Bonus Gate: November 30, 2009

Gates, lift high your heads,

raise high the ancient gateways,

and the king of glory shall enter.

Psalm 24: 7 (New Jerusalem Bible)

Today is Monday of the first week in Advent. The Advent Calendar of Roman Gates does not start until tomorrow, but I offer you this gate as a Monday bonus! The Porta Santo Spirito (of the Holy Spirit) is the only surviving Renaissance gate in the Vatican walls. Construction on this gate began in 1542 by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger, but was abondoned and remains unfinished because Michaelangelo suggested that the walls should follow a different course.