meet many people visiting the Lateran Palace especially in the morning hours.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic
- Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy. It is a papal basilica and often used by the pope. It is one of the four basilicas in Rome holding the title major basilica.
Santa Maria Maggiore Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, Italy. It is a papal basilica and often used by the pope. It is one of the four basilicas in ... moreRome holding the title major basilica. Santa Maria Maggiore is located on the summit of the Esquiline Hill, and it is the only patriarchal basilica of the four basilicas in Rome to have retained its paleo-Christian structures. The other three basilicas of Rome are: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. John’s Basilica and St. Paul’s Basilica. Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is the largest church in Rome having been dedicated to the ‘Virgin Mary’. Its name ‘major’ shows that it is the most important of the 80 churches in Rome that are dedicated to Mary.
Santa Maria Maggiore dates back to the 5th century when the landowner (according to legend the patrician John) of Esquiline Hill had a dream on the 4th of August 352. In the dream, Virgin Mary appeared to him and told him to build a church at the site where snow would fall the following day. On that same night, Pope Liberius had the same dream.
The following day, snow fell on the Esquiline Hill. The pope and the patrician quickly ran towards the site of the miracle and they found that the snow had fallen in the shape of a floor plan for a church. Pope Liberius then decided to build a basilica at that very site as an honor of the Virgin Mary. However, archeological evidence shows that the church was first built in the early 400s and was completed under the reign of Pope Sixtus III between 432 and 440. This was the time when many churches were built and dedicated to Mary.
The Santa Maria Maggiore has had many names from the time it was built. First, it was called St. Mary of the Snow (Santa Maria della Neve), after the miraculous snowfall; then Santa Maria Liberiana after Pope Liberius. After the basilica had obtained a relic of the Holy Crib, it was called St. Mary of the Crib (Santa Maria Del Presepe). Then it finally obtained its current name St. Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore).
Full restoration and renovation of Santa Maria Maggiore took place during the 18th century, when the facade and its interior were greatly changed. Santa Maria Maggiore is a tourist’s attraction and it is said to be the second most beautiful church in Rome second only to St. Peter’s. Among the attractions that you can see at the Santa Maria Maggiore are several mosaics (apse mosaic depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, mosaics of the triumphal arch which depicts scenes from the early life of Christ), the nave, the medieval bell tower (the highest in Rome), Athenian marble columns, the Pauline chapel, an icon of Virgin Mary known as Salus Populi Romani (Health of the Roman People), a relic of the True Cross and a museum containing Roman remains. The basilica is decorated with lots of artworks that will make your visit interesting. The feast day of Santa Maria Maggiore is celebrated on August 15th.
Type: Attraction, Church, Historic
- St. Peter’s Dome is the dome that covers St. Peter's basilica, one of the most exceptional religious and historic sites in Rome, Italy.
St. Peter's Dome St. Peter’s Dome is the dome that covers St. Peter's basilica, one of the most exceptional religious and historic sites in Rome, Italy. Rome is a city of wonders in ... moreterms of architectural buildings as well as its natural landscape. St. Peter’s Square, just outside the basilica, is where the most important Catholic Masses and occasions are celebrated. It is here where the newly elected pope appears to the rest of the world for the first time. St. Peter’s basilica also houses several papal tombs, among many other Catholic relics. This site is incredible, both in it interior and exterior.
Another incredible feature of St. Peter’s Basilica is the Dome. This is the largest dome in the world and it is a marvel of architecture. The dome is also referred to as the cupola. The dome ascends above the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica and it is extravagantly embelished with mosaic and ornaments. It is supported by four main structural piers with a height of 120m and a perimeter of 71m; starting from the ground to the roof of the lantern.
There are huge letters on the gold background, from St. Veronica to St. Helen, stating: “Hinc una fides mundo refulgent” (From here a single faith shines throughout the world); and from St. Longinus to St. Andrew: “Hinc sacerdotii unitas exoritur” (From here is born the unity of the priesthood). There are several other verses as well and all these gigantic letters (2 meter high) are lit by the light from 16 large windows.
The dome is divided into 16 ribs and into many segments by majestic figures on 6 ascending concentric levels. The levels are as follows, starting at the bottom: busts of the 16 popes buried in the basilica; the majestic figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. John the Baptist, and other Apostles; the angels bearing the instruments of Jesus’ Passion (in the rectangular frames); the faces of cherubim and seraphim in circular medallions; the angels, the custodians of St. Peter’s tomb; and additional faces of winged angels.
The most interesting experience is climbing up the dome. It has 551 stairs and that is why if you are not very energetic it is recommended to take a lift; or else you will spend hours just climbing the dome. It costs around 7 Euros to take the lift. Once you reach the basilica, you will see a queue to climb the dome; this is because there are many people climbing up the dome every day. Queue in the line and get your climbing ticket. After getting the ticket, you will be guided either to the stairs or the lift depending on your choice. Paying for the lift is worthwhile as after a short while you will already be at the top of the dome. You can get outside the dome, where you can see a panoramic view of ALL of Rome. It is a spectacular view with magnificent and breath-taking sites.
If you are planning to visit Rome, put St. Peter’s Dome in your list “must see” sites. There are guided tours by professionals who will take you to all places in and outside the dome and give you comprehensive explanation of every detail of the dome. Climbing St. Peter’s Dome is a lifetime experience.
Type: Attraction, Church, Cultural, Historic
- St. Peter’s Square is known for its spectacular beauty and the fountains may be listed among its many outstanding features. Most of these fountains were constructed during ancient days.
The Fountains in St. Peter's Square St. Peter’s Square is one of the most famous venues in Rome, Italy. The square is located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica within Vatican City. ... moreSeveral special Masses are celebrated in St. Peter's square during various special dates on the Roman Catholic Church's calendar. It is at St. Peter’s Square where a newly elected pope appears to the rest of the world for the first time. Other special Masses celebrated at St. Peter’s Square include: Easter and Christmas Masses.
St. Peter’s Square is known for its spectacular beauty and the fountains may be listed among its many outstanding features. Most of these fountains were constructed during ancient days and they have contributed ever since to the beauty of the square. The fountains have been renovated and are well conserved making them worth visiting if you are visiting the Vatican and Rome.
The following are some of the fountains that can be found in St. Peter’s Square:
Maderno Fountain: this fountain was redesigned by architect Carlo Maderno after being commissioned by Pope Paul V. The design is that of an octagonal base with a large irregular basin at the top. It also has small columns and steps which hold water. The new design is also comprised of a large lower stone vasque, which the old fountain had possessed also as well as four stone scrolls. The top of the fountain is a cap in shape of a mushroom, which is covered with stone scales. Water from the top of the fountain pours down over the top of the upper vasque. The fountain was designed in such a way that it did not operate by pumps but purely by gravity. This was facilitated by the fact that the source of water for the Maderno Fountain was higher than the fountain itself. This caused the water to shoot upwards by the power of gravity. In 1641, this fountain was said to be the most beautiful fountain in the whole of Europe.
Bernini Fountain: it is located on the southern side of St. Peter’s Square. It was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between 1667 and 1677. The fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement X. Bernini built the fountain for ten years and its design followed earlier designs.
These fountains continuously give St. Peter’s Square a spectacular atmosphere in which the sounds of trickling water made by these fountains can be heard from a distance. Therefore as you approach St. Peter’s Square, you will start hearing the relaxing sounds supplied by the fountains’ waters. The fountains have remained a great tourist attraction and are among the most beautiful fountains in Rome, Italy.
Therefore if you are planning to visit Rome, do not miss out on a visit St. Peters square and its fountains. They are among the tallest and most beautiful fountains in the Vatican City. You will meet attendants who will give a brief history of the fountains and explain every detail about these fountains. If you are allowed to enter St. Peter’s square then there are no restrictions on viewing and taking photos of these fountains. The fountains also discharge very clean water and are well maintained.
Type: Attraction, Historic
- Gandolfo Castel is a town located 24 km southeast of Rome, Italy. The Gandolfo Castel is on the Alban Hills, overlooking Lake Albano. the town is said to be one of the most scenic towns in Italy.
The Gandolfo Castel Gandolfo Castel is a town located 24 km southeast of Rome, Italy. The GandolfoCastel is on the Alban Hills, overlooking Lake Albano. The town has a totalpopulation ... moreof approximately 8840 people, and it is said to be one of the mostscenic towns in Italy. The Gandolfo Castel hosts the Apostolic Palace of CastleGandolfo, which is used as a summer residence and vacation retreat for thePope. The Gandolfo Castel is located within the borders of Castle Gandolfo, butit has extraterritorial status as one of the properties of the Holy See andtherefore it is not under the jurisdiction of Italy.
Themain source of water for the Gandolfo Castel is Lake Albano, which is oftencalled Lake Castel Gandolfo. This place is surrounded by several summerresidences, villas and cottages; some of which were built during the 17thcentury. The Gandolfo Castel also houses the Stadio Olimpico, which staged rowingevents during the Rome Olympics. There are also several archeological siteswithin The Gandolfo Castel, among them Emissario del Lago Albano and theremains of the Villa of Domitian. It is also an area full of artistic interest,such as the Collegiate Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, which was designed byGian Bernini Lorenzo.
Justlike most towns in Rome, Italy, Gandolfo Castel is also a town full ofactivities. There are many events that take place in the town on variousoccasions. There is a local market which takes place on Friday mornings, manyfestivals, theatres, artwork, schools, archeological sites, canoeing, golf,rugby, football, etc. The town offers many hotels which are constantly full ofvisitors. Some of the fabulous hotels in The Gandolfo Castel and near the towninclude Hotel Castel Gandolfo, Hotel Castel Vecchio, Hotel Villa Degli Angeli, andmore. The abundance of hotels displays the prominence of the town as a holidaydestination. Visitors frequent the town, especially during summer, to enjoy thefresh air, cool atmosphere and spectacular views in the town and thesurrounding areas. Limited parking for tourists is available within the boundsof Gandolfo Castel.
Butmore important to the Catholic Church and its followers, the Gandolfo Castel isthe Papal residence during summer. The Pope stays in this place during summertimes, and also holds occasional special meetings with his delegates at thesite. Recently, during the election of the new Pope following the resignationof Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Benedict retired to the Gandolfo Castel during theelection process.
Despitethe fact that Castel Gandolfo is a town full of tourism, agriculture, games,art, and other activities; the town hold a great importance to the Catholic believersas it is the Pope's second home and the place where he spends most of his timeoutside Vatican City.
Type: Attraction, Historic
- The Vatican Necropolis is located under the Vatican City, at a depth of 5 to 12 meters below Saint Peter’s Basilica. Major archaeological excavations took place in the years 1940 to 194
The Vatican Necropolis The Vatican Necropolis is located under the Vatican City, at a depth of 5 to 12 meters below Saint Peter’s Basilica. Major archaeological excavations took place ... moreunder Saint Peter’s in the years 1940 to 1949, with the sponsorship of the Vatican. This excavation work was done at the request of the then Pope Pius XI who wanted to be buried very close to Peter the Apostle. St Peter is believed to have been the first Pope. It is said that he was martyred in a Roman Circus and that his remains were then buried at the site of the Vatican. These excavations were done so as to locate the actual site of the grave of St. Peter, which had been assumed to be under St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Necropolis of the Vatican is also home to the Tomb of the Julii family (The family of Julius Ceaser). During Ancient times people were not allowed to be buried within the walls of the city of Rome and this led to the establishment of the Vatican necropolis. The Vatican necropolis was originally established as a burial place built on the southern slope of the Vatican Hill. The Vatican hill was located next to a circus built by Emperor Caligula.
There have been some reconstructions done in the Vatican necropolis including one reconstruction in the area around the grave of the Apostle Peter. Some archaeologists who were involved in the early excavations of the Vatican necropolis in search of St. Peter’s grave suggested that at the time of the construction of Constantinian basilica, the remains of the Apostle Peter were removed from his original grave and placed in the opening.
Every year, millions of people from different parts of the world visit the Vatican for various reasons. A big percentage of these people visit the Vatican necropolis, the place where Peter the Apostle and other popes are believed to have been buried. This site is one of the holiest places in Rome. Saint Peter was crucified on Nero’s circus in the center of St. Peter’s Basilica and his body was moved and buried to a cemetery. According to history, this cemetery is said to be the current Vatican necropolis .Many people who take a tour of Vatican appreciate the conservancy of this place.There are guided tours which can be arranged in advance online in different languages. You will be taken through the chambers until you reach the Tomb of Saint Peter.In the tours you will enjoy magnificent monuments, inscriptions and works of art which symbolize the history of Christianity and the City of Vatican. A tour of Vatican necropolis will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Please note that only a small group of people of between ten and fifteen is allowed in at a time. On a tour of the area you can also enjoy the view of Vatican hill, the Vatican Gardens, museums, St. Peter’s Square, and the Apostolic Palace, among other monuments.
Type: Attraction, Church, Cultural, Historic, Museum
Features: Bathroom, Drinking water
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The Flavian Palace, normally known as the Domus Flavia, is part of the vast residential complex of the Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill in Rome. It was completed in 92 AD by ... moreEmperor Titus Flavius Domitianus, and attributed to his master architect, Rabirius.
The term Domus Flavia is a modern designation used to describe the northwestern section of the Palace where the bulk of the large public rooms for entertaining and ceremony are concentrated. It is interconnected with the domestic wing to the southeast, the Domus Augustana, which descends from the summit of the Palatine down to wings specially constructed within the hill to the south and southwest.
The imposing ruins which flank the southeastern side of the Palace above the Circus Maximus are a later addition built by Septimius Severus; they are the supporting piers for a large extension which completely covered the eastern slope.
The Domus Flavia contains several exceptionally large rooms; the main public reception rooms are the Basilica, the Aula Regia, the Lararium, and the Triclinium.
The Basilica is the first part visible from the Clivus Palatinus, the road that connects the Roman Forum to the Palatine Hill. A long portico runs alongside the domus on the west and north sides at the end of which is the main entrance which seems to serve both the public and the private part of the palace. Once inside the visitor enters the Lararium housing a detachment of the Praetorian guard. It is the smallest and most poorly preserved room in the palace. Behind it was once a staircase providing access to the Domus Augustana. Below this room parts of the earlier House of the Griffins have been excavated and from which exquisite decorations have been removed to the Antiquarium.
Type: Attraction, Cultural, Historic
The House of the Vettii: A Glimpse of Ancient Roman Life Nestled in the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii lies the House of the Vettii, a remarkably well-preserved Roman villa that ... moreoffers a window into the daily lives of its inhabitants. In this article, we explore the history and significance of this stunning historical site and how it can enhance your Pompeii tour.
A Brief History of the House of the Vettii
The House of the Vettii was built in the 2nd century BCE, during the Roman Republic, and was later renovated after the earthquake in 62 CE. The villa was home to two affluent brothers, Aulus Vettius Restitutus and Aulus Vettius Conviva, who were freedmen and successful merchants. The house was buried under volcanic ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, which preserved the villa in exceptional condition, allowing modern-day visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in ancient Roman life.
Unique Architectural Features
The House of the Vettii is a prime example of a Pompeian domus, featuring a central atrium surrounded by rooms, including bedrooms (cubicula), a dining room (triclinium), and a garden (hortus). The villa also boasts an exedra, a semi-circular space used for entertaining guests, and a peristyle, a colonnaded garden courtyard adorned with frescoes and fountains. The house's layout exemplifies the Roman concept of otium, or leisurely living, with spaces designed for relaxation, entertainment, and socializing.
Stunning Frescoes and Artwork
One of the most captivating aspects of the House of the Vettii is its collection of vivid frescoes. The artwork adorning the walls and ceilings provides invaluable insights into the tastes, interests, and daily life of its inhabitants. The frescoes are divided into several thematic groups, including mythological scenes, depictions of daily life, and images of gods and goddesses. One of the most famous frescoes is the portrayal of the god Priapus, symbolizing fertility and abundance, which was believed to protect the household.
Visiting the House of the Vettii
As one of Pompeii's most popular and well-preserved sites, the House of the Vettii is a must-see on any Pompeii tour. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights into the villa's history, architecture, and artwork. With its stunning frescoes, intriguing history, and unique architectural features, the House of the Vettii offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans and an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Conclusion
The House of the Vettii in Pompeii is a unique historical site that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of ancient Rome. The villa's well-preserved frescoes and architectural features provide a wealth of information about the interests and lifestyles of its inhabitants, making it an essential stop on any Pompeii tour. Don't miss the opportunity to step back in time and explore this captivating window into the past.
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