Day 13 – Walking in the Footsteps of Paul

Rome

October 19, 2024

Three of us headed off to Rome to walk in the final footsteps that Paul took. With only 1 1/2 days, we didn’t have much time so we prioritized the sites associated with Paul.

Our first stop was Tres Fontane Abbey (Three Fountains Abbey) They say these are the original stones of the path leading to the area where Paul was beheaded. Incredible to think that Paul himself most likely walked on these stones.

And this is the column mark’s the place of Paul’s beheading.

Because Paul was Roman, he had the luxury of being executed with a merciful beheading rather than a tortuous crucifixion. Tradition says that when Paul was beheaded, his head bounced three times. In those three places springs of water sprung up from the ground. The church has three monuments to honor that tradition. Here is one of them.

Underneath each monument, you can peak down through the grate to see and hear the water trickling by. I tried to get a picture of it.

The Abbey itself is dimly lit and very somber. Appropriate in remembering the execution of the most important missionary in Christian history

The sculpture at the door is a reminder of the brutal reality that it marks.

Our next stop was to see where Paul was buried which is in the basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls.

Once inside, this place is massive and gorgeous!

One of the first things to notice is the chains, explained here.

The chains are strategically placed above the tomb.

The tomb is covered with a grate and inside there is a sign that this is the holy sarcophagus of Paul.

The mosaics in the church are exquisite. The size and the detail of each one is phenomenal.

Many sculptures of Paul adorned both outside and inside. This was one of the more impressive ones.

Our next stop is the Catacombs. We had to get a taxi to go there since they are a bit outside the city (no burials could take place inside the city itself). Unfortunately no pictures could be taken but here is a map of several of the catacombs.

We could take a picture of the road outside, the old Appian Way. This ancient path has been travelled by pilgrims for 2,000 years who made their way to Rome. I don’t think the stones are original, though!

Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without visiting St. Peter’s Basilica.

From the moment you walk it, it simply takes your breath away. Pictures don’t do it justice.

This is the place where Peter is buried.

However, it’s the architecture and decoration is the most stunning.

The front of the sanctuary is just as beautiful.

I have always loved this depiction of the Holy Spirit. It draws me in every time I see it.

Yes, St. Peter’s Square and Basilica is a truly holy experience, even for non-Catholics.

Our last scheduled stop was the Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel. We saw famous works of art.

Unfortunately we hurried through the museum (remember we didn’t get started until around 12:00 so it was almost closing time) so we could spend as much time as possible in the Sistine Chapel. There just are no words.