Thursday, June 25, 2009
Day 12 highlights: Explorations outside the walls
Catacombe di San Callisto was our first stop for the day.
It occupies an area of 90 acres with a network of galleries
about 12 miles long and four levels deep
(more than 20 metres downwards).
It occupies an area of 90 acres with a network of galleries
about 12 miles long and four levels deep
(more than 20 metres downwards).
This looks like a pretty field on the surface, but underneath,
it lies the catacombs - the resting place of
many early church martyrs and popes.
it lies the catacombs - the resting place of
many early church martyrs and popes.
San Paolo alle Tre Fontane (St Paul at the three fountains)
is a church dedicated to St Paul, and this is the presumed site of his martyrdom in Rome.
is a church dedicated to St Paul, and this is the presumed site of his martyrdom in Rome.
Legend has it that when St Paul was decapitated, his head bounced three times and fountains miraculously sprang out when it touched the ground. This is one of the springs.
A heavily vandalised subway which
we took outside the main city area.
we took outside the main city area.
St Paul outside the walls. I love the sound of that.
Together with St John Lateran (featured in Day 11), this is another of the four major basilicas in Rome, and clearly, this one has the sheer size for it.
This photo cracks me up.
Now who says nuns are old-fashioned?
Now who says nuns are old-fashioned?
In recent years, excavation work began to unearth
St Paul's coffin, on which the basilica was built.
St Paul's coffin, on which the basilica was built.
Till today, the remains of the tomb have yet to be authenticated but it is instead, opened on display
to pilgrims through a small opening.
to pilgrims through a small opening.
Vongole, one of my favourite pastas,
and the best-tasting ones are found in Italy. Darn.
and the best-tasting ones are found in Italy. Darn.
And finally, taking the tram back to our hotel
after a long day of exploration.
after a long day of exploration.
