Volumes upon volumes have already been written about all of the wonders that I have seen and learned about during our first week here in Italy. Sooo, I’ll leave the Roman history, Pompeii excavation, and Renaissance Art to the experts. From what I can tell, Italy has got it goin’ on.
Given that I have primarily traveled throughout Central and South America, and now Italy, I have toured a number of Catholic churches in my day. None as extravagant as the Basilicas in Italy, most constructed hundreds, some thousands of years ago. St. Peter’s Basilica for example is bar none the most ornate building that I can imagine existing, anywhere. The genius of Michelangelo ceases to amaze me. These churches are jaw-dropping, huge (I mean huge), ceilings covered in gold, famous sculptures galore, frescos frescos frescos, marble floors. In a word: excessive.
Perhaps they are as such to demonstrate the power of the church, the power of one’s faith. Or perhaps it’s a lesson in humility, like standing next to the ocean. Maaaybe they foresaw that years from now they would be an endlessly profitable tourist attraction. Either way, something about it makes me uneasy.
Are not the values and virtues of faith sufficient to attract and mai
ntain followers? Is belief not enough? Do I need a golden roof over my head to pray? The contradictions are distractingly evident. Or maybe I should just thank the Pope for contracting Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel for my viewing pleasure. It most certainly is incredible.
Of even greater beauty is the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy. Beautiful villas overlook dramatic coastlines, which meet a bright blue, shining sea. From shiny ceilings to shining seas. I even got to take a quick dip in the Grotta Azzurro. The views, the people, the food… everything is beautiful in Sorrento. Life is good.
More on Florence, Tuscany, Vienna, and Milan to come.
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