Basilica of Santa Sabina

We found this medieval church right beside the Aventine Hill lookout - the Basilica of Santa Sabina. We just followed a couple of people walking in and found this very simple but lovely basilica. It's not the typical ornate and decorated church that we saw from previous churches we visited. 

I liked the minimalist interior of this church. The church is very peaceful and not as crowded as the other churches I visited in Rome.

In another note, it's officially summer now here in Toronto! I am loving the almost (crossing my fingers) sunny weather every day! I just can't believe. I just want to enjoy this summer as much as I can. I'm trying to be outside a lot by going to barbeque's, festivals, and exploring the different neighbourhood's in my city.

And I'm hoping to go camping this long weekend! So excited! And eating tons of ice cream in between!

What are your plans for the summer? 

St. Peter's Square

St. Peter's Square is very beautiful. After spending hours inside the Vatican Museum, it was time to go outside and get some fresh air. It's a surreal experience when you finally get to a place that you only had dreams about.

I was in a middle of St. Peter's Square with people from all over the world. It was amazing! And peaceful just standing there and looking around. I tried to absorb as much positive energy as I could.

I didn't want to line up to get inside the Basilica. I was perfectly happy just being outside and looking at the statues on top of the archways. The Wednesday mass was happening the next day so they had the chairs set up outside. I didn't plan on going to the Wednesday mass but it was nice to be there before it got very busy.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria (Trastevere) is one of the oldest churches in Rome. I have been to a lot of churches all over Europe but nothing quite like this one. The carved ceiling is very impressive. I tried to photograph it as best as I could but I can't do justice to it. You will have to see in person and be in awe. The ceiling is very intricate and detailed. And everything is gilded in gold!
What's more impressive than that? The mosaic on the front altar!

Definitely come visit this church if you are in Rome! 

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe

 

Since, it's Easter this weekend, I thought this would be an appropriate post to share with you. I hope you will have a fantastic Easter long weekend!!

The Catholic in me can't resist visiting a church when I'm abroad. I am curious about the church interiors  and I can't help but to say a small prayer when I enter a church.

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is famous for the 20 meter tall image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. I tried to capture the mural as best as I could and fit it all in the frame. The church is located in the center of the town so you can't miss it.

We passed by the church on a Sunday and it was full (of course!) so we waited after our second visit to go inside the church. I didn't want to take photos while a mass was being held. This time, the church was empty so I could take as much photos as I could.