Category Archives: Daily Journal

The Forum was the center for public life in ancient Rome. Today, the Forum lies mostly in ruins. At the northwest corner of the forum stands the Arch of Septimius Severus dedicated in 203 AD to commemorate the victories of … Continue reading →

The Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) is located near the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. Its façade is modest. If one did not know the basilica was there, one might pass by, thinking that the structure … Continue reading →

As the Tiber River winds through Rome, Italy, pedestrians can stroll along at the level of the river itself or on the streets above the walls that protect Rome from flooding. From the north, one passes a number of bridges … Continue reading →

The Palace of Justice is located along the right bank of the Tiber River in Rome. Over the front door is a sculpture of Justice flanked by Law and Strength. In front of the building are statues of Cicero, Papiniano, … Continue reading →

Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy is in remarkably good repair considering that it is over 1800 years old .  The fact that the structure has been in nearly constant use since it was built undoubtedly has contributed to its preservation. … Continue reading →

A tour inside Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome, Italy gives visitors the clear understanding that this structure was used as a fortress, a residence, and as a prison. A passageway tall and wide enough to accommodate a horse-drawn wagon spirals from … Continue reading →

Castel Sant’Angelo began its existence as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. By the 14th century, Castel Sant’Angelo was conscripted by the popes for use as a fortress and a prison. Today, the structure is used as … Continue reading →

The Pantheon, like other Catholic Churches in Rome, Italy, is home to an impressive collection of art. Close to the entrance of the Pantheon, on the right as one enters, is a 1686 painting of The Madonna of the Girdle … Continue reading →

The Pantheon in Rome, Italy houses several altars and a number of paintings. Behind the high altar there is a copy of a 13th century icon of the Madonna. The altarpiece in the Chapel of the Madonna of Mercy is … Continue reading →