In 1546, the Virgin Mary miraculously appeared crying on the scene of a cruel crime in front of a church, over which the Santa Maria del Pianto, a fairly unknown church, was designed and built in 1612 by Sebregondi. The 1546 event is commemorated in a fresco, the Madonna of the Lament, over the high altar. There is also the painting of the Miracle of the Weeping Madonna opposite the organ on one side of the altarpiece. The entrance to the church, in the shape of a Greek cross, is from either of two side roads, Via del Pianto and Via Santa Maria dei Calderari, and not from the main façade, which was never completed. The main façade faces Piazza Giudìa in the district known as the Ghetto (euphemistically, the Jewish Quarters), where, in cities all across Europe, Jews were required to live up until the modern age.
Whether for a religious purpose or just to admire pristine churches in Rome, the Basilica of St. Peter's in Chains is a must-visit. This 5th-century church, also known as Basilica Eudoxiana, houses the chains which imprisoned St. Peters in Jerusalem. With high-rise ceilings, nave and elegant frameworks adorning the walls, this church engages both mind and heart. And you can't miss the imposing statue of Moses, one of renowned artist Michelangelo’s most popular works. So take time out and visit this tranquil place to absorb the spiritual aura and admire this beatific wonder.
Constructed by the statesman Agrippa, a deputy of Rome's first emperor, Augustus, Anfiteatro Romano Ostia Antica is a theater named after the archaeological site on which it stands. The Roman theatre of Ancient Ostia was commissioned and built in the time of Augustus in the 1st Century BC. The majesty imposed by the structure will blow you away. Although it was built to accommodate 3000 people, post renovation it has a capacity of 4000 spectators. Ragonius Vincent Celsus had a statue representing Rome installed. Even to this day, one can see it behind the eastern monument consecrated to the nymphs. The piazzale and theatre formed a larger-than-life complex, inside which were the offices of the who’s who of the merchants/traders in the city. Despite multiple restorations through the centuries and the structural changes effected, its original charm from a bygone era has stayed put. It seems it’s business as usual for today’s Ostia Antica theater. Apart from being a wonderful historical landmark, it also serves as a venue for many concerts, festivals and cultural events.
The “Scala Sancta” and “Scala Santa,” Latin and Italian, respectively, for “Holy Stairs,” are a flight of 28 white marble steps located in a structure on property of the Holy See located outside Vatican City territory in Rome, Italy. Officially, the structure is titled Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. Imitation stairs beside the original staircase are only to be climbed on one's knees. The Holy Stairs lead onward to the Church dedicated to Saint Lawrence in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum, or just “Sancta Sanctorum,” Latin for “Holy of Holies,” a chapel that was the personal preserve of the first few Popes. Catholic tradition has it that the Holy Stairs led up to the official residence of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem whereupon Jesus Christ stepped during his Passion. Over the centuries, the Scala Sancta has attracted believers to venerate the Passion of Jesus Christ.
This Baroque church was built by the architect Carlo Maderno at the beginning of the 17th Century. It was originally named after St Paul the apostle, but after The Adoration of the Infant was brought here, it was renamed Santa Maria della Vittoria. The church is renowned for the Cornaro Chapel, which houses Bernini's masterpiece, the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa. Other important works include three paintings by Domenichino. The interior of the church is typically Baroque with refined stucco, friezes, and marble. The sacristy conserves some relics of the battle of Prague, in addition to those of the Christian armies who fought against the Turks.
The magnanimous proportions of the Colosseum have long been a source of wonder. Originally envisioned in 70 CE, the construction of this grand structure was completed in 80 CE. At that time, it is believed that this vast amphitheater could seat upwards of 50,000 spectators at once. The Colosseum also features on the Italian version of the five-cent Euro. Deemed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum was designed to be a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles, although it has also hosted significant religious ceremonies in its early days. It is a symmetrical wonder set in the historic landscape of Rome's heart. The enormous ruin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered by many to be an iconic symbol of Italy.