Day 3 - Santa Maria del Popolo

It was a slow start to the day, but let's get moving. My first stop is the long hike back to Piazza del Popolo to find Santa Maria del Popolo. Apparently I was right beside it yesterday, but it was closed.

This church was constructed in 1099 to scare off the ghost of Emperor Nero (who was buried near by). The locals were complaining the evil Emperor was haunting them. So a chapel was erected on this site.

The church is a treasure trove of great Italian masters like Bernini and Raphael. In the apse are Rome's first stained glass windows. The Chigi Chapel is one of the highlights of the church and was designed and painted by Raphael.

I am fascinated by the architecture of churches. The work is amazing based on what resources and hand tools "the Masters" had to work with. I could lay on the floor and look at frescos for hours. Let's just say my back and neck got a good workout today craving to see these beautiful works of art.Read more