Like other churches we would visit that day, I found it overwhelming. There is so much to see. Paintings stretch from the floors to the ceiling and then continue on the ceilings. Ornate sculptures fill the room. Decorative carvings hang in every niche. I found that even as my eyes scanned the room, I couldn't take it all in. It made me think that one could worship in this space for years and still see new things each time.
After we worshiped we walked the streets making our way to Santa Maria Maggiore, arriving at the conclusion of their mass. This was an even larger structure with chapels larger than many churches. One of the impressive features of this cathedral is a large area beneath the altar where they have the relics from the manger. As one kneels at the altar, your focal point is two-fold. One is to look forward at the altar with the cross.
The other is to look downward toward the manger.
It creates an image of kneeling in that space between life and death and an opportunity to contemplate one's own journey.
Next, we walked in search of another famous church, only to miss our turn and end up at the Colisseum. We have signed up for a tour of this later this week and look forward to visiting this immense structure.
After lunch at a little cafe (I will have to write about the food at some point!) we learned our way around the Metro and rode to a little park area. Were it not raining this would have been a nice place to meander, but instead we walked to the Museum of the House of Borghese to view the artwork. Two floors of paintings and sculptures are on display. The main display is from Lucas Cranach, an artist from the German Reformation and a friend of Martin Luther.
Dinner was at a nice restaurant a few blocks from our hotel. The waiter poured on the charm toward my lovely wife. When it came time for the check he offered to bring my bill and let Signora stay. Thankfully, she returned with me so we can continue our adventures together.
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