So day 2, with my main target being the Capitoline Museums, but plenty to see on the way. Firstly I pass the ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina which are really quite impressive.
Then onto Gesu. This is a Jesuit Church and I guess the Jesuits are the nutty wing of Catholicism, the equivalent of the Tea Party for the Republicans. And this place is just so over the top, There is bling and there is bling. The lavishness here is just mind-boggling. The ceiling is very impressive but the overall affect is just barmy over indulgence. But I guess if you fleece everyone you have to spend the money on something.
The lapis lazui orb here is apparently the largest chunk of the rock to be found anywhere. You see, that is the degree of bling we are talking about. Gangsta rappers have a long way to go to catch up.
Then the Galleria Doria Pamphilj. Not allowed to take photos of the art collection, but it was lovely to wander around with the accoustiguide narrated by a family member educated in England (and therefore one wasn't struggling with an Italian accent).
Top attraction is Velazquez's portrait of Pope Innocent X, one of the true all time great portraits. There are 3 Caravaggios in the collection too and a large number of other Old Masters. Plus the chapel includes the corpse of a saint - when just a
bit of saint won't do as a relic. Well if you have close links with the Pope you can wangle a whole one, not just a finger.
I did get a few snaps of the courtyard, and magnificent staircase.
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| Plaza Venezia |
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