jetjunkies

January 6, 2025

Unbeknownst to us 2025 is Jubilee in Rome. Eileen let us know and research has that it is an old Jewish tradition, which established a year of rest every 50 years. The Catholic Church has claimed Jubilee as a Holy year when the Pope grants plenary indulgence (absolution from all sins) to the faithful that travel to Rome. I’m not sure about the faithful part since we aren’t Catholic, but I’d say we lucked out on the sin part.

We settled in our little airbnb upon our arrival 3 days ago. It is tiny with a scary steep staircase up to the bedroom. But it is perfect for our use, as we are out everyday taking in the sights.

Unfortunately our first day here was spent trying not to fall sleep, with 30 hours of travel. We did indulge in the neighborhood pizza which was excellent.

Day 2, January 4th, we were out the door to the Vatican tour we’d arranged. The Vatican Palace museums are so extensive that we only saw a small portion, but our tour guide was excellent.

In this hall of statues we learned that Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) desecrated all the statues in the Palace museum by having all their penises removed. In more recent years when going through some old storage, a box of penises was found. Vatican workers have been trying to match them up with the correct statues with some success. Statues that have been unable to be repaired have had plaster fig leaves placed appropriately. Definitely quirky information…

When the Popes could afford it they would have Lapis Lazuli used to create the blue in mosaics and paintings. If was the preferred material since it wouldn’t fade over time.

The statue depicted above is not only famous for it’s story, but also because the form of Laocoön was considered so perfect an example of the male form that it was used by subsequent sculptors in their work. This included Michelangelo’s painting of God creating Adam on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling. Unfortunately photos aren’t allowed in the Chapel.

The quality and quantity works of art in the Vatican Palace are overwhelming. Although admirable and fascinating to see, the opulence was somewhat disturbing. The contrast between this Palace and the world outside was even more significant in times past. This isn’t to be preachy, but the experience was jarring.

We took the Metro and walked to the Cathedral Santa Maria Degli Angeli to hear their famous 5000+ pipe organ at 6 pm. The Cathedral is built on the the Roman Baths of Diocletian and was designed by Michelangelo. As you can see from the photos below, there is quite a contrast from exterior to interior.

Unfortunately the organ is down for repairs, so we decided to walk to the Spanish Steps and take in all the Christmas decorations.

Although we could barely lift our legs at this point, we climbed the stairs to reach the closest Metro station back to bed.

January 6

Today we headed to the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill. It was a short Metro ride and a long beautiful walk through neighborhoods and parks.

The interior of the Colosseum is uncovered sections of below ground level holding pens and rooms for animals and humans.

To be continued…..Time for bed, as we are off to Pompeii tomorrow.