Tips 1 - 6 of 6 Rome Off The Beaten Path
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In the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva lies the body of St. Catherine of Siena. I think I read that she is the little known patron saint of Italy. He claims to fame are that she levitated around the streets of Siena, was the first woman Doctor of the Church and helped persuade the pope to return to Italy from France (Avignon). I said her body lies in the sepulchre pictured here, but not all of it. For some reason her head and one index finger are still in Siena! I have not been able to find out why she was beheaded and de-digitized but I think it was after her death. It was probably to spread the relics around. I guess it made sense then, but it sure seems macabre to me. The church is just behind (to the southeast) of the Pantheon.
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When we were leaving the Campidoglio we encountered, in a vaulted recess just below sidewalk level, an ancient looking fresco depicting the Nativity. I have no idea how old it is or by whom it was done, but it is a good example of the unfathomable artistic and architectural wealth of Rome. A corollary to this was a conversation we had with a young woman who lives in Rome. When we asked her why there was such a limited underground rail system, unlike London or Paris or New York, she told us that whenever they dug a few feet down they encounter some ancient artifact and the site immediately becomes an archeological dig. Of course!
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I know the Forum is not off the beaten path, but we had a unique experience there. You see, my wife's name is Sacra and the photo is of her on the via Sacra. How many people can duplicate that? I know it is hokey, but I thought it was pretty neat. It also set me to wondering what would be the reaction of all those "friends, Romans and fellow countrymen" from the past centuries if they could see 2 people named Rex and Sacra wandering around their royal and holy place? Do you think we would have been treated as celebrities or hauled over to the hanging piazza?
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I wish I had done this before touring the Forum, but there is a great view from the Campidoglio which gives you an elevated panoramic look at the Forum. After you go up the stairs to the Campidoglio, bear right and ahead. You can't miss it.
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Cross the Tiber from the major sites and stroll through Trastevere. Here is the marvelous Santa Maria in Trastevere Church and an area that still feels like an old part of the city. It was (maybe still is for all I know) the Jewish quarter of the city and there are many synagoges. It is also the old harbor area and a working class neighborhood. We stopped for a mid-afternoon beer and pistachio nut snack at this lovely place just on the Piazza Santa Maria.
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We didn't make it into the Borghese Galleries (another reason to return) but did get to wander the beautiful and peaceful gardens around it. Part ot it is called the Pincio which was originally designed as part of the plan for Piazza del Popolo below it. There are lots of young lovers here and tons of motorized two wheeled vehicles. There are concerts here some evenings and it is a great break from the hectic pace of Rome - could do a nice picnic here.
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jumpingnorman Tue Feb 10, 2009 02:42 UTC
I want to see the wedding cake, the big dome, Pieta...so many things to see! can't wait to see Rome someday...thanks for sharing, Norman :) ....and yes, I want to be a gladiator, too! | kaloz Thu Nov 27, 2008 18:51 UTC
Your comments on Rome do give the feeling of wanting to return. You even researched to see if some of the tips are still valid. It is nice to see someone who cares so much. | maztek Thu Oct 18, 2007 02:11 UTC
Thanx Rex... for providing an opportunity to have a glimpse of Rome.....good pages | Tetreus Tue Feb 28, 2006 16:32 UTC
Under the church there are the rests of the temple of Minerva. This is way sopra Minerva ( means above Minerva ) |
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on Jan 7, 2005
