TRAVEL TALES of ranaruby

  Vatican City: The Heart of Papal Rome A Sacred Pilgrimage: Exploring Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel Vatican To the west of the river Tiber is the Vatican, the pilgrimage centre of Rome. It is supposedly the holiest Catholic shrine. The world's largest church in the smallest country, its central dome dominates the skyline of papal Rome. It took over a century (1506 to 1626) to build this massive basilica, and it was built over the church set up by Emperor Constantine I in the fourth century. The Church stands on the high altar, beneath which lies the grave of Simon (St. Peter, head of Jesus' twelve apostles).  St. Peter was the first Pope and was crucified head down (according to his wish) during the reign of Nero, a persecutor of Christians. Adjoining the basilica is St. Peter’s Square, where thousands of people gather during liturgies presided over by the Pope, such as Christmas, New Year, etc. To the Vatican by metro The apartment,...

Imagine going back 2000 years in time and space while standing on the stone floor inside a colossal amphitheatre, amidst thousands of Roman spectators. Drumbeats reverberate as the ceremonial parade enters the stadium. After saying ‘Ave imperator; morituri te salutant’ (those who are about to die salute you) to the emperor, the gladiatorial combat begins. The crowd shouts, jeers and throws their hands up in excitement.  Sixty thousand spectators? It evokes the unmistakable roar of the crowd at Eden Gardens in Calcutta while watching a thrilling cricket match. The gestures, the excitement, and the uproar may differ from our present-day Mexican waves. But how does that matter? After all, a stadium is a venue for entertainment—be it the bloodiest sport in mankind's history. And how the Romans loved watching violence and killings. Historians remain befuddled as to how Romans, who are regarded as the precursors of human civilisation, could have indulged in and enjoyed s...