There is a great deal of Christian history (as well as many other religions) that is attached to Rome. You look back to Peter and Paul and the writing in the bible and Rome plays an important role. Being there at Christmas time made this quite interesting.
One interesting aspect that helped the kids survive visiting 200 
churches and cathedrals were the creches that were in virtually every one. Some were amazingly
elaborate and some were simple and primitive. Some modern, some ancient. To the left is the creche outside of St. Peter's Basilica. It was life-sized and quite amazing. The one with John and MJ is in the park that is across from our apartment.
churches and cathedrals were the creches that were in virtually every one. Some were amazingly
elaborate and some were simple and primitive. Some modern, some ancient. To the left is the creche outside of St. Peter's Basilica. It was life-sized and quite amazing. The one with John and MJ is in the park that is across from our apartment. When it comes to Christmas, it historically leads back to the journey that Ceasar Augustus started when he ordered the census of all the people in the Roman Empire
(insert snide remark about taxes here). Mary and Joseph then had to journey to Bethlehem. Now back to Rome. Palatine Hill is one of the most famous hills of the 7 hills of Rome. This is where Rome was first established by Romulus and Remus were taken to the cave to be raised by the wolf. Starting about 500 BC. This was the happening place to live for the affluent people. This is also where Augustus was raised. This is the section on Palatine Hill where his palace was. (see Marshall & Maggie pointing)
(insert snide remark about taxes here). Mary and Joseph then had to journey to Bethlehem. Now back to Rome. Palatine Hill is one of the most famous hills of the 7 hills of Rome. This is where Rome was first established by Romulus and Remus were taken to the cave to be raised by the wolf. Starting about 500 BC. This was the happening place to live for the affluent people. This is also where Augustus was raised. This is the section on Palatine Hill where his palace was. (see Marshall & Maggie pointing)On the other end of the Christmas story, we were able to experience the Scala Santa (The Sacred Stairs). These were the stairs that Jesus climbed to appear before Pontius Pilate. In the fourth century, they were brought from Jerusalem to Rome and this were placed in a former palace of the Pope. They are now covered in walnut (marble below) and are considered to be so sacred, you must ascend on your knees, saying a prayer on each step. John immediately headed up and we all soon followed. Very, very somber/sacred atmosphere and an amazing touch of history that has transformed the world.
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