Adventures in Rome

Saturday April 10, 2010
A fabulous warm spring day to explore Rome with the Sommerfeldts.

First stop - Our favorite Open Market

2nd Stop - Visiting Mussolini's Villa and grounds
This villa and surrounding gardens formerly belonging to the Torlonia family. Disused for a time, Mussolini rented it from the Torlonia for one lira a year to use as his state residence from the 1920s onwards.

Many people come to enjoy the quiet setting.

Our favorite find on the grounds was the Casina delle Civette - House of Owls.
Owls in the arch.
Great architecture.

And we loved the beautiful stained glass.




A glimpse into the turret with mosaic on the floor.

Next stop - The Basilica of St. Sebastian and the catacombs beneath.

Built originally in the first half of the 4th century, the basilica is dedicated to St. Sebastian, a popular Roman Christian martyr of the 3rd century who was ordered shot to death by arrows.

Underneath the church is a Christian cemetery.

"The catacombs are the ancient underground cemeteries, used by the Christian communities."

"The areas owned by the Christians above ground were very limited. Had they used only open-air cemeteries, the space available for burial would have quickly been exhausted. The catacombs proved to be economical, safe and practical. It was cheaper to dig underground corridors and galleries than to buy large pieces of land in the open."

"Such out-of-the-way areas, especially during the persecutions, were very apt for the free displaying of the Christian symbols."

The Alpha and the Omega are the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet They signify that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things. (The X with the P inside)

The anchor is the symbol of salvation and of the soul which has peacefully reached the port of eternity.

The fish. In Greek one says IXTHYS (ichtùs). Placed vertically, the letters of this word form an acrostic: Iesùs Christòs Theòu Uiòs Sotèr = Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour. Acrostic is Greek word which means the first letter of every line or paragraph. The fish is a widespread symbol of the Christian faith.

Our guide said that these stones have carved messages, asking Paul or Peter to intercede for their loved ones before God.

I am grateful for a living Christ, who will intercede in my behalf.

"Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life." (D&C 45:5)

According to our guide this is Bernini's last sculpture, found within this church.

Next stop - An ancient roadway.

"Via Appia Antica (Old Appian Way) was once one of the world's most important roads and the most famous of all the roads that radiated from Rome towards the far ends of the Roman empire."

Ancient Roman Pavement

A quaint ivy covered doorway along the Appian Way.

Next stop - The Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs)

"According to the Christian tradition, the steps that led up to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem, which Jesus Christ stood on during his Passion on his way to trial. The stairs were, reputedly, brought to Rome by St. Helena in the 4th Century. For centuries, the Scala Santa has attracted Christian pilgrims who wished to honor the Passion of Jesus.

Today's pilgrams attempting the steps on their knees. "In the Catholic Church, plenary indulgence can be granted for climbing the stairs on the knees."

"Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters..."

A great "preparation day" with a devoted companion.