Europe: 2. Rome- A fair of reminiscences

     Relishing a variety of delicious cakes and muffins apart from routine eggs and breads, we were all excited about the tour of Rome (Italian: Roma), the capital and the most populated city of Italy. Located on the shores of the Tiber river, Rome is the third most populous city in the European Union. It was the capital of the Roman kingdom during ancient times. Called ‘The Eternal City’ by a Roman poet, Rome is also known as ‘Caput Mundi’, meaning ‘Capital of the world’. A witness of a series of invasions, revolutions and bloodshed, Rome is home to a number of formations, built in historical times. The credit for the architectural wonders and magnificent creations by great artisans goes to the ruling Popes of the early 16th century who dedicated their energy to making Rome a beautiful place and to the patronage of the arts. As our tour manager began to narrate a brief history of Rome, we could imagine the scenes unfolding in our minds. Rome is the cradle of western Christian culture and the center of the Catholic Church too.

     As our coach proceeded to the city, small mountains waved at us, greeting the beautiful morning. The farms which we viewed from a height at the time of gradual descent of the aircraft looked even more charming. The softness of the lush green carpet could be perceived even from a distance. Sun, clouds and the mist were playing hide and seek. The coach captain gave a broad smile as I occupied the co-driver seat. I wanted to enjoy the dashboard view and click some pictures. Beautiful cars of a variety of renowned brands added to the thrill of the drive on smooth roads, as the coach marched gracefully through uninterrupted and disciplined traffic. The neatly trimmed branches of the trees along the sides of the roads added to the prettiness of the city. Occasional sights of beautiful trains passing made the journey enjoyable, making everyone recollect childhood days. However, the graffiti on the side-walls and the boards could be seen all along the highway, marring the beauty. With no borders earmarked, most of the large cities of Europe face the issue of people from neighbouring countries seeking refuge.

     We got off the coach and began to walk towards the Colosseum. Various monuments on the way, small or large, caught our attention unmistakably. The Colosseum was actually in ruins, nearly half of it not existing, but it was still able to speak volumes about the fascinating history of Rome. Still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, it could then accommodate 65000 people on an average. During the initial period, spectators would watch gladiatorial contests, animal killings, executions etc. while enjoying betting, wine and feast. The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early mediaeval era. The structure was later used for various purposes, like workshops, a fortress, and a Christian shrine. As our guide narrated terrifying accounts of the gladiators lying in a pool of blood or the screaming wounded animals, the remains of the Colosseum seemed to echo the shrill cries of the dying men and creatures. Many artists had gathered all around the Colosseum to paint the reminiscences. It was interesting to watch them trying to bring alive the nostalgia on the paper. The guide continued to brief us about the Roman forum, Circus maximus, Piazza Venezia and so on during the orientation tour by coach. One must appreciate the efforts made to preserve ancient architecture. Trevi fountain was all fun. I did not try, but saw many others throwing coins in the water using the right hand over the left shoulder. Along with the anecdotes about the result of throwing one coin, two coins or three coins, it was also learned that the coins thus thrown were collected by the administration regularly to raise funds for the poor.

     Lunch was arranged in an Indian restaurant in Rome. It was a relief to have Indian food amid the continental menu which none of us were used to. Even our tour guide liked the Indian cuisine. She was an Italian national, and a resident of Rome. Studied masters in history, she had learned English for two years before beginning to work as a trained guide for tourists visiting Rome. As our coach began moving towards the Vatican, the structures, the monuments, the masterpieces by the great artisans began to rehearse history.

     Underground parking outside the Vatican was vast and lofty, specially made for large coaches. A long walk took us to the enormous premises of St. Peter’s Basilica, a church of the Italian High Renaissance, which is located in Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, and the only example of a country within a city. The long queue moved quietly. Built in 1626, the edifice takes you into history and the architectural details compel you to be awestruck. Arches, domes, towers, bells, clocks, carving, joinery, glass-work and marble-work were amazing, giving an account of the precise and profound knowledge of mathematics and an incredible sense of art during the era. The thumb of the bronze statue of St. Peter was quite interesting. ‘La Pieta’ by Michelangelo was one of the major attractions. A masterpiece by Michelangelo, the sculpture is about an imaginary moment when Jesus, taken down from the cross, is given to his mother, Mary. The melancholy of a saga was vocal, the grief of a mother was discernible, and the helplessness of humanity was palpable. There was a deluge of visitors. Many of them were visiting for pilgrimage. Inside the church, I saw many people in tears, probably as they felt blessed, having witnessed one of the four churches in the world that hold the rank of Major papal basilica. Even from a distance, I could perceive tears of some of the visitors who were at the confessionals.

     It was a day of mixed emotions. Initially, we saw Colosseum, which narrated the brutality of humans against humans. And then, at St. Peter’s, we were witnessing an epitome of humanity, love, compassion, kindness and obeisance. History reveals that irrespective of the era or the geographical location, every nation has seen various forms and extents of cruelty, hatred and violence, before attaining peace. May peace prevail and humanity stay.

Amen!

(Rome- 24 Apr, 2024)

(cont.)

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