Santa Maria della Vittoria

This church was built in 1608. We came to see Bernini's Ecstasy of St Teresa.

The organ and cantoria (balcony for solo singers) behind the entrance

The painting on the cupola depicts

"Mary in heaven among the angels, and the fall from heaven of the evil angels led by Lucifer"

The Virgin Mary Triumphing over Heresy

This is St Vittoria. 

See her mouth, eyes and fingers then decide whether she is REAL

The Dream of St Joseph

St John of the Cross

The Cornaro Chapel

Ecstasy of St Teresa

It is considered to be the best baroque sculpture in Rome

and Bernini's most accomplished work  

Perhaps Bernini's vision was the re-enactment of the piercing of the heart of Christ as He hung on the Cross and the shedding of blood  from the heart of Christ was taken to be the moment of redemption. Hence the saint's ecstasy was an experience of joy and wonderment.

The Protestants'  reaction has been hostile and the Catholics also had problems with the interpretation. Perhaps I should agree with the 18th century French visitor's view that it shows an ignorant and frustrated virgin having a spontaneous orgasm, while not knowing what is happening to her.

Rome

This is our second visit to Rome.

We have arranged for a pick up from the airport to our hotel as the airport is far from the city. We reached the hotel about 3.00 pm and we managed to visit Santa Maria della Vittoria, San Bernardo alle Terme and Santa Maria degli Angeli (all near our hotel). We then took a taxi to Santa Maria in Trastevere ( closing time 8.00 pm)

Breakfast at Heathrow Airport

We had our breakfast at the airport  after we checked in

Full English Breakfast

Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100

Outside Tower Gateway

On 4th August 2013, 16,500 amateur cyclists took part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100, a 100-mile route on closed roads through London and Surrey. Later that day, 150 professional cyclists will race against each other in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey Classic, an extended, 140-mile version of the amateur route.

Day 3

We made our way to Heathrow Airport for our flight to Rome.

Transparent bin bags are being used to encourage recycling

(cos you do not want your neighbours to know that you do not do your part in recycling)

On the DLR 

Our flight to Rome was at 11.00 am from terminal 5

End of day 2

We took the tube home from Covent garden  at the end of the day.

Poplar DLR Station

Covent Garden

Indigo Jones laid out the piazza as London's first planned square during 1630s. This place is now famous for its market, theatres, restaurants and pubs.

Street performers of all kinds-jugglers, clowns, acrobats and musicians entertain the crowds everyday

The Piazza

There was a concert by African singers when we were there