Since Stewart refuses to go to see the Vatican, we decided we would try to see some catacombs. Rick Steves suggests a smaller one called the Catacombs of Priscilla, which would be less congested than the more well known ones. It was quite a bus ride out of the centre of town to get there, and then another ten minutes locating the place. When we did locate it, it was marked with a large sign - "Closed for regular maintenance from July 30 to August 28"! Well, there goes an hour we'll never get back! We went back down to the centre, near the Colosseum, to see the Roman Forum. The ticket seller very grudgingly gave us a map of the site, which she said was for the audio-guides only, after I told her that the signs she recommended we follow had been quite useless the previous day. We didn't spend too long inside, but we managed to see more ruins! and then exited near the Victor Emmanuel Monument. I knew the Mamertine Prison was near there, and indeed we found the entrance and went into that. Stewart was interested in the prison and the history, but not in the religious aspect. St. Peter had been incarcerated in the Mamertine before his death, and quite a lot of the tour reflected the fact.
Stewart continues to amaze me with his tolerance for the heat. I am dripping with sweat and his skin doesn't even feel warm or damp. I think he must be part lizard.
 |
| In the Roman Forum ruins |
 |
| Arch of Septimus Severus, Roman Forum |
 |
| Roman Forum |
We fly to Athens tomorrow afternoon, and then begin a three day organized tour of the Peloponnese. Perhaps the Oracle at Delphi will speak to Stewart...
I hope Stewart's atheism didn't get in the way of his ability to appreciate all the amazing art and architecture in the Vatican. As one atheist to another I can say that it's worth the trip. He's going to go and visit the oracle at Delphi - is there any meaningful theological difference from the Sistine Chapel? I think not. Anyway, that's his uncle's advice.
ReplyDeleteMaybe on his next trip to Rome....