Italy Trip 2024 - Basilicas of San Giovanni and San Clemente
Monday - first day in Rome. It started with the most unbelievably packed commuter train from Ostia to Rome… seriously, at each stop we had to exhale and think thin to wedge more people on. I don’t think anyone appreciated our luggage LOL. But exiting out of the metro station smack in front of the colosseum and seeing Jacob’s face was priceless!!
We found our way to our new digs (much more spacious and convenient than hoped for!) and were off..
St John’s Lateran, one of the 4 papal basilicas in Rome, was spectacular. We were able to get pictures of the colossal statues of the apostles. Many areas of the basilica are undergoing cleaning and a face Iift in preparation for the beginning of the Jubilee year. We saw the separate baptistery building which tells the story of the conversion and baptism of Emperor Constantine which led to the legalization of Christianity in 313 AD. On the grounds of St John’s Lateran is the largest standing Egyptian obelisk in the world and the tallest in Italy.
We also toured the basilica of San Clemente - a fascinating 12th century basilica built on top of its 4th century original structure. Excavations below this layer are the remains of a Mithraeum cult center dating to the end of the 2nd century. It doesn’t stop there - below this are the remains of a 1st century Roman home, streets, a coin mint, and the still flowing water of the Labican stream.
Next we went to Piazza Martin Lutero… a horrible disappointment - expecting a small statue or something… but no, worst piazza in Rome 🤣.
Looking forward to Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica tomorrow. Grateful for safe travels and for your prayers! In Christ, PB, Margery and Jacob.
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