Photography: Churches Of Rome - A Little Chapel On Piazza Giovanni In Laterano

(Drivebycuriosity) - Rome is a treasure chamber full of art. Over many centuries the eternal city amassed amazing architecture, paintings & sculptures. The magnificent churches, which are spread all over the city, are part of this treasure. They are the testimony that the city has been the capital of  powerful religious leaders, the popes, for 2000 years.  I plan to visit any church I will pass during my visit of Rome.

Last week we discovered a little chapel on the  Piazza Giovanni In Laterano, close to the name giving big basilica. Even though the little church seems to have no name the interior is exquisitely designed.
I love the combination of colors, especially the lush use of red. This altar is a real eye catcher.

The painted walls are also fascinating.

The ceilings look amazing as well

One of the gorgeous wall fresci.

And the windows complete the very positive impression.

To be continued

Architecture: The Charm Of Piazza Verbano Roma

(Drivebycuriosity) - Rome is famous for the Colosseum, Forum Roman and the Renaissance Basilicas & palaces. But the eternal city has more architectural gems to show. During our daily hikes my wife and I discovered today  Piazza Verbano, a place and a surrounding neighborhood in the north of the metropolis.

The area was constructed around 1930. Therefore all the buildings which circle the place has the same style. The constructions look ambitious, apparently created for an upmarket clientel.

I enjoyed the designs of the buildings and their colors.

Especially the balconies and colorful windows give the buildings a lot of charm.

We even spotted some descent street art.

To be cotinued

Photography: Fountains of Rome - La Fontana Delle Tartarughe

 

(Drivebycuriosity) - Rome is famous for her fountains. On almost every piazza you can find  beautiful sculptures who spew water. Last Saturday my wife and I discovered one of the lesser known fountains: La Fontana Delle Tartarughe (wikipedia).

 

The artwork was built between 1580 and 1588 by the architect Giacomo della Porta and the sculptor Taddeo Landini. The bronze turtles around the upper basin, usually attributed either to Gian Lorenzo Bernini or Andrea Sacchi, were added in either 1658 or 1659 when the fountain was restored.

The fountain shows four naked boys who are apparently having a good time holding up a plate with four turtles on it. The fountain is not an example of Renaissance street art. The sculptures also show that Rome was then not as prudish as the Popes wanted.

It seems that the many tourists who spot the fountain are not intimidated by the cocky little penises.

To be continued.

Photography: Churches Of Rome - Basilica Papale Di San Paolo

 

(Drivebycuriosity) - Rome is a treasure chamber full of art. Over many centuries the eternal city amassed amazing architecture, paintings & sculptures. The magnificent churches, which are spread all over the city, are part of this treasure. They are the testimony that the city has been the capital of  powerful religious leaders, the popes, for 2000 years.  I plan to visit any church I will pass during my visit of Rome.

 

Last Tuesday we discovered the  Basilica Papale Di San Paolo, also called Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in the south of Rome (wikipedia). The church is one of Rome's four ancient, Papal, major Basilicas. The Basilica was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of St. Paul and often destroyed in her long history. In 1823 a fire burned almost all historical parts but the building got reconstructed around the year. Today we can still see an amazing example of Renaissance paintings & architecture.

I am impressed by the majestic naves.

which go in different directions

Like other big Basilicas the church is flanked by elaborately painted chapels.

And amazes by wonderful fresci on the ceilings

To be continued.

Traveling: A Visit @ The Vatican Museums

 

(Drivebycuriosity) - A visit of Rome is not complete without the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel. Last Monday my wife and I went there, using timed tickets which we had gotten online.

 

Even though the midst of April is out of the holiday season there was a huge crow. But the amassed art work is worth the effort.

 

We were overwhelmed by the mass of fresci (mural painting executed upon freshly laid, or wet lime plaste on walls & ceilings. In the crammed Sistine chapel were no photos allowed, but the way to this place is impressive alone. 

 

Above more fresco. Or is it fresci?

 

Looking onto all the ceilings was a real challenge for my neck.

 

Looking on  the mosaics on the ground was easier.

 

They also have an impressive collection of paintings on canvas, including work by Leonardo da Vinci & Caravaggio (but not their best).

 

They even own on a Pope painted by Francis Bacon.

 

I really like this fountain 

 



                     Without Fig Leaves

 

The prudish popes hated nudity though many sculptures got fig leaves or they private parts destroyed but even in the Vatican some survived uncastrated and without fig leaves.

To be continued