Thursday, 6 December 2012
When the girls get here and we are in Rome we plan on a day trip from Rome to Naples via the train to go look at a museum in Naples. Therefore, we thought it might be a good idea to introduce ourselves to the train service. To do this we thought why not take the train from near Montepluciano down to Rome for the day and then return? We are glad to say that it all went pretty well and the travel day was a success.
The rail station was easy to find. The long term parking for the rail station was another subject. After driving in a few circles around the immediate area at the front of the station we stopped a police officer who gave us good directions to where the lot was located. Off we went. Got the car parked and headed back to the station and heard a train pulling in. Must be ours! We hustled through the turnstile and boarded the train proud of our efficiency and timing. Just to make sure we were in the correct train we asked another passenger if the train was bound for Roma? NO! It was northbound to Sienna. OOOOps! Jumped off the train and headed over to track 4 where there was no train yet. After about 5 minutes the train rolled in, we got on, eventually found a seat, and the trip, to Rome this time, began.
We arrived in Rome and the station was bustling! We are used to quite busy airport terminals but this really gave us an idea of just how popular train travel is in Italy. There were people in all manner of travel. Some hauling too much luggage and others looking like they were starting their day of work. We were in Rome. A place we thoroughly enjoy and the sun was shining. Instead of taking a cab as we had discussed the decision was made to hoof it across town and see some of the wonderful fountains that are spread across the city and whatever else we could find.
This is the fantasy of the day. It was a little cool for a Vespa!
I first saw photos of Bernini’s Ecstasy of St. Theresa when I was in High School. At that time I was very impressed by the beauty captured by the sculptor. Laura and I first saw it in person 25 years ago. We took Claire and Alessandra 6 years ago. It was wonderful to be able to stop by again and see one of the worlds great works of art.
This is the main altar in Santa Maria della Vittoria which houses Bernini’s work. It is a small, nondescript church away from the major attraction of Rome.
Don’t forget to also look up.
Back out on the streets and decided to stop into the Barberini Palace. It now houses the National Picture Gallery and contains works by Titian, Raphael, Fra Angelica, Holbien. Sadly no cameras are allowed inside. Sneaky cell phone shot coming up!! These are the decorations along the fence and gate in front.
The first fountain of the day in front of the Palace. This place at one time was the property of the Borgia Pope. The ones in the TV show!! Walking in history here.
Your typical Palace ballroom ceiling paint job. Sneaky cell phone stitch job of three images to get it all.
Setting up the tree in a building courtyard.
Laura, helping to make the Trevi Fountain an even better attraction!
Details from the Trevi.
This is the first church that Laura and I visited on our first ever trip to Rome. It is still just as impressive as when we first saw it. From then on we knew that Italy was always going to impress us.
The center piece of the Pazza Navona is Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers. There are four large human figures surrounding an Egyptian obelisk. The fountain was covered with scaffolding six years ago when we brought the girls. They will get to see it all now.
North and south of the center piece are two other large pool fountains. This location is one of Rome’s jewels.
It must be the holidays. Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire. And Jack Frost was out big time last night!
A hand full of holly is headed to someones home.
Children were riding the brightly painted carousel in the piazza.
We found the location of the apartment we will be staying in while in Rome. This little gem of a church is just half a block away.
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Carriage rides from the Piazza di Spagna.
Just who are you calling fat?
Made it back to where we started. A short drive back to the apartment and bed. We will be back in a few weeks for New Years Eve.
I clearly recall studying the Ecstasy of St Theresa is Art History 101, and seeing for the first time–how the folds of her skirt appeared to be made of silk rather than marble. Thnx for bringing up a fond memory.
Wonderful shots!
The thought of occupying the same space as those great works of art gives me chills. I met my wife while we attended the University Of Windsor, she was a fine arts major and I was in Philosophy with a minor in pub and euchre.( two of the 3 studies I still use on occasion) At any rate, her classes were primarily in a bldg which was just off campus so I would go to visit her while I was between classes and it came to be that I was a regular in the “LeBel” building and as such I began to monitor one of her classes and would NEVER miss it as, along with the fantastic slide show my, then girlfriend, would bring lunch for us both ( mostly me) to eat while I was riveted to her 2nd year Art History class. It could not be beat, a gorgeous girl beside me, a savoury lunch and what I likened to a live PBS show, it could only have been better if they provided couches to lounge on rather then class room seating….I digress ( that’s not an apology…just a statement). What I really want to say is how much I envy you and your lovely bride to have the opportunity to “feel” that art around you, in churches, piazzas, public buildings, all around you. Although its been a while now since University, some 30 yrs give or take, I still recall all the names you mention and many more…. Caravagio was very much to my liking with his unique use of bottom lighting but Bernini was sure no slouch with a hammer and chisel. He could make that marble flow like water.
I should add that I am viewing and typing this ( long winded) missive whilst having lunch at my desk at work… get this, a big whack of Bologna, on a ciabatta roll with black olive tapenade spread on the bread…rather fitting I’d say. I should have brought in a bottle of red to have with it but this pomegranate juice will have to suffice.
Mi Amico Michele…. Grazie mille for sharing these photos and your splendid commentary!
Weeeeelie