As we were taking a night train from Rome back to Austria, we were able to spend a few days there. The main focus of the itinerary was go to the beach, and how glad we are that we went twice. Perfect cool water, not too hot, relaxing, and the boys loved playing in the waves and the sand for their first time. The first beach was Sperlonga, south of Rome. It took a decent train ride and bus ride to get there, but it was worth it. It was exciting to have our first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea; or more accurately, this body of water between Spain and Italy is called the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Michael was too excited to sit still while eating lunch.
Dominic is always happy to stretch his legs.
Here in Europe, the majority of beach fronts are private for hotels or apartments, but there are spots with public umbrellas one can rent for the day. As we had arrived later in the afternoon, we didn't want to pay for one, and found this shaded spot above the beach.
Dominic took a long nap, while Mama and Papa took turns taking Michael down to the sea. He was a little scared at first, but then didn't want to get out.
Gelato break. This was the first time Michael had his own ice cream cone and learned how to lick it. He was pretty proud of himself.
Dominic learned to recognize the brightly colored gelato spoons and always clamored for some.
Sunday we attended Mass in the Pantheon; our first time there, and it was nice to have it relatively to ourselves before they let the mob in after Mass. Quite an amazing historic building.
Tomb of Raphael, the painter.
Nursing break while Michael napped. And you can see my little customer is trying to escape.
San Ignazio church down the street. A Baroque beauty.
The small darkened dome above the center nave is an optical illusion; actually a flat surface painted to look like a dome. Upon entering the church, it looks quite perfect, but from the other direction, it looks like a very bad architectural sketch.
The tomb of St. Aloysius Gonzaga.
The relics of Cardinal St. Robert Bellarmine.
We crossed the Tiber to Trastevere to visit the church of Santa Cecilia.
Resolving a temper tantrum before going in. After enjoying the ocean, he wanted to go play IN the fountain.
The church was set up for a wedding. Every weekend while we were in Italy, we saw wedding parties.
Main altar and St. Cecilia's tomb.
St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, pray for us!
Strolling through Piazza del Popolo on our way back to the Metro.
Taking the train back to the coast again! This time, to Santa Marinella Beach, north of Rome.
Michael entertained his on the way there with his funny sentences and faces...here he is saying, "Ready, set, GO!"
Our last day in Italy. We took the Metro up one stop to visit the tomb of another virgin and martyr, St. Agnes. Nearby is this mausoleum built in 340 by Costanza, daughter of Constantine, who is said to have been cured of leprosy after praying at St. Agnes' tomb.
The coffin of Costanza.
Along the stairs leading down into the church were artifacts from the original catacombs here.
The current basilica was built in the 7th century and stands over the 4th century catacombs.
We saw a few of these ceilings in Italian churches, where statues are placed into the roof parallel with the floor.
St. Agnes is entombed in the crypt below the altar.
Hanging out in the Vatican right before nap time...the line was a little long, so we didn't go inside.
Adventures in nursing.
One last gelato during nap time...ahhh. Then some more strolling around until it was time to catch the train home.
The Corte Suprema di Casszione (Supreme Court).
The Gothic Chiesa del Sacro Cuore in Prati, which my dad has been talking about for years, as it houses a small museum with items touched by the holy souls from Purgatory. Unfortunately, it wasn't open upon our arrival - next time!
+ May God have mercy on the holy souls now suffering in Purgatory. +
We stumbled upon one of the largest churches in Rome - San Carlo al Corso, dedicated to the two great bishops of Milan, St. Ambrose and St. Charles Borromeo.
Here, the heart of St. Charles is enshrined!
Saying a prayer for Grandpa, as St. Charles Borromeo is his patron saint.
An amazing find to end our travels in Rome and Italy.
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