Day 77 - Rome - Basilica of St. Clement and Archaeological Excavations - Pantheon - Meeting with friends
Sunday, September 16, 2018.
Today we went back to the Palatine Hills because we didn't cover it yesterday. We stood in line for a while, in the sun and once it was our turn to get in, the tickets were no longer good. We tried to discuss with the lady in charge but she sent us out to the office. At that point, it was late and we were supposed to meet with Gregory's friend by 1:00 so we decided to walk to the San Clemente church.
Gregory said that we had been there but I didn't remember at all. From the outside is just a simple church but then you have to pay to go underneath and discover two more churches built on top of each one. According to the brochure they gave us, "in 1857 Fr. Joseph Mulloy began excavations under the basilica, uncovering in the process the original fourth-century basilica directly underneath. At an even lower level, the remains of a late first-century structure were discovered. This structure underwent significant modification toward the end of the second century to facilitate its use as a Mithraeum by embers of the cult of Mithras. Another structure from the first century was excavated, then on the third century, the structure was abandoned and filled in to provide a foundation for a new structure and this was the structure of the first Basilica. Towards the end of the fourth century, the Christian faith became the official religion so they buried the pagan church and enhanced the basilica by adding a marble structure and beautiful frescoes donated by Pope John II.
The original Basilica survived until the 12th century and then they found that the structure was in poor condition and unsafe. Then the Basilica was filled in with rubble to the top of the pillars and this was the foundation for the 12-century basilica.
All I can say is that it is worthwhile visiting and many tourists don't know it even exists, plus it is walking distance from the Colosseum.
After this visit, we walked to Carrefour to get our lunch and sat on the same spot to admire the impressive Colosseum. I wonder if the Italian people that live in Rome just get used to this amazing architectural building.
After lunch, we took the bus to go see the Parthenon. The city is covered with amazing buildings and ruins. We met there with Ben and his daughters India and Luna. We visit the Pantheon that, of course, is now a Catholic church and has the tomb of Vittorio Emanuele II.
After taking some pictures, we decided to walk out of the tourist area to find a gelateria or a cafe. We found a little bar-cafe where we could sit and chat. Gregory and Ben caught up from old days and the rest of us just chatted mostly about school. Luna, the 12-year-old, had lots of questions for Sunshine. Afterward, we went for a short walk and made plans for the night.
We went home to rest and get away from the heat. After a nice nap, we stayed home for dinner and Ben picked up Gregory to go out for dinner to "Tram Tram".
Another successful day!
Today we went back to the Palatine Hills because we didn't cover it yesterday. We stood in line for a while, in the sun and once it was our turn to get in, the tickets were no longer good. We tried to discuss with the lady in charge but she sent us out to the office. At that point, it was late and we were supposed to meet with Gregory's friend by 1:00 so we decided to walk to the San Clemente church.
Gregory said that we had been there but I didn't remember at all. From the outside is just a simple church but then you have to pay to go underneath and discover two more churches built on top of each one. According to the brochure they gave us, "in 1857 Fr. Joseph Mulloy began excavations under the basilica, uncovering in the process the original fourth-century basilica directly underneath. At an even lower level, the remains of a late first-century structure were discovered. This structure underwent significant modification toward the end of the second century to facilitate its use as a Mithraeum by embers of the cult of Mithras. Another structure from the first century was excavated, then on the third century, the structure was abandoned and filled in to provide a foundation for a new structure and this was the structure of the first Basilica. Towards the end of the fourth century, the Christian faith became the official religion so they buried the pagan church and enhanced the basilica by adding a marble structure and beautiful frescoes donated by Pope John II.
The original Basilica survived until the 12th century and then they found that the structure was in poor condition and unsafe. Then the Basilica was filled in with rubble to the top of the pillars and this was the foundation for the 12-century basilica.
All I can say is that it is worthwhile visiting and many tourists don't know it even exists, plus it is walking distance from the Colosseum.
After this visit, we walked to Carrefour to get our lunch and sat on the same spot to admire the impressive Colosseum. I wonder if the Italian people that live in Rome just get used to this amazing architectural building.
After lunch, we took the bus to go see the Parthenon. The city is covered with amazing buildings and ruins. We met there with Ben and his daughters India and Luna. We visit the Pantheon that, of course, is now a Catholic church and has the tomb of Vittorio Emanuele II.
After taking some pictures, we decided to walk out of the tourist area to find a gelateria or a cafe. We found a little bar-cafe where we could sit and chat. Gregory and Ben caught up from old days and the rest of us just chatted mostly about school. Luna, the 12-year-old, had lots of questions for Sunshine. Afterward, we went for a short walk and made plans for the night.
We went home to rest and get away from the heat. After a nice nap, we stayed home for dinner and Ben picked up Gregory to go out for dinner to "Tram Tram".
Another successful day!
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| Outside of the Basilica of St. Clement |
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| The Pantheon or Basilica Santa Maria Ad Martyres |
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| Meeting with our friends |
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| Sunshine, Daniel, Ben, Gregory, India, and Luna |
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| Inside the Pantheon |
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| Tomb of Vittorio Emanuele II |
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| Sunshine and Luna |
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| India and Daniel |
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| Walk by the Trastevere |
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| Courthouse behind |
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