It has been a few months now since I was in Rome. Yet, the feeling of Rome has stayed with me. It’s hard to describe. Every city has a personality. There are some cities that are welcoming and inviting. Other cities are dirty, and scary. Still others have an energy that is exciting and invigorating.
For me, Rome was all of these and more. On one hand, it was steeped in ancient tradition. The Ghosts of ancient Rome were still present. The evolution of the ancient was overlaid with an oppressive Catholic air. Yet, on the other hand, that very air was vibrating with life. I could see it in the faces of people–some locals–most tourists, I presume. I would have liked to explore and research the Eternal City through the lens of my camera in greater detail, but alas, I had but one day.
This gallery is the first part of a two part essay on the people of Rome from last September, when the sun was warm, the leaves were turning and the city was very much alive. I’ll post the second part in a day or so. Your questions, comments and/or profound thoughts on the purpose of life through the lens are most welcome.
Catholicism is omnipresent in Rome as are the special souls who have made a life of service in the church their career.
With its own ancient cultural and religious heritage, contemporary Rome has become a melting pot of world culture.
For the Romani diasporo throughout Europe known to some as Gypsies, Rome offers a cultural inviting adoptive place to live.
95% of Italy’s Muslim population are not citizen’s of the country.
1.5 million Muslim’s call Italy home, making Islam the second largest, yet unrecognized religious group in Italy.
Kneeling in the attitude of penitent prayer, this woman remains still for hours, hoping her prayers will be answered with coins in her cup.
Policing both the military and civilian populations, the Carabinieri are a special branch of the Italian military with Gendarm like duties.
Soldiers in the Italian military, men and women alike, share police duties near the Castel Sant´Angelo in Rome.
In spite of the sporadic service, cell phones in Rome are ubiquitous.
Near the Roman Colosseum, street vendors sell jewelry and trinkets for prices discounted especially for tourists.
Whether marble or stone, ancient or modern, steps are the preferred resting place for tourists and locals alike.
They may have seen better days, but these roses are still romantic when you’re in Rome.
For a Euro, this talented soul will play a song that would be romantic in any city.
I’m not sure if it’s a good living, but he made us smile with his music.
Delightfully iconic, sounds of the squeeze box on the streets of Rome enhance the feeling of love in the air.
On the steps of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in the Piazza della Minerva near the Roman Pantheon, tourists find plenty to see.
With steps of stone and marble, why not sit down and take your shoes off?
Not sure what she was looking at, her wrinkled brow suggested she had her doubts about it.
A woman in an Italian green dress strolls past wall of Castel Sant´Angelo, as the Italian flag flutters above.
On a beautiful morning in Rome, the Tiber River is a great place for a bit of exercise.
The Eternal City, Rome’s history spans more than 2,500 years. Founded in 753 BC., legend suggest that Romulus and Remus weren’t content to remain with the wolves, but instead founded the world’s oldest continually occupied city. When Romulus killed his brother Remus in a dispute over where the city should be, the Roman Empire was born.
I spent a day in Rome. We didn’t have a plan. We thought we didn’t need one. Everywhere you turn there is something ancient and interesting. With a church on nearly every corner, we lost track of which was which. We couldn’t go in them all. We couldn’t see them all. We could have spent weeks, months studying, learning, enjoying and capturing the beauty of this ancient city with a modern vibe. I will go back.
Designed to hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, stadium builders still use the Colosseum as a pattern for modern venues.
Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus as a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome, the Catholic Church dedicated the Pantheon to St. Mary and the Martyrs in the 7th Century.
Representing the Emperor Septimus Severus’ victory in A.D. 203, this Arch still stands to welcome travelers to the glory of ancient Rome.
Legend claims that Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was imprisoned near the basilica just outside the Forum.
Ancient Rome and Catholicism coexist on top of one another.
Designed both to intimidate and illuminate, many Cathedrals in Rome provide stark contrasts between the light and the darkness.
Master works by artists such as Bernini and Michael Angelo can be found on the alter pieces of many Cathedrals throughout Rome.
Intricate stone angels and demons inspire visions of heaven and hell in many Cathedrals throughout Rome.
Intricate designs draw the eyes to heaven.
Massive stone pillars provide support near the grand entrance to St. Peter’s Square.
The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 meters.
Dedicated as a Catholic church in the 7th century, two kings of Italy are buried in the Pantheon; Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I.
Numerous shrines to the Virgin Mary can be found in the most unlikely places throughout Rome.
As the sun sets on the piazza, night walks begin. Historic sights in Rome are beautiful by day or night.
If my umbrella didn’t work, the naked Romans would intimidate me, too.
A wedding party was just gathering as we happened upon the Piazza del Campidoglio.
Intricate artwork crafted by the masters adorns the ceilings of nearly every Cathedral in Rome.
Intricate stone work and detailed artwork adorn buildings along the Via della Conciliazone, connecting Saint Peter’s Square to the Castel Sant’Angelo.
An Angel holds the golden crown of celestial glory above the Cathedral alter.
They're Calling To Me 