Italy Chapter 4: The Eternal Grandeur of Rome
Approaching the breathtaking facade and dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
"Arriving at the Vatican, I felt the immense weight of standing in a place where faith, history, and culture intersect for billions of people across the globe. Being part of the energy in this square was an unforgettable experience. It is a completely unique destination—an independent sovereign territory and a government unto itself. Once you step toward the basilica, words simply cannot fully capture the depth of the history, the vast knowledge, and the centuries of human experience preserved within its monumental walls."
The breathtaking emotional depth of Michelangelo’s Pietà inside St. Peter's Basilica.
"Stepping into the basilica, I was drawn directly to one of Michelangelo's most moving masterpieces: the Pietà. This sculpture holds profound historical and emotional significance for billions of people worldwide. It also carries a dramatic modern history—after an individual tragically attacked and damaged the marble in the 1970s, the masterpiece was placed behind a protective glass barrier. Because of the glass reflections and the massive crowds, capturing a clear photo is incredibly difficult, but I was thrilled to patiently line up my camera and capture this beautiful shot of a truly timeless treasure."
The magnificent, golden frescoed ceiling of the Gallery of Maps within the Vatican Museums.
"Walking into the Gallery of Maps, you are immediately swept up in a powerful, constant flow of people. The crowd moves like a river, and with so much breathtaking art to absorb, you have to learn to take it all in on the go. It is a thrilling but fast-paced experience. Despite the continuous motion and the shifting light filtering through the windows, I was incredibly happy to pull off this shot. Capturing the grandeur of this golden hallway while moving with the crowd is an experience I won't soon forget."
Looking up at the soaring, gold-coffered ceilings and monumental arches inside St. Peter's Basilica.
"Inside the basilica, you quickly realize that the building itself is the ultimate artwork. The architecture is intentionally designed to draw your attention upward, leaving you forever looking up into the ceilings. Standing beneath those soaring vaults, you are constantly amazed by what these creators achieved with the limited technology of their time. How did they pull this off? How did they raise such massive domes and paint such intricate details so high above the ground? It is a design meant to evoke wonder, and centuries later, it still succeeds perfectly."
The monumental outer walls of the ancient Roman Colosseum framing the bustling streets of modern Rome.
"Standing outside the Colosseum, the sheer size of the ancient amphitheater is absolutely mind-blowing. As you draw closer, you can feel the anticipation of what it will look like once you finally step inside to see the next level of its design. Looking at my photo, I am completely amazed by this beautiful, historic creation—though I also have to laugh at the modern utility truck parked right in front of it! It is the perfect reminder of what makes Rome so unique: a living, breathing modern city wrapped entirely around the ancient world."
Looking down into the ancient hypogeum tunnels and tiered seating levels inside the Colosseum.
"Despite nearly two thousand years of deterioration, weathering, and stone-scavenging, the Colosseum still commands an incredibly powerful presence today. Standing on the upper tiers, you can't help but let your mind wander back to its glory days. If its skeletal ruins can leave us this awe-struck in the modern world, imagine the sheer, overwhelming impact it must have had on someone walking up to it back then. In its prime, covered in gleaming marble and filled with the roaring energy of ancient Rome, it must have been a spectacle beyond words."
The iconic Spanish Steps bustling with life underneath a clear Roman sky.
"Visiting the Spanish Steps back in 2019, I was incredibly fortunate to experience them at a unique moment in time—right when you were still allowed to sit down and truly soak in the atmosphere. It is mind-blowing how something as simple as a set of outdoor steps can draw so much global attention and command such a massive presence. The energy here was electric, proving that the heart of Rome isn't just found in its ancient monuments, but in these vibrant, shared spaces where the world comes to pause, look out over the city, and just watch life go by."
The massive white marble facade of the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument dominating Piazza Venezia.
"Rome is an absolute whirlwind of things to see and do. Stepping inside these grand monuments, it's clear the creators held absolutely nothing back—everything is built on a spectacular, majestic scale. Yet, the moment you step back outside, you are greeted by old, weathered cobblestone roads and the chaotic hum of modern traffic. It is a beautiful, fascinating mix of deep history and everyday present-day life, and somehow, it all just works perfectly together."
Pilgrims devoutly ascending the historic Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta) on their knees in Rome.
"One afternoon, I left my hotel room with no particular plan, deciding to just go for a short walk to see where the Roman streets would take me. After wandering less than a kilometer, I completely stumbled across the Scala Sancta by accident—and my timing could not have been more perfect. I was incredibly blessed to visit at a historic moment when the protective wooden coverings had been temporarily removed, exposing the original white marble staircase for the first time in nearly three centuries. Witnessing pilgrims ascend the bare stone on their knees was an intensely moving, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always feel incredibly fortunate to have witnessed."
The sacred Flagellation Column preserved behind glass inside the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
"My accidental pilgrimage didn't stop at the Holy Stairs. Continuing my wander through the neighborhood, I found myself stepping inside the quiet, unassuming Basilica of Saint Praxedes. Hidden away inside a small chapel, I discovered another profound piece of history: the Flagellation Column. Brought to Rome in the 13th century, this marble pillar carries immense spiritual and historical weight. Standing alone in front of this relic, tucked away from the main tourist trails, felt like a private moment of reflection in a city full of grand spectacles."
Enjoying a classic Italian espresso at a lively outdoor cafe along the streets of Rome.
"After hours of exploring, there is no better feeling than pulling up a chair at a sidewalk cafe, ordering a macchiato, and simply slowing down. Having just enjoyed an incredible bowl of authentic Roman pasta, sitting back to watch the world go by felt like a rite of passage. In that moment, surrounded by the hum of scooters and Italian chatter, the rush of sightseeing completely faded away. For a brief moment, I didn't just feel like a visitor anymore—part of me felt truly Italian."
