What we learned in school today...

For the girls in the distant Trastevere apartment, the alarm clock sounded particularly unpleasant this morning. Our 9am Art History class was to meet at a church that is about an hour’s walk from our apartment. Although I have grown accustomed to our morning treks, I didn’t feel up to the challenge today; I decided to buy a cappuccino and a bus ticket instead.


Shortly after the clock chimed nine (literally), Jen began her presentation on Santa Maria Maggiore, the first church in Rome to be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. We learned about the miraculous snowfall that determined the church's shape, and Jen told us about how much the church has changed since its original construction in the 4th century. It's a beautiful building, and we couldn't help but stand in awe of its incredible ceiling and chapels.



Next, we headed over to another church named Santa Prassede, where Lisa gave us a mini presentation of her own. A much smaller and simpler church, Santa Prassede was built in the 8th century to house the bones of saints. The church is known for its gorgeous mosaics, particularly those found within the Saint Zeno Chapel, which Lisa aptly described as “a little jewel box”.



Then it was time for our final presentation of the day, which (wouldn’t you know it) was located all the way back in the Trastevere neighborhood at the top of a huge hill. Thankfully, Lisa treated us all to a cappuccino and cornetto before we made the journey. In the end, the hike was well worth it; at the top of the hill, we found a beautiful fountain, an incredible view of Rome, and candy (thanks, Elizabeth). Elizabeth gave a great presentation on the fountain and Acqua Paola, the acqueduct that flows to it, both of which were created in the 1600s at the behest of Pope Paul V. Cool stuff.

And then a miracle occurred: we were done by noon and the rest of the day was free!

Grazie mille to those in charge,
Ashleigh King