In 476, when the Western Empire collapsed, Christianity is already well aired in Rome. Churches will begin to grow in each district of the city, then in each block ... then every crossing!
worry, I will not get into the pictures of thousands of churches of Rome. However, Rome is still the heart of Western Catholicism, and it is difficult to escape when you walk.
In the "hierarchy" Catholic, 4 basilicas are "above" the other: what are the major basilicas.
The most important of all is not Saint Peter's in Rome, as is often believed, but St. John Lateran (" San Giovanni in Laterano ).
is the church Cathedral (= seat of the diocese) of Rome, whose bishop was none other than ... Pope. It is the property of the Holy See and therefore enjoys the privilege of "extraterritoriality" (we are here on the land of the Vatican, not in Rome). It is considered the "mother" of all the churches of Rome and the world ("Urbi et Orbi ).
FYI, be aware that the President of the French Republic is canon (= clergyman) Honorary.
The cloister of St. John Lateran is beautiful ...
FYI, be aware that the President of the French Republic is canon (= clergyman) Honorary.
The cloister of St. John Lateran is beautiful ...
Next, visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, which according to its name, is located outside of Rome.
I was struck by the immensity of the place. The basilica is worth a visit. Unfortunately I have no photo of Santa Maria Maggiore. It is also not innocent because it is the Major Basilica of my least favorite.
And then, the best known, St. Peter's in Rome, on Vatican territory, is the largest church in the world.
can be reached by Via della Conciliazione, pierced by Mussolini after the Lateran Treaty (1929), to symbolize the "reconciliation" between church and state.
The photo at right is a scanned photo taken in 2002 from the top of Castel Sant'Angelo
And then we discover the majestic St. Peter's Square , designed by Bernini.
These photos were taken in December 2004. And there are crowds on that day instead.
Why? For the Pope (John Paul 2) is there! He spoke from the window of his apartments at the traditional Sunday noon prayer.
Why? For the Pope (John Paul 2) is there! He spoke from the window of his apartments at the traditional Sunday noon prayer.
Note anyway (for posterity) that I devoted no admiration for the pope. .. it would even be the opposite!
Unfortunately I have no pictures from inside the church (they are prohibited), but be aware that any is great: incredible architecture (dome), Baroque sculptures impressive ... It is still the largest church in the world ...
So, a word still on the Vatican Museums, next to the Basilica of St. Peter. First advice: Go early! The waiting along these impressive walls is often greater than 1 hour.
Second Board: arm yourself with courage (and food!) Because it's big ... very great! There are wonders in the museum (in Italian, we talk "of" museums for that matter), but there are so many things in places, it's more a museum consignment shop ... In the photos above, the central courtyard of the museum.
Finally, take a camera because the windows of the museum, you can see the Vatican Gardens, with, in the background, the dome of St. Peter's for an original angle.
To conclude on Christianity, I propose the translation of a very funny little text, found on the doors of a church (Santa Pudenziana): Christian Roots ...
Tourists, by chance, "Jesus is buried at the Coliseum?"
At the end of the visit of the Colosseum, the Texan tourist demand, a bit annoyed, "Excuse me, but the tomb of Jesus, you do not show us? The tour guide was used to avoid being removed. "We would like to return to the airport," she says. "But patiently, one is obliged to explain that Christ never set foot in Rome." And tourists from across the Atlantic are not the only ones out in the outrageous all kind, say the guides of the Capitol. Often, they are also Italians. There is, for example, one who breaks the explanations so candid. "You always talk before Jesus Christ, after Jesus Christ, but who is Jesus Christ?". And St. Peter, when they said the Pope's historic window, he asked: "The Pope? And who is it?" There is also disillusionment with the Sistine Chapel. Many commented: "Everything is there?" And the Arch of Constantine. A Japanese woman does not hesitate to take the guide: "Made in Italy? But if it is a copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?"
Tourists, by chance, "Jesus is buried at the Coliseum?"
At the end of the visit of the Colosseum, the Texan tourist demand, a bit annoyed, "Excuse me, but the tomb of Jesus, you do not show us? The tour guide was used to avoid being removed. "We would like to return to the airport," she says. "But patiently, one is obliged to explain that Christ never set foot in Rome." And tourists from across the Atlantic are not the only ones out in the outrageous all kind, say the guides of the Capitol. Often, they are also Italians. There is, for example, one who breaks the explanations so candid. "You always talk before Jesus Christ, after Jesus Christ, but who is Jesus Christ?". And St. Peter, when they said the Pope's historic window, he asked: "The Pope? And who is it?" There is also disillusionment with the Sistine Chapel. Many commented: "Everything is there?" And the Arch of Constantine. A Japanese woman does not hesitate to take the guide: "Made in Italy? But if it is a copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris?"
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