My Roman Holidays – part 2

After the visit – quick, but rich in colours and flavours – to the Castles of Rome, my holiday continues in the city of Rome with a plunge into the art and history of the Vatican Museums. Comfortable shoes, camera in my bag and eager to discover them, I begin what feels like a time travel among archaeological findings, paintings and frescoes, sculptures, tapestries, memorabilia and countless art collections.

Wonder is the word that best describes my visit. You’re immediately overwhelmed in front of such a large number of works of art. Then you’re eyes slowly get accustomed to the beauty, strength and power that these works still have today, to the stories that each of them tells us. I recall my art classes at school as I stand in front of a particular statue or painting, and wonder again explodes at its fullest, because along with fascination for its beauty there’s the understanding of it.

Art makes us stop, think, ask questions.

I spend the remains of the day walking through the centre: Piazza di Spagna, via dei Condotti, Fontana di Trevi, via del Corso, Altare della Patria and Montecitorio. The following day, again in the heart of the city: the promenade of the Gianicolo, Trastevere, Isola Tiberina, Circo Massimo, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and eventually the Catacombs of St. Agnes.

Rome is loud, chaotic, exhibitionist and careless at the same time, because she knows she’s eternal in her history and beauties. Her warm and vibrant colours embrace your view; her palaces, her ruins, every single stone reminds you the greatness of an empire that is no more, yet still alive in the eyes of millions of tourists.

There’s still a day left, outside Rome again. But this in my next post; in the meantime, enjoy the photos taken in the city!