One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is being exposed to other cultures and of course…. architecture. One of the many things my father and I shared was a love, or perhaps an obsession of architecture. In Rome there were beautiful works of art all over. From sculptures to paintings, art was a big part in Roman culture.Unlike the Greeks simplicity in architecture, the Romans emphasized grandeur. Building of breath-taking palaces, temples, and stadiums showed the power and dignity of Rome. Enjoy some of my favorites from my recent trip.
If you haven’t been to Rome, one of the most spectacular aspects of the city is the overwhelming attention to detail. Above is just one of many gorgeous deco style doorways on a square. I love the color combination …especially the light gray and white ceiling.
One of my favorite hotels in Rome is the Hotel Minerva. http://www.grandhoteldelaminerve.com/five-star-hotel-in-rome.htm You must check out the virtual tour to get the full weight of how beautiful this property is. The rooms have orginal artwork!! The grand complex of the Grand Hotel de la Minerve was built in 1620 for the aristocratic Fonseca family, an important Roman family of Portuguese origin. Since the end of the 1700’s the building has been used as a hotel. Look at the simple but dramtic use of circles framing the entry door.
To kill a little time on a lazy afternoon-take coffee under the spectacular stained glass ceiling in the lobby and then head off to the Pantheon.
Well if a blog is a way to get to know someone better…here it goes. I am obsessed with owning a 1946 Ford Deluxe Woody Wagon and I love the color green. Isn’t this Fiat adorable! Talk about combining all the things I love!
I can not figure out how to fix this text!!!! sorry
The haunting aspect of the church wall below that caught my eye was the hundreds of plaques that were found during a restoration. The plaques-hand carved- by people seeking salvation and healing- were added to the facade of the entry as a point of interest. The plaques might simply have a name, a picture of a boat or a phrase. In any case they are a living testament to our past. I am obsessed with fonts and this was very inspiring.
Here is a little history on the church.
The church, Santa Maria in Trastevere may have originally been founded as early as the 3rd century by Pope Callixtus (217-22), but it was probably built around 350 AD under Pope Julius I (337-52). In this early period the church was known as titulus Callisti. It was partially destroyed by fire during the sack of Rome in 410, then repaired and rededicated to the Virgin Mary by Pope Celestine (422-32).
The façade was restored by Carlo Fontana in the 17th century, but its faded mosaics date from the 12th or 13th centuries. The portico is a 19th-century addition; displayed inside are fragments from the earlier churches, dating from the 4th to 9th centuries. They were found during excavations beneath the 12th-century floor of the church.
Check out the view from the balcony of a friend’s apartment that looked onto the Chiesa della Maddalena… in Rome…. at sunset…before a home cooked dinner of pasta, ricotta cheese, fresh figs (the size of apples) and wine….yeah…I’m just saying……
1 response so far ↓
1 gigi // Jul 4, 2009 at 9:24 am
tons of inspiration - can’t wait to see the pictures and all of the details from your event
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