Rome and Vatican - Renaissance revisited

April 22nd,2005.

Roaming in Rome was like a dream come true. Though these were not exactly our feelings when we first set foot in this timeless city. Our first train ride was very memorable for not the right reasons. We reached Roma Termini around late noon and headed straight for a good Italian repast again of pasta and macaroni. Then we decided to take a train to the camping site we were booked. Since it was located in a pretty remote area we had to take a metro to the bus pick up point. The railway station scene that was in front of us was some thing worth talking about. We were in the middle of an animated conversation and our jaws dropped looking at the crowded trains. It was the first time in Europe we had seen so many people together. We gave each other knowing smiles looking at the familiar scene that was before us since we had been missing it for the past few days. There was enough graffiti all over the trains and the stations to catch any foreigner’s eye. Reaching the camp site around evening only gave us enough time to do something we hadn’t done for some time now like have a good shower, a relaxed meal, shop for groceries and do dome gup shup while stretching our legs. After all we had a long day ahead of us.

We were up early the next day, for we had to explore the city. We headed straight for the ‘Colosseum’. It was where the famous gladiator fights were held. It was an imposing structure. It is said that the word ‘Colosseum’ is derived from the word colossal; and truly enough the monument is really what it stands for – great. We decided to take one of those conducted tours around. And an Italian lady made the story of the monument come alive with her heavily accented one-hour description of the place. It was incredible that we were standing on the very area where some of the most heinous activities of a match of brawn between man and animal took place. All this in the name of entertainment. It was in fact noteworthy the amphitheatre like construction actually had seats based on the ranks of the society where the emperors, senators etc were given prime positions. Though what remain now are only ruins and the archaeologists are trying their best to restore it, it still is engraved in my memory forever. It has also inspired the likes of movies such as Gladiator and comics like Astreix, Tintin etc.


Then we proceeded towards Palantine Hill. There was the Arc De Constantine standing majestically at the entrance of the hill. Then we proceeded towards Roman forum. Roman forum was like the commercial centre of ancient Rome. It was originally the place which had markets, theatres, baths and public speaking forums. This was like walking through the ancient Roman civilization itself. It was like being amidst an animated history textbook. It was truly awe-inspiring. We set out on foot to explore the place and we could never have enough of it. Roman Forum itself had so much to it. It is even said to have a temple built for Julius Caesar in it. There were also those lavish baths that we get to see in movies. Then there were verdant gardens with cells, horse stables, viewpoints etc.

Then we started walking towards other renowned monuments like The Pantheon. Then we saw a magnificent structure known as Palazzo Venetia. It is made of impeccable white marble and was supposed to be some kind of cenotaph in honour of an unknown soldier. The gigantic figures that dotted the city landscape in front of the monuments all created some impression. The palace created déjà vu in my mind as I remembered Sabrina, the teenage witch running up the very same steps in one of the episodes.

As we walked through the city enchanted by the kind of history and culture it was stooped in, we couldn’t help but notice the various facets to the city. Being the land of Julius Caesar it is also the land of fascist Mussolini. Being the city of monuments it also the city where numerous two wheelers ply on narrow lanes. Being the place where traffic laws originated it is also a haven for the mafia.

We paid a flying visit to the Pantheon. It was an ancient Roman temple with some great architecture. Then we headed towards Trevi fountain, which is now a wishing well. Originally it is supposed to symbolize the communion of four life giving rivers – Nile, Danube, Tiber and Ganges. It was a lovely sight. There were gigantic Gothic sculptures that adorned it. We saw most of it there was to see on foot. It was truly enchanting. It is an extraordinary city with its rich and preserved history. Seeing all this was like reliving a history class where we learnt all about the great Roman civilization. There was so much left that we could see – The Spanish steps and a few more palaces and museums.

Then we proceeded towards The Vatican City. It felt strange walking into another city just like that, for it is an independent sovereign State. St.Peters Basilica was right in front of our eyes. There was a large crowd since Pope Benedict had just been inducted. We walked through the huge campus and went inside. The architecture inside was simply mind blowing. I had never seen something like that before. It felt like being transported by a time machine to the Renaissance era. There were enormous sculptures and stained glass ceiling. At the entrance there was Michelangelo’s Pieta, which was a representation of Virgin Mary with the already crucified Christ across her knees. The expression on her face was so palpable. The main altar shone like gold in the fading evening light. We had the good fortune of attending the Vatican evening mass albeit only for a few minutes. We intended to see the Sistine Chapel, which was in the near vicinity, but time did not permit. As we were walking out we observed the Vatican guards who seemed to be shouldering immense responsibility on their shoulders.

We walked out of Vatican and back into Rome and called it a day since we had a long day ahead of us. But little did we know that so many surprises would be there in store for us.