I boarded my bus at lunchtime which took me to the centre of the city. I made my way to the bus stops that my guide book reliably informed me that there was a bus 119 on which I could get to the Pizza della Spagna... well good old Rome doesnt run that bus anymore - what a surprise!!!!
I decided to walk. I walked up through past the Trevi Fountain, which is still undergoing restoration, walked up towards Piazza Barberini which has recently unveiled its newly restored fountain. I have to say... It is a very seductive fountain with a very flity Tritan spirting his water... and that is literal I promise you! It has only recently been revealed after a lengthy restoration and it was worth it... It almost looks unreal it now looks so beautiful.
I then followed the road up towards the Santa Maria della Concezione which is the home to the Capuchin Order of monks since 1631. The church is the home to several wonderful pieces of Roman history of the order, with beautiful handwritten books from the 1700's on display, beautiful artworks and fabulous tapestries and clothing.
I was aware that the crypt is the main draw for tourists to visit this museum/church. I made my way through the museum taking in the beauty of some of the artefacts, and being angered by others.... Think Da Vinci Code cult punshiment tools.... anyhoo...
Now... The Crypt. I made my way down the stairs towards it... The first thing I could hear were the monks chanting. A CD of course but you can imagine the setting. I half expected Derek Jacobi to jump out as Cadfael...
Well... the first room was made up of back bones... Literally.... individual back bones from the spine were used to create "pretty patterns" on the wall, there were 2 skeletons posed to create a "scene".. The light fittings again were made from more bones.... I was successfully freaked....
So the next room was the thigh bone room, and there were piles and piles of thigh bones from floor to ceining covering the walls creating another image...
And the next room was full of pelvis plates....
And the next skulls... I stayed long enough to read the information about the rooms, but the bones and the graves....
I promptly exited without buying a souvenir postcard!!!
Phew!!!
After that, I made my way towards the Spanish Steps which is home to the Keats and Shelley Museum. Now part of me wanted to go here to see a part of major English History that is in Rome, and part of me was just curious. I know enough about Keats and Shelley but not a large amount. I know "Ode to a Nightingale" and "To Autumn" by Keats but that is sadly as far as my literary knowledge goes, which is a little embarrasing. Sadley even my Hollywood knowledge only stretches to "Bright Star". Somehow, I feel this may change.
I made my way up the stairs, and went into the museum. It was astonishing. Mahogany bookcases, leather bound books, letters, paintings, portraits... and there was even a new exhibition that had opened today about the Browings and their relationship with Rome, Keats, Shelley and Byron. The handwritten letters, written with such passion and such penmanship.. It is a time that seems forgotten, and yet when you see it, it becomes real. The passion of these men and the life they lived, it comes alive on the pages in front of you. To be privileged enough to see pages written by hand by Osar Wilde... It was an amazing space...
I can feel myself seeking out the poems to read. Having been to this museum it was truly inspiring.
After leaving the museum, I sat on the steps for a while watching the world go by, before wandering back to Piazza Navona, via Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Max Mara... etc etc etc....
A humble salad of leaves, pine nuts, feta and apple with sparkling wine before wandering home.... a lovely Monday all in all :)
I am sure monkeys jumper is D & G :)
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