Italy Now
Religion
Photo courtesy of Italian Government Tourist Board, N.A.
Religion Worship is accessible to all
W
hile every major religion is represented in Italy, Roman Catholicism remains the country’s dominant faith. From converted pagan temples to grandiose medieval cathedrals and down to the tiniest chapels scattered across the country, Roman Catholic churches offer fascinating repositories of art, architecture and history. Churches typically open early every morning, close around noon for lunch, and reopen mid afternoon until after the last Mass has been said around 8:00 p.m. Major cathedrals and basilicas remain open all day to welcome believers and visitors alike. Wearing tank tops, hot pants or other types of revealing clothing is not allowed within most Catholic churches. Make sure to bring a sweater, shawl or long jacket to cover shoulders and legs, as needed. Flashless photography is permitted in most churches. Food and beverages are not. A PARTIAL LISTING OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES WITH SERVICES IN ENGLISH: Patrick’s, Via Boncompagni 60, Rome • St. Santa Susanna, Via XX Settembre 14 , • Rome (the national church of the USA) • Ssi. Martiri Canadesi, Via G. B. De Rossi 46, Rome (the national church of Canada) • Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence (Saturday service at 5:00 p.m.) of the Hospital of San Giovanni •di Church Dio, Borgo Ognissanti 16, Florence (Sundays and holidays at 10:00 a.m.) Italy’s Jewish heritage – For information •contact the Jewish Community Center; www.jewishitaly.org For all other religions, please consult your local place of worship for locations and times.
St. Peter’s Basilica Immortalized by the welcoming arms of Bernini’s colonnade , St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of Roman Catholicism and the most noted landmark of Vatican City, an independent country within the city of Rome. Inaugurated in 396 A.D., the basilica was The Official Guide to Italian Tourism
St. Peter’s Basilica is the seat of Roman Catholicism and the most noted landmark of Vatican City.
originally built by Emperor Constantine over the tomb of Saint Peter. Today, the main altar sits directly above the tomb housing Saint Peter’s remains. Construction of the imposing edifice we see today began in 1506 and took 120 years to complete. Numerous Renaissance architects contributed to its construction, Bramante among them. In 1546 Pope Paul III appointed Michelangelo Buonarroti, already in his sixties, as the official architect. Michelangelo’s Greek cross plan of Saint Peter’s was completed by Della Porta, who also designed the dome, and by Carlo Maderno, who built the façade. Saint Peter’s Basilica was finally consecrated on November 18, 1626.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel The Vatican Museums comprise the papal apartments of the medieval Apostolic Palace decorated with frescoes during the Renaissance, the Sistine Chapel, the exhibition rooms of the Vatican Apostolic Library, and the museums themselves. The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased 500 years
ago. The sculpture of Laocoön, the priest who, according to Greek mythology, tried to convince the people of ancient Troy not to accept the Greeks’ “gift” of a hollow horse, was discovered January 14, 1506, in a vineyard near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti, who were working at the Vatican, to check out the discovery. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner. The Pope put the sculpture of Laocoön and his sons in the grips of a sea serpent on public display at the Vatican exactly one month after its discovery. Within the Vatican Museums, special permits are required for the Vatican Library Archives and the Raphael Loggia. Hours From April 1 to October 31, 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. From November 1 to March 31, 8:45 a.m. to1:45 p.m. Closed Sundays and holidays, except for the last Sunday of each month when admittance to the museum is free of charge. For additional information: www.christusrex.org
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