With the history of the region, it's undeniable that Italy is a center of spiritual activity. Pompeii haunts its visitors with the ghosts of those who died in the volcanic burial in the first century. Capri shares over 30 centuries of history in its small island area. Tuscany reveals its historical background throughout the ages, with its Etruscan Tumuli, its Roman remains throughout the area, the medieval towers which loom over cities like San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, the Renaissance air blowing through Florence . . . Siena itself was the final stopping point for all pilgrims traveling to Rome - even Il Campo (the major center piazza of the city) is shaped like a shell, a symbol of baptism. Rome, in itself, is the focus point of pilgrims and historians alike.
So, perhaps you're not so driven to learn about these spiritual leaders, perhaps you're wanting to renew your time with some favorite artists or history-drivers? Want to see Raphaello's grave? Or perhaps the spot where Julius Caesar was burned . . . IN THE FORUM? Artists, did you know that every piece of art in the Vatican is either a sculpture or a MOSAIC???
Throughout our trip, we'll have the opportunity to visit the burial places of important saints and spiritual leaders. For those more politically- or historically-driven, we'll also visit the burial spots of important leaders, artists, and scientists (if you stop by the Museum of Science in Florence, you can even see Galileo's finger!). Either way, find a way to make this your own pilgrimage experience on this trip. A little research right now on your part will make the trip so much more meaningful while we're there! I always make it a point to stop by somewhere new every time during our visit, which takes quite some research on my part (when you've lived somewhere every summer for 13 years, it's a challenge to find a new spot to discover). Give me the challenge to help make your experience that much more interesting!
Hugs,
Laura :)
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