What a day today was. I saw things today that are like nothing I have ever seen before. A group of us walked around the city today, and we walked into some old churches that literally took my breath away when I walked inside. The intricate beauty of these churches is incredible. The ceilings were all engraved with gold and all depicted biblical scenes, and just as the designers intended you can't help but look up. The feeling inside of all these churches is very serene and peaceful, everyone whispers and seems to move slower than usual. The high ceilings and huge statues made me feel small, which is how you should feel in a place like that I suppose. It's very difficult to properly explain the awe that I felt while inside of these places, I think you just have to go and see one.
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| The inside of the first church we stopped at. Its right on the way to school. |
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| Another church. Notice the awesome ceiling. |
Another place that crossed my path today was the famous Pantheon. The ancient Romans built the Pantheon as a temple to commemorate all of their Pagan gods. When the Catholics took control of the city they converted it into a church to commemorate their God. But history aside, the building is spectacular.The large dome has a circular opening at the top, which lets a ray of sunlight in that moves throughout the day. How the Romans built this dome with the neccessary prescision in order for it to support itself I will never understand. I would imagine it to be extremely difficult to build even today with the aid of our modern technology. The inside of the dome is truly spectacular.
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| Inside of the dome at the Pantheon |
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| Below the dome |
We also stopped at the Piazza Navona, which is where Bernini's famous "Four Rivers" sculpture is. Its a bustling scene there, with art vendors set up everywhere and cafes lining the Piazza. The statue in the center is amazing, I can't believe that a man carved it with nothing but his hands and his tools.
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| Bernini's Four Rivers. Like much of everything else here pictures don't do it justice. |
The last stop of the day was the Piazza Venezia, which is where Benito Mussolini delivered his speeches to the people of Rome. On the side of the Piazza is a very, very large building that I don't really know anything about yet. But it seems to be the largest building in the city. It's quite incredible.
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| At the Piazza Venezia |
Such amazing pictures! I'm thrilled you are there and letting us join you through your blog. Keep the updates coming!!!
ReplyDeleteHey Zack....Loved your pics, glad your having such a great time and eat well and keep those pics coming. Feel like I'm there. Love L&l
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures! How are your roommates? Any good friends yet?
ReplyDeleteAwsome pictures. It only gets better. I told you you would love it there. Wait until you taste all the food and wine. Keep us in touch.
ReplyDeleteZack, Your words and pictures are perfect! I wait with anticipation for the next update of what you are seeing and doing! Keep up the great writing and know that you are missed even more as the days go by... Maggie
ReplyDeleteZack - I am so very pleased that you are enjoying the adventure of Rome. I feel so close to you and yet so far away. Your blog, your words, your descriptions and pictures are incredible and really make us all feel a part of your adventure. Please keep sharing!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to come over there and experience Italy with you and be a small part of all the things you have shared.
I am so proud of you for the man you have become, for all you have accomplished and all you continue to do in your life....Greatness is certainly woven into the fabric of your future.
Please continue to have fun, be safe, keep your eyes open, and always have an exit strategy.
Know we are thinking of you and looking forward to the next chapter in your adventure. You have the world in your hands and the road ahead is wide open....enjoy!
I Love You Son and miss you so very much....
Dad