Day 4 - Sala a Croce Greca

OK, how are you doing? I can't say we're half way there yet. I spent three hours meandering around in these halls.

Next on the tour is the Greek Hall, designed in 1775. In the center of the floor there is a mosaic with a bust of Athena which was discovered in 1741 during excavation and dates from the 1st century BC. Yes, I said Before Christ.

The monumental sarcophagus in red porphyry were made to hold the daughters of the Emperor Constantine the Great, most probably Constantina who died in 354 AD and was buriedin a mausoleum along side the basilica of St. Agnes. Between 1467 and 1471. The sarcophagus was later removed and taken to the Vatican museum on a cart dragged by 40 oxen. The sarcophagus is decorated with garland and grape vine resting on four lion head foot claws,

There was also the restoration of the Statue of the Charioteer. By a Californian patron of the Vatican museum.

Oh, and another amazing ceiling.Read more