Lines to the Vatican Museums

Every day more than 20,000 people enter the Vatican Museums. Most arrive without reservations and have to wait in a line that can be more than 2 hours long.
If you make an online reservation you can go right up to the door, show your reservation and walk in. (I did not have to print out my reservation. I was able to have the reservation scanned from my iPad screen.

Helping the World to Eat

The World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations is headquartered in Rome. Their offices are on the way to the airport at Fumicino.

This past week I finally stopped the car to take a picture of the WFP Building. It is next door to a McDonald's. I guess both are helping the world to eat!

Ara Pacis

This is August, the month named after the Emperor Augustus who ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD. His reign initiated an era of relative peace, the Pax Romana, that lasted more then two centuries.

On August 1st I decided to remember this emperor and visit again the Ara Pacis. It is housed in a building designed by Richard Meier.


The Ara Pacis is said to be one of the finest examples of classical art. The Roman Senate voted for its construction in 13 BC to honor Augustus when he returned from the provinces of Spain and Gaul.

The actual altar, used in sacrifices on the Field of Mars, stands within a finely sculpted marble chamber that depicts scenes of Roman historic and religious significance, in which the Emperor and his family are featured. (I felt privileged to walk on the very steps that Augustus himself used 2,000 years ago.)

The carvings today are in white marble. In ancient times they would have been painted bright colors.

Santa Maddalena di Canossa

Santa Maddalena di Canossa: Built 1992-97

Architect: Giovanni Ambrosi de Magistris

At the same time that the "garage" church of Sant'Ilirio was being renovated, a new parish was formed about 1km north, Santa Maddalena di Canossa.

The interior seats about 600 people and it is a very successful architectural space for the community celebration of the Eucharist. (For a dozen years the priests have been able to keep the church free of clutter. I wish other modern churches could do that!)

From wherever one sits, there is a sense

of being close to the action of the liturgy.

The soaring concrete, wood and steel construction

helps the worshipper "lift up their hearts."

The external design of the church is an

interesting addition to the neighborhood.

The rectory and parish activity rooms

are connected to the church structure.

The church is in a residential neighborhood

and shares a parking lot with a multiplex cinema.

A Church in a Garage

In 1977 the parish of Sant' Illario di Poitiers began in a parking garage in the zone of Ottavia, about 20 km from the city center, just inside the GRA or "ring road." The area started as a rural township after World War II, and construction has never stopped! Today the zone has over 20,000 people in 4 sq. km. The church was renovated in 1992 and today it is a "feast for the eyes."

This is the view of the neighborhood

looking southwest from where I parked the car.

This is the view looking northeast, including McDonald's.

When approaching the church I was first greeted by a large banner welcoming kids to the parish recreational facilities, the "oratorio."

This is the entrance ramp to the "garage" church, under an apartment building that houses the parish center on the first floor.

When entering the church you come upon a cross-shaped, step down baptismal pool.

Beyond the pool is a large square altar, and every surface, top and sides, is covered with painted images.

At the far end is the presider's chair.

An area for daily liturgies and eucharistic reservation

is to the right of the baptismal pool when you enter.

The only windows in the space are along the entrance ramp, and together with the doors, they have images made of etched and colored glass.

It is difficult to comprehend all of the images and symbolism in one visit. Different artists have worked to cover every inch of space in this "garage."

Villa Farnesina

The Villa Farnesina on the bank of the Tiber River in Trastevere is one of the hidden gems of Rome. Very few tourists find their way to this Renaissance 16th century home of Agostino Chigi, a banker from Siena. This month I was back there again with my Italian language class.

One of the ceilings depicts the position of the stars

at the moment Agostino Chigi was born.

Vulcan, the god of fire, was often painted on fireplace walls

This fresco by Raphael is one of the villa's masterpieces.

We were surprised to find the Room of the Frieze opened after being closed for many years while it was being restored. This part of the frieze shows the labors of Hercules. It is reported that if you needed a loan from Mr. Chigi, you sat at a table facing him with the mighty accomplishments of Hercules over his head. (He was a man of power!)

To see my previous posting about this villa CLICK HERE.

La Scala Sancta

A medieval tradition claims that La Scala Sancta (adjacent to the Lateran Palace) was a staircase in Jerusalem that Jesus climbed up when he went to the house of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. St. Helena is credited with bringing these steps to Rome in the 4th century. (She is called "the great mover of relics" in Lucentini's guide book to Rome.)
For centuries, La Scala Santa has attracted Christian pilgrims who wished to honor the Passion of Jesus. It consists of 28 marble steps and all who wish to ascend must go on their knees.

Note: Pope Pius IX climbed La Scala Sancta on his knees on September 19, 1870, as a plea for God's protection on the day before the Italian troops entered Rome. (The Pope was 78 years old.)a