By Marcia Abramson
Since Rome is not a port city, the Renaissance R6 Cruise ship pulled into Civitavecchia, 65 miles from Rome. I felt that the information supplied by the cruise director with directions on how to deal with getting to Rome from the Civitavecchia, the port of call, was very helpful. I was told that the port shuttle bus was available to transport those adventuresome passengers to the port front gate from the ship and then, they could take the train to Rome. They were given careful instructions as well as train schedules to make certain that they did not miss the boat. I decided to do Rome on my own, but with bus transportation to Rome provided by the shore excursions at a cost of $79.99. Since I had been to Rome several times before, I did not feel that I needed the escorted tour provided by the ship's shore excursions which included the Highlights of Rome, Vatican City, the Catacombs and Italian countryside at costs ranging from $89 to $109.
Even though Rome is a large modern city covering 582 square miles, I found walking to the
numerous historic and religious sites easy to cover on foot as long as I learned to deal with what appeared to be at times uncontrollable traffic. This city was the seat of empire, mother of civilization, caput mundi (head the world), the city of the Caesars, romance, the city of la dolce vita with inspiring sunny days, the city of enriching art, of churches and museums, of piazzas with beautiful fountains and unbelievable monuments when the empire represented a golden age. This is a city whose culture is overwhelming, from ancient artifacts to the magnificent works of Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Bermini to the religious services at the independent state of Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica (St. Peter's , the largest church in Christendom) 90 guards recruited from the four Catholic cantons in Switzerland. They are no older than 25, pressed into service at age 19 and must meet height and weight requirements as well as single marital status during their tour of duty. Michelangelo designed their uniforms in the medieval colors of the Medici popes of red, yellow and blue (certainly worth a "Kodak minute). Visitors can attend mass with the Pope on Wednesday mornings and Sundays. The Vatican Museum is another venue not to be missed. It is absolutely awesome with specialty rooms devoted to Tapestries, Geographical Map Galleries, the Candelabra Gallery and the fantastic Raphael Rooms. The majesty of the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel ceiling frescos are unbelievably beautiful and left an impression on me that I don't think I will ever forget. This ceiling took the great artist four years
to complete, lying on his back.
At my first visit, the frescos were being restored. Now, it was wonderful to see the completed restoration. They are indeed worthy of being considered "the pinnacle of European artistic achievement." There are nine sections arranged by time periods from the Book of Genesis: the Separation of Light and Darkness, the Creation of the Heavens, the Separation of Land and Sea, and the Creations of Adam and Eve. The sequence is followed by the Fall and Expulsion from Paradise, the Sacrifice of Noah: the Flood and the Drunkenness of Noah and the Last Judgment which is located on the rear wall and was painted 20 years after Michelangelo started this commission. Try not to overlook the side walls of the chapel which have paintings depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the life of Moses.
And now some words about St. Peter's Basilica which is the largest church in Christendom. This is where the Pope celebrates mass at an altar over which is the Baldacchino, the papal canopy designed and made by Bemini in the 17th century. I was dazzled by another Bemini creation in the apse: a gilt and bronze throne for the Holy Father. I ventured into the side chapel, and glanced at the altar. There I observed the white marble sculpture of Michelangelo's Pieta, conceivably the most well-known and inspirational sculpture in the world.
I then took some time out for a cup of espresso and some gnocchi (potato dumplings) at a
trattoria before venturing out to see the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Navona. I
could visualize the gladiator fights and the wild animal games of ancient times. The Colosseum
has been immortalized by Hollywood movies and could be the site of the movie, "The Gladiators." I was quite impressed by the gigantic size and exquisite architecture of the ancient Pantheon and the overall excellent condition of this building.
Copyright by Marcia Abramson
