******
the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome’s most exciting landmarks, a gathering place for young and old at all hours of the day and night. Best of all for us, they were only a few steps from our hotel.
******
Michelangelo's Moses
You need no other reason to go to Rome.
******
Caravaggio in the French Church of St. Louis
Pat has been studying Italian Renaissance art for months in preparation for our trip to Rome, Florence & Venice. One of her particular new favorites is Caravaggio, a really bad person who produced stunningly original paintings. The three paintings in a single alcove in the French Church of St. Louis, not far from the Piazza Navona, is a spectacular sight. We went twice.
******
…speaking of the Piazza Navona
******
St. Peter’s Square at 7:00 am is a remarkable sight, quiet, peaceful and empty. We saw the Sistine Ceiling and the Last Judgment, after rushing through the Vatican Museum in a successful breakneck effort to get to the Sistine before the first tour groups.
******
Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel
It’s not a good thing to anger a painter of Michelangelo’s caliber. Apparently, the Pope’s assistant suggested, while Michelangelo was still painting, that there was too much nudity in the Last Judgment. So … Michelangelo added this fine official to the lower right hand corner of the wall, nude of course, wrapped in a snake, and with a very prominent donkey ear growing from his head.
for more about Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, see …
http://maitaly.wordpress.com/tag/sistine-chapel/
also see a virtual tour of the Sistine Chapel at …
http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html
******
Vogue Fashion Night in Rome
Timing is everything. Our second night in Rome was the annual Vogue Fashion Night, and it took place just past the Spanish Steps. Champagne, the highest of high heels, and beautiful women made a terrific street party.
******
So much to see in Rome, including statues, large and small, at every turn.
******
TRAVEL with pat and lew 