Landing in Germany
Touring Europe had always been in our wish list. So when opportunity came in the form of week long course in German university for my husband, there were no second thoughts. We planned our Europe trip, and on April 29 2019, evening we found ourselves at Frankfurt international airport. Train journey took us to town Nuremberg. At morning 2 am we were roaming in Nuremberg streets in search of our hotel from railway station. Local police helped us to locate our hotel and here we were, starting our Stay in Nuremberg, Germany.
From this moment, I have tried to capture our entire Europe experience through this blog, using pictures taken and some related information. Small request to the readers is that in these pictures, the tag of the phone brand is also printed. Please ignore this irritant.
Nuremberg is a small town having historic significance from days of world war 2. This city used to be the center of innovation in variety of fields like German paintings,toys and other forms of art during Middle Ages.
From this moment, I have tried to capture our entire Europe experience through this blog, using pictures taken and some related information. Small request to the readers is that in these pictures, the tag of the phone brand is also printed. Please ignore this irritant.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a small town having historic significance from days of world war 2. This city used to be the center of innovation in variety of fields like German paintings,toys and other forms of art during Middle Ages.
German National Museum
German national Museum here has huge collection of artifacts depicting German and Roman history, art and culture. It was founded in 1852 and one of the largest museums in Europe. Paintings, tapestries, sculptures, early Roman crockery, coat of arms bands all take visitors from pre-historic times to the current age.
Most of these exhibits are excavated from burial sites. Pre-Christian Era Saxon tribes had custom of elaborate burials. Ancient German was occupied by Saxonic tribes who had in constant fights with Roman groups. In some cases local royals used to collect Roman artifacts which was considered luxury and matter of pride. Hence this museum has exhibits covering Roman culture as well as local Saxon culture.
Sculptures
Some of the sculptures date back to pre-historic times. They represent characters from Bible, royal families, churches,saints and sometimes even common people. Life sized sculptures are awe inspiring with detailed attention given to expression,, clothing etc. Material is mostly sandstone. International Gothic architecture is followed in most the art works. They are mainly made up of lime wood, sandstone, metals like bronze. They were used to decorate altar of the churches.
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Enthroned holy bishop CE 1430 |
Depiction of Mary, the Mother of God, is one of the most important theme in Christian art. The type known as ‘enthroned Madonna’ dominated higher Middle Ages.
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Enthroned Madonna 1430 |
Below sculpture depicts two characters from Bible greeting each other. Their unborn babies can be seen in abdominal cavities.
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| The Visitation (1425) |
Below head of the figure comes from fountain in the Nuremberg market square.
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The Troja head |
Madonna
A Madonna is a representation of Mary, either alone or with her child Jesus. These images are central icons for both the Catholic and Orthodox churches. The word is from Italian ma donna, meaning 'my lady'. The Madonna and Child type is very prevalent in Christian iconography.Following art depicts Madonna with sacrificial angel from 1400 AD.
Below are some more arts of Madonna.
The figure below is ‘virgin and the child in the crescent moon’. Deep folds and bold perforations produce a sense of depth. There is a compelling presence to the body and head of the Christ child.
Large Cloisters
Cloister is a covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of buildings and forming a quadrangle or garth. The attachment of a cloister to a cathedral or church, commonly against a warm southern flank, usually indicates that it was once part of a monastic foundation.
In 1106, Carthusian monk order was formed. These monks used to live in cells around the church.
Below are some of the life size sculptures representing few monks.
Christ collapses under the cross
This scene shows remarkable talent of sculptor (Adam Kraft, 1490) for complex postures and three-dimentionality. Persons in the background appear in low releif, two front most figures project in the round from the stone.
This angel is dressed as a deacon (minister in a Catholic Church). He is singing and playing music, probably during biblical event.
The sculptural modelling of the knee and thigh perceptible under the drapery testify to the artistic quality.(CE 1500)
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| Angel playing flute |
Upper Arm bands were part of royal regalia of German kings. This particular piece, made of copper, is from CE 1152. This armilla has Crucifixion of Christ.
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| Armilla |
Tapestries
Tapestry is a piece of thick textile fabric with pictures or designs formed by weaving coloured weft threads or by embroidering on canvas, used as a wall hanging or soft furnishing. Tapestries were woven in high warp and low warp looms, following pictorial prototypes.
The themes for hangings were drawn from Bible and secular and religious literatures of the Middle Ages. They used to decorate the walls of the churches and monastries. Secular themes were used by nobles, upper class citizens.
The themes for hangings were drawn from Bible and secular and religious literatures of the Middle Ages. They used to decorate the walls of the churches and monastries. Secular themes were used by nobles, upper class citizens.
During high Middle Ages silk and wools were mostly used for tapestries. They used to be imported from Asia and Egypt. Also people started preferring Flemish tapestries (from Belgium) to local made tapestries.
Tapestries played major role in religious life. On high feast days they decorated the chapel,altar,walls,choir stalls in the churches. Themes from the lives of Christ, Mary and saints were used for feast days. There were even funeral tapestries, spread out for funeral masses.
This tapestry which is wealth of figures brings together the motifs of Middle Ages courtly poetry. In a spacious garden couples are enjoying playing games, with erotic overtones.
Below tapestry ‘Castle of Love’ has motif of love. The castle had perfect setting for such activities and symbol of coveted woman.
Paintings
Motifs for the early painting were influenced from Italian trecento paintings. They had become popular in Austrian paintings since 1330. Following work depicts crucifixion of Christ (from 1430)
Following work depicts circumcision of Christ as per Jewish rituals after 8 days of birth.
According to the Jewish rituals Christ was presented to the priests in the temple 40 days after his birth.
Late Gothic Style Paintings
The years following 1450 saw Nuremberg becoming innovation center for German painting. Hans Playdenwuff who hailed from this region was the innovator of German paintings. Traditional pictorial themes and images were given greater dramatic effect. Individual figures and their actions move to the foreground. At the same time art becomes receptive to new approaches of nature and everyday reality.
Winged altarpiece developed in to elaborate pictorial machine with multiple folding panels.
Wings of the former High Altar (1500)
This high altar was last and largest pre-Reformation altar donated by some family in Nuremberg. The interior wings show the scenes from life of virgin Mary, Meeting at the Golden gate, birth, presentation at the temple etc. Exterior is taken up by large lamentation of Christ.
Reliquary
Reliquary is a container in which relics (actual physical objects such as head, bones etc of a saint, which were considered holy) are kept. They were everyday part of the Christian life. They were worshiped by believers.Below is the reliquary from CE 1300, made of wood and cooper plates, enameled and gilded. It has a characteristic form of a house with saddleback roof. On the cover two angels are holding the image of St.Saturnin, from Toulouse, France. It had probably had his head in it sometime.
Bronze was extensively used for most of the objects in churches, which would not come into contact with bread and wine. Candlesticks, censers and relics were made out of bronze.
Candlesticks
Most of the candlesticks of the high Middle Ages have survived in the churches. They were placed upon the altar. They had 3 short legs and base was decorated.
Book Cases
Books were protected using book chests. This has book cover design at the front side.
Artifacts from Egypt
During first millennium, before the invasion by Islam, Egypt was ruled by Byzantine empire. They had highly sophisticated culture and their objects made to Europe via trade routes and gifts.
Jewellery from Byzantine imperial family was a model for the upper class women’s costumes in Western Europe. They were imported and imitated.
Gold ornaments from Byzantine empire, Egypt from CE 1241. Magnificent earrings are testimony to goldsmiths skills at that period.
Stoves
In the 17th century, Winterthurer town was important centre for the manufacturing of ceramic tile stoves. They were highly decorated. Below object is from CE 1700.
Table Clock
Brass table clock (CE 1430) belonged to the Duke of Burgundy. This is spring driven clock with wheel work. The striking and gear trains are housed in a case whose design is borrowed from Gothic cathedrals.
New script
An important innovation during Carolingian period in 9th century was creation of uniform script called minuscule script. Characteristics of this script is lower case letters which were not known in classical script of antiquity.
Water trough (CE 1400)
water supply to the cells of the monks in monastery was exemplary. Pipes were drawn to each cell with running water.
Armchair (CE 1500)
Though it looks like a simple armchair at first glance, carving of the decoration points to a degree of sophistication. They were reserved almost exclusively for high ranking officials.
Other furnitures
In line with vogue with Chinoiserie, new methods were developed for imitation of Asian lacquered furniture. In this cabinet, hand colored engravings were glued on polychrome lacquer(wood finish) ground and then covered with varnish.
Flight of the holy family into Egypt (CE 1500)
Angels push down a palm branch, allowing Joseph to reach the fruit, which is eaten by Mary and her child. This is mentioned in Legend of the Area.
Luxurious writing desk (CE 1700, oak, pine and various partly stained woods, copper)
Mirrors
Below are mirrors in various forms.
Musical instrument harpsichord
In the baroque period (style of architecture from 17th to mid 18th century, highly ornate and extravagant in nature), music made royal power audible and thus played a central role in courtly culture. In this sense, even the stand of the harpsichord speaks of social status. The sound, penetrating and brilliant provided the harmonic foundation for singers and instrumental music.
Ship as table centerpiece (CE 1500, silver)
During 15th century, after renaissance, radical changes had taken place in Europe. It inspired flowering of arts and sciences. During these times, along with Portugal and Spain, wealthy elites of large southern German commercial cities also invested in expeditions.Their intention was to open new routes to Asia. In this context, ornamental vessels in the shape of ships were commonly displayed in wealthy families.With almost perfect attention to details, goldsmith has reproduced a three mastered carrack, most common type of merchant vessel of the period. Primarily it is an elaborate table center piece , with which owner likes to demonstrate his social status and wealth.
Painting and sculptures from Swabia and Augsburg
By late Middle Ages, Swabia had become a flowering artistic center. Well organised workshops produced art work of highest quality. Sculptors and painters were involved in exporting artwork to neighboring countries. Below are few works from that period.
Deceased on his death bed
Below picture (oil on canvas) is life sized painting of deceased Bartholomaus Viatis (1573 - 1644) belonging to some wealthy merchant family. This painting is one of seven in series, of same family.
Inscription includes brief biography of deceased.
Putto in armor
Young boy from warrior family is depicted.
Head of John the Baptist
St. John the Baptist, (born 1st decade bce, Judaea, Palestine, near Jerusalem—died 28–36 ce; feast day June 24), Jewish prophet of priestly origin who preached the imminence of God's Final Judgment. France’s Amiens Cathedral contains a preserved skull (facial bone sans lower jaw) which is supposedly that of famed prophet John the Baptist since 1206. Saints severed head is venerated. These two are sculptures of severed head by two different artists. Broken gaze, opened mouth all testify artists endeavour to bring greatest realism to the work.
Resplendent Church Services
Even after the Reformation (which was a religious change instigated in 1517 by Protestants who wished to reform the Catholic Church) the Catholic church adhered to a high degree of pomp and ceremony. The opulent decoration of sacred building was means for counter Reformation renewal. Emotionally charged paintings and sculptures adorned the altars and interiors of churches. Magnificent church furnishings, articles for church service and processions were designed in the same dramatic vein.
Few such church rooms were transferred to the museum as those church buildings paved way for government offices in early 1900.
Scientific instrument section
Since the late Middle Ages natural phenomena had been measured using instruments that have become increasingly specialised. Such scientific instruments represent best precision engineering and craftsmanship.
Time and space are the greatest challenges in measurement. Mechanical clock was invented around 1300 to measure time, this being followed by inventions in many types of clockwork movements and cases. All dimensions of spacial measurement had to be done be it outer space or mining tunnels. Since 17th century microscope and telescopes were invented.
During 15th century printed maps and painted globes were developed. This was driven by expeditions of sailors to find new lands and there by opening new ideas.
These were some of the instruments at display.
1. Sundials (horizontal and vertical)
2. Mechanical clocks
3. Mine surveying instruments
4. Compass,rulers, calenders
Mechanical clocks were invented in 13th century. They were first found in monasteries and large churches. Power is supplied by gravity (weight driven) and energy stored in springs. Among the innovations of early modern age were development of pocket watch (ca 1520), pendulum clock (ca 1670) and addition of seconds hand in 18th century.
Calendars were based on movement of sun, moon and stars. Initially Calendaria in Rome was list of debtors that had to be updated monthly. Later every written or pictorial concept which organised mans everyday life , into days, months and year, into order was given this name.
Slide rules and calculators were developed from mid 17th century on. In 1670 John Napier developed tool for multiplication and division which consists of vertical rods placed next to one another. (Napier bones).
Below are some pictures of scientific instruments.
Nuremberg Toy museum
Old toys conjure up memory of ones own childhood. They are forever linked to formative experiences within the family circle, but also they reflect educational ideas of those times.
Nuremberg has been a city of toy making from Middle Ages. Nuremberg toy museum has amazing collection of toys over a period of 600 years. Entire collection is decided into 4 sections. Wooden toys, dolls and doll houses, world of technology and present day toys. Museum also focuses on describing how toy industry was rebuilt after destruction in world war. Especially doll houses are worth special mention. Entire wooden houses are built with separate rooms, kitchen set, dining etc with overwhelming details. Here are some pictures of these toys.
Toys played huge role in child’s education. From 18th century, educationists have been creating toys and teaching material for children. Attention centered on middle class families with different ideals of education for boys and girls. Girls were prepared for their role as housewife and mother by playing with dolls, doll houses, kitchen and needle work. Boys were educated for civilian and military careers. Huge armies of soldiers of tin and lead, toy guns and uniforms were part of boys education to prepare them for cruelty of warfare.
Some toys were used by children and adults for entertainment and education. Both children and adults satisfied their visual curiosity in drawing room using paper theaters, shadow theaters and optical toys.
Technical achievements such as steam engines and trains, cinemas, telephones, cars and aeroplanes have always fascinated children and adults alike. Corresponding toys appeared almost immediately as these inventions were made.
Tin was preferred material in the era of industrial toys and clock work mechanisms set them in motion. From penny toys and metal construction kits, magic lanterns and film projectors to fully functional steam engines, world of tin was created, and over a century, Nuremberg was its capital.Around 1910, sector employed over 5000 people in over 100 factories. Company called Bing, was once worlds biggest toy factory.
Mainly boys were supposed to learn from technology while playing. From simple toy train to intricate model railways, it was a big revolution in toys for boys. Technology also affected girls toys like electric cooker, steam lined buggies etc.
Wooden toys
Small wooden figurines depicting various daily life objects including humans.
Dolls and doll houses
This is amazing collections of dolls in various shapes sizes and dresses. Doll houses are very meticulously done with giving attention to minute details. Entire house setup is recreated in toys.
Some toys for Boys
Apart from above toys, there were few miniature painting at display.
Other attractions in Nuremberg
Numberg city square has many beautiful churches. ‘Church of our lady’ is located at the market square. It is built in 1350 AD by Roman emperor. This building is in Gothic architecture style.
St Lorenz church is a medieval church. It was destroyed during world war 2 and later renovated. It was built in 1430 AD.
Few clicks taken while on roads of Nuremberg.
Good bye Nuremberg
After a week long stay in Numberg we traveled to Studguard city by train for around 2 hours. In Germany trains system works little different. By looking at train coaches it is hard to recognize the train. Only digital displays in the platforms are helpful.Studguard
It is a nice city with flower gardens and a high tower. Bosch company campus is a major landmark here. We visited our relatives here and with their help we went around the city using local trains. |
| City square |
Munich
From Studguard we traveled to Munich by train for around 3 hours. In Munich we joined our package tour team to explore rest of Europe. Veena World tour cordinator and rest of the passengers greeted us in Munich. We had lunch in Indian restaurant in Munich. |
| City Square |
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| Indian restaurant |
Austria
From Munich a beautiful road journey took us to Innsbruck, Austria. This is a quiet and picturesque town with snow clad mountains around. We stayed in a hotel in a place called Obstieg. Hotel was entirely built from wood, called Shalley house. Living in a wooden place is different experience. We were asked not to use electrical devices in a room for safety purpose.
Swarovski museum in Wattens, Innsbruck is highly popular tourist place. Swarovski is precision cut glass work. This is finer quality glass and hence expensive. It was founded in Austria and museum was built in 1995 to celebrate 100 years of Swarovski. Museum has many beautiful crystal works in display.
Below work represents Christmas tree in crystals.
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| Christmas tree |
Below work represents sun.
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| Sun |
Crystal Dome is a special attraction. The dome of the Crystal Dome consists of 595 mirrors that create a special depth effect and give the viewer the feeling of being inside a crystal.
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| Crystal Dome |
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| Taj Mahal |
Indian designer Manish Arora has worked with swarosky to create chamber of love.
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| Ready to Love |
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| 55 million crystals |
Kusama, one of the most popular contemporary artists in the world, is exhibiting one of her most spectacular mirror installations entitled “Chandelier of Grief.” The central
element is a rotating chandelier of Swarovski crystal, whose luster comes to life in a room that is completely lined with mirrors. The room creates the illusion of being in an endless space.
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| Chandelier of Grief. |
Rock formation
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| Rock Formation |
Switzerland
Soon after this visit to crystal museum. we had lunch at Innsbruck and started our journey to Switzerland, most spectacular part of our trip. Throughout the journey spectacular view of snow clad mountains, lust green forests, grass lands and small streams on both sides of roads made it enjoyable. Picture perfect location with nature in its fullest glory!
We had a stop over for around 1 hour at Linchestein, on our way to Switzerland. Liechtenstein is a small country situated on the banks of the Rhine in Central Europe, between the Swiss canton of St. Gallen and the Austrian province of Vorarlberg. The official language is German. We had a toy train raid in capital city Vaduz and had a view of Vaduz Castle.
At the end of the day we landed at Switzerland hotel, in a place called Cham. On the way to a hotel we had a spectacular view of Zurich lake. A lake in a serene surrounding and with pristine waters...We had dinner at Indian restaurant on the way.
Switzerland is also ultimate destination for Bollywood directors. Yash Chopra, a famous Bollywood director earned permanent citizenship in Switzerland, a honour which is rarely given. One of the road is also given his name, to honour the work he has done.
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| Lake Zurich |
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| Rani Restaurant |
Next day we went to mount Titlis. So far we were surrounded by view of snow clad mountains but now we would actually land on one such mountain, to immerse ourselves in snow world. Cable car ride took us to the top of the mountain from base. With enough thermal ware protection, we could venture into snow and spend some time. However, if there is snow storm, tourists are not allowed to go outside, but be in safe zone.
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| Mountain Base, Mount Titlis |
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| view from cable car ride |
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| View from cable car |
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| Top of the mountain |
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| Beside Dilwale and Dulhaniya |
At half way in the mountain, there is business complex with all facilities for tourists, with many restaurants. Our lunch was arranged in one such restaurant at Mount Titlis.
After mountain trip we just spent some time in Lucern city, for shopping. We also visited one lion monument in Lucern city.
Paris
A bus journey from Lucern to Paris, on next whole day was long and tiring. After landing at hotel in Paris and taking rest at night, next day we had a Paris city tour, covering Arc de Triumph and other landmarks. Afternoon we headed to Eiffel tower.
Arc de triumph is a war memorial.the Arc de Triomphe was inaugurated in 1836 by French king, Louis-Philippe, who dedicated it to the armies of the Revolution and the Empire. He built it for Napolean.
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| Arc De Triumph |
De la Concorde is the biggest city square constructed between 1757 and 1779 and named after Louis XV. In the center there was an equestrian statue of the King Louis XV, made to celebrate his better health after having suffered a long illness.
In 1792 the statue was torn down and melted and the square was renamed Place de la Révolution (Revolution square). During the French Revolution, this square was the chosen location for the public beheadings of over 1,200 people. Some of the most famous figures guillotined were Queen Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI or Maximilien Robespierre.
When this bloodthirsty period ended in 1795, the square was renamed as Place de la Concorde.
The Place de la Concorde was renovated between 1836 and 1840 when a giant 3,000-years-old Egyptian obelisk from Luxor temple, offered by the Khedive of Egypt, was placed in the center of the square.
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| De la Concorde - Biggest city square, Obelisk from Egypt |
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| Luvre Museum |
Eiffel Tower
Eiffel tower is an engineering marvel, a wrought-iron lattice tower. It is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. It was constructed from 1887 to 1889 as the entrance to the 1889 World's Fair. The tower is 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building.It was constructed to commemorate the centennial of the French Revolution and to demonstrate France's industrial prowess to the world.
There are 3 levels to the tower. On the top,one will get a spectacular view of Paris city.
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| View from Tower - Sean River |
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| View from Tower |
Sean river ride
Sean river flows in Paris and drains in English channel. Many bridges have been built and it is major commercial waterway. One can see an entire city from boat ride in this river.
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| Eiffel tower view from Sean river ride |
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| Sean River ride |
Brussels
After resting at night in Paris hotel, next day we left to Brussels, Belgium. Brussels is head quarter for Europe. Grand square in Brussels is a big square surrounded by grand buildings. Belgium handmade chocolates are world famous. We bought few of them.
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| Grand square |
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| Grand square |
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| Brussels Museum in Grand square |
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| Grand square |
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| Grand square |
There is one more structure worth visiting here, Atomium. The Atomium is a landmark building in Brussels, originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World Expo. The Atomium depicts nine iron atoms in the shape of the body-centered cubic unit cell of an iron crystal, magnified 165 billion times.
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| Atomium |
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| Atomium |
Manneken pis
Manneken Pis is a landmark 61 cm bronze sculpture in the centre of Brussels, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin. It is located close to the grand square, in the city center.
It is not known exactly when original statue was built. The earliest mention of the existence of Manneken Pis can be found in an administrative text, dating from 1451–1452. But this original statue is not present now, however one painting of this statue is available, from year 1615.
In 1619 one more bronze statue was made. But over the years it got stolen, damaged multiple times. Restored version of this statue is kept in Brussels museum. Replica, which is made in 1965, is available for display.
There are many stories from legends regarding this monument. One story goes that a small boy saves the kingdom from enemies by urinating on some explosive material kept by enemy. Hence this monument is a tribute to the boys presence of mind and bravery!
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| Manneken Pis |
Amsterdam
After 2 hours of bus journey from Brussels we reached Amsterdam, capital city of Netherland (Holland).
The name of the city dates from the 12th century, when a dam was built in the Amstel river. Today the water is still a defining element of Amsterdam. Concentric canal system built around this river, was responsible for 17th century becoming Golden Age for Dutch people. They prospered in trade during this time, thanks to canal system. The canals in Amsterdam are now used for tourism, recreation, houseboats, and a relatively small amount of private transport. Visitors take boat ride in these canals and get the feel of the city.
Another tourist attraction, Tulip Garden, is world famous. In fact Tulips are everywhere in Amsterdam, be it small house gardens, road sides, public garden etc. Tulip Garden is in a place called Keukenhof close to the city. It is one of the worlds largest flower garden.
Bicycle is significant means of transport here. There are bicycle tracks everywhere. In fact there are more bicycles than number of people and they are struggling with bicycle congestion!
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| Tulip Garden |
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| Canals |
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| View from boat ride |
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| Well known brand Heineken head quarters |
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| View from boat ride |
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| Co tourists from Veena World package tour |
After boat ride in Amsterdam, it was end of our package tour and we all were headed towards Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. It was time to say goodbye to our package tour friends. While they were boarding the Mumbai flight, we were boarding the train to Brussels again! Because our next destination was Rome (capital city of Italy) and we had booked flight from Brussels to Rome next day morning.
Our plan was to explore Rome on our own for 2 days. We wanted to get that unique experience of venturing into another country with different language and culture. Few years back without the current technology, it would have been nearly impossible to just land in another country without much help. But in this age of Google maps, whatsapp and availability of broadband networks everywhere, it was very easy to manage.
Thus we found ourselves at Rome international airport on Monday May 13 2019. We had booked a guest house accommodation. We reached the address given and met the landlord after lot of struggle. To our surprise, just beside our address, there was one Indian barber shop. It was big relief to meet him. He gave us some information about grocery shop, and basic facilities.
Land lord did not know English. His name was Adriano. We had to use translator tool and whatsapp to talk to him. Finally we entered our house in first floor of the huge building. It was very spacious house with kitchen and all other facility. It had very artistic and tastefully done interiors.
Colosseum
Colossium was at walkable distance from our guest house. It is a 2000 year old structure of pre-Christian era. It was built on around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. Apparently there used be Emperor Nero's grand palace in the same place earlier and it was destroyed in the great Roman fire in AD 64.Colosseum was a public amphitheatre. Gladiator combats, wild animal fights were performed as part of entertainment to Romans. Larger combats such as mock naval engagements (for which the arena was flooded with water) put on at great expense.
It had a capacity for 50000 people. However, more than 2/3 rd of the structure got destroyed over time. Even building material was used to build churches after Christian rule.
Today it stands as an iconic symbol of long and tumultuous Roman history.
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| Colosseum |
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| Colosseum |
Vatican
Next day we went to Vatican by local trains. Public transport is very convenient in Rome. Single pass enabled us to go to any place in city either by bus or train. Route numbers, place names and all other information is easily available in all the bus/train stations. Only remembering name of the places and roads was a challenge!Vatican is a small area in Rome which is designated as an independent country by itself. Hence we need to get permission to enter from authorities. Our sight seeing guide (whom we met on our way) took care of all these formalities for us. On the way to Vatican one would meet many guildes, willing to offer their services. Even we met one Indian student from AP, who was studying and doing this part time job!.
Vatican is a complex which is highly revered place for Christian religion. It has
- Popal palace (also known as Apostolic Palace) where Pope lives
- Popal palace has Sistene Chappel inside; This chappel is famous for Michelangelo paintings. Photography not allowed inside Sistene Chappel.
- St Peters Bassillica (Bassillica is a Latin word for Church) which is a biggest church in the world, inside Popal palace.
- Vatican Museums.
Even during pre-Christian era (2000 years ago) there were some shrines in this area. After 1871 it became permanent residence of Popes. Till mid 19th century, for thousand years, Popes ruled most part of Italy. Sistene Chapel was built in 1473. Apparently building material like marble were taken from Colosseum.
From 17th century Popes living here were collecting large amount of art work from different places in Europe and Egypt, mainly to demonstrate the power of Roman empire to vising Kings and queens.Later in 16th century this collection was opened for public.
Bascillica is built in 4th century AD on St Peters grave by Emperor Constantine I. It was rebuilt again in 16th century.
There are no words to describe the beauty of sculptures and paintings. Not a single inch of space is left without any kind of art. Their beauty and intricate details leave viewers spell bound. Whether it is ancient Egyptian, Roaman or medieval artists like Michalangelo, they are simply superb in every aspect.
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| Vatican complex |
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| Vatican - Appointment of new Pope is announced from the church balcony |
Sculptures in Museums
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| From Egypt |
Some of the fresco paintngs on the ceiling and walls
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| Painting on the ceiling |
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3D effect in this work       St Peters Bascillica (Church)       |
Pantheon
Next wonder in our list was Pantheon which we visited next day. Pantheon means worship of all Gods. This temple is the only pre-Christian era surviving monument in the world today.The spectacular design, proportions, elegance and harmony are a striking reminder of the architecture of the great Roman Empire.
The Pantheon as we know it today was built in 120 AD by Emperor Hadrian Who was passionate with architecture. Earlier in 27 BC, during Emperor Augustus rein, by his right hand Agrippa, it was built first but got destroyed in the fire later.
The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole in the top (The eye of the Pantheon, or oculus). The dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and until today it remains the largest unsupported dome in the world! The diameter of the dome is 43.30 meters or 142ft (for comparison, the United States Capitol dome is 96 feet in diameter) and is in perfect proportion with the Pantheon by the fact that the distance from the floor to the top of the dome is exactly equal to its diameter.
The marble floor, which features a design consisting of a series of geometric patterns, is still the ancient Roman original.
The 16 massive Corinthian columns supporting the portico weigh 60 tons each. They were brought from Egypt. It is the only remain from the original temple built by Agrippa.
In the year 609 The Pantheon was the first pagan (pre-Christian) temple to be transformed into a church and because of that survived by attacks later!
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| People in Church in Pantheon |
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| Oculus (Eye of the Pantheon) and Dome |
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| Pillers |
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| Some artifacts inside Pantheon |
General - City of Rome
Roman empire monuments are certainly visual treat to tourists, but just going around in the city of Roam is no less delight. Old buildings built with Roman architecture style sprawling across the roads are treat to watch. The charm of the old Roman empire is still alive in the city, thanks to these buildings.Roman architecture style is centered around archs,vaults and domes. These buildings are huge in size, they cover entire lane. Large doors, high ceilings, huge pillars, decorated windows are prominent features. (Some of these features can be found in other European buildings as all these are influenced by Roman style).
Now these buildings are used as residential, business, Malls and government offices. But mostly old charm is retained.
Arch, in architecture and civil engineering, a curved member that is used to span an opening and to support loads from above. The arch formed the basis for the evolution of the vault. If ceiling is formed using arches, it called vault.
| Arch on left side, 2 types of vaults on right |
Dome in the Pantheon as mentioned above, is the largest Dome in the world, standing on its own. (Built in 120 AD).
Below are pictures of some buildings randomly taken while roaming in Rome! (as Roamans !). Observe the stones in the last two pictures. As I mentioned above, these building materials were picked up from Colosseum. They are live spectators of 2000 years of human occupation in Rome!
Visiting Pantheon was our last program. Vatican and Pantheon were mother of all attractions in our entire Europe trip. They were like gems in the crown, cream of the milk!. They took us to the ancient age and memories of these will be ever lasting, to be cherished for long time.
After pizza lunch at restaurant, we headed to Roam International airport, for starting our return journey to Bangalore. Returning with an experience of life time, enchanting and memorable.
