Back from Rome, Still Under Its Spell

Approaching Rome from above

It’s been nearly a week since I returned from Rome, and I’m still riding high from the experience. There’s something intoxicating about being surrounded by civilization in its truest sense—polite, courteous people; beauty in every direction; and the ever-present aura of classical grandeur and ancient Catholic devotion. Everything since has felt a little dimmer by comparison. I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for Rome—it is, and will remain, second only to Napoli.

I’m going to share more photos from the trip over the next few days, hoping they convey even a shadow of what it felt like to be there.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, October 31st, Vigil of All Saints

View of St. Peter's Basilica from Via della Conciliazione

(L) Copy of icon attributed to St. Luke. (R) Papal coat-of-arms

The heads of Christ and Mary in the Papal Apartments

Clock in the Papal Apartments

Inside the Papal Apartments 

(L) Equestrian statue of Emperor Charlemagne. (R) Statue of Lady Justice

Ricotta and pistachio gelato outside the Papal walls

A typical Roman breakfast to start the day

(Above & below) Architectural wonders around the city 

(L) Giordano Bruno monument at Campo de' Fiori.
(R) Detail of a light-post on the Ponte Sisto

(Above & below) La Madonnelle di Roma

Roma at night: The Lateran Obelisk and Column of the Immaculate Conception

Statue of St. Padre Pio helping Jesus carry the

Cross in the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro

San Giuda Taddeo chapel in the Chiesa di San Salvatore in Lauro

Parrocchia S. Maria del Rosario

A mosaic depicting Pope Pius XII inside Parrocchia S. Maria del Rosario

(Above & below) Examples of street art in Rome