Rome, Italy - May 28, 2019 - Temple

Rome - Our last day

A perfect way to end our visit to Rome 

was visiting our church's newly dedicated temple 

and attending a 5:00 p.m. session.

The Rome Temple was dedicated March 10 through March 12, 2019.

President Russell M. Nelson dedicated the temple, and every member of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles participated in the dedication.

Rome Italy Temple

One of our first views as we arrived by bus.

We loved being here.

Visitor's Center

Replicas of Thorvaldsen's Christus statue and his 12 ancient Apostle statues 

- from originals found in Copenhagen, Denmark -

are featured in the Temple Visitor's Center. 

The Visitor's Center is opposite the temple.

The impressive view seen from outside looking in.

Here are some views taken inside the Visitor's Center

A cut-away replica of the inside of the temple.

Chapel 

in the "temple quad."
There were also dorms across the quad opposite the chapel.

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We appreciated the opportunity to attend a session

in the temple with other members from our tour group.

This session was in English.

Extra chairs were brought in to accommodate

the large group, which also included local members.
It was very special.

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The following four photos are downloaded from the web.

A design used in several places in the temple

that has a local appeal,

as observed by the local dignitaries who attended the open house.

One of the olive trees in the landscaping.

An aerial view of the temple area (from the web)
https://churchofjesuschristtemples.org/rome-italy-temple/photographs/#Official-39 

Rome, Italy - May 28, 2019, continued

More highlights in Rome - May 28

In the afternoon, we visited the "smallest country in the world," Vatican City.

 Selected Photos to Share

Selected from the many we took while visiting the Vatican. 


Vatican Museum

Everywhere you look . . .

Look up . . .

 Look down . . . 

 

 All around . . .

Many Statues . . .

Some Famous . . .

Belvedere Torso

Although this is not a complete statue,

Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo

were particularly inspired by it.

It dates back to the 1st century BC. 

Some Humorous . . .

Some Symbolic . . .

Diana of Ephesus

"Known in Rome as Diana and in Greece as Artemis.

She is the twin sister of Apollo and daughter of Zeus and Leto.

Diana was always a virgin, an eternally young, untamed girl,

nourishing all life.  Thus, Diana has many breasts."

Many Legendary . . .

Laocoon and His Sons

Being killed by sea-serpents

"which were sent by Athena and Poseidon in order to favor

the defeat of Troy and the ensuing foundation of Rome."

Probably dating back to around 30-40 BC.

"Reportedly one of the finest examples of ancient Greek art."

Tempted to take a photo everywhere you look!

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Gallery of Tapestries

Tapestries . . .

Resurrection of Christ (tapestry)

As you walk past this huge tapestry,

the eyes of Jesus appear to follow you.

 Adoration of the Magi (tapestry)

Another of the many huge tapestries

Antique Map Tapestry

  

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One of Many Vases . . .

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Leaving the Vatican Museum and

going to the Sistine Chapel

 

We could take pictures along the way to the Sistine Chapel;

but once we entered the chapel,

taking pictures was not permitted.
The photo below is one I found on the internet.

Interior of the Sistine Chapel
(photo from the web)
Michael Wilcox had taped a narration for us to listen to
while in the Sistine Chapel and looking at the paintings,
but the guards there were concerned about what Anita
was doing and kept interrupting until she was unable to
share Michael's information.
We later listened to the tape on our bus.

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Stairs after leaving our visit to the Sistine Chapel.

Outside and walking on a corridor

with the Sistine Chapel to the right.

 

Looking up as we walked.

St. Peter's Basilica - Holy Door 
at the Vatican.
It is one of the three entrance ways into
Saint Peter's Basilica.

This special door is only open on a year the pope deems a Holy Year.
Holy Years are usually declared approximately every 25 years.
When walking through it, the Roman Catholic Church
maintains you will be given a free general indulgence from sin.


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Saint Peter's Square

 Above the columns are 140 statues of saints, martyrs, popes, and 

founders of religious orders within the Catholic Church.

The statues were created in 1670 by the disciples of Bernini.

 Statue of Saint Peter

Vatican Obelisk
Only ancient Egyptian obelisk in Rome
to have remained standing since Roman times.


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St. Peter's Basilica

Michelangelo's "The Pieta"
Regarded as one of the greatest works of the
Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti.
It is among the initial works of art of the similar
theme made by the artist.

Nearing the end of our tour at St. Peter's Basilica,

the largest church in the world. 

The Swiss Guard

The papal guard of hired Swiss soldiers was created in 1505

and may owe the uniform to Michelangelo.



Leaving Vatican City
and being directed by a Swiss Guard.


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The next and final blog entry for this trip will 
have photos of our visit to the Rome Temple
where we enjoyed attending a session.