Italy

Monument to Pope at Termini Station

The statue of Pope John Paul II is quite impressive in size on a busy square in front of Termini Station. The explanation for this strange choice is as follows: An express train leaves for the Vatican from the station. So waiting for him, you can pass the time, considering the image of the most popular dad. The pontiff is depicted opening the floors of his robes, which symbolizes his willingness to accept and protect any person. The monument deserves your attention.

Monument to John Paul II at Termini Station. Monument with a difficult fate, photo by Artribune

Monument to Pope John Paul II (Monumento a Giovanni Paolo II) first appeared on the Roman Piazza dei Cinquecento (Piazza dei Cinquecento) at Termini Station on May 11, 2011. "For the first time" - because soon after the opening, the monument had to be dismantled and remade.

John Paul II during his life was called the "preacher of the renovation church." The sculptor Oliviero Rainaldi designed a sketch of the monument to the pontiff in the spirit of modernism. The official Vatican approved the outline of the project, Raynaldi began work.

However, on the opening day, all those present were unpleasantly surprised. Instead of the promised monument of Karol Wojtyla, wrapped in his traditional cloak and symbolically enveloping a large flock, a strange construction appeared before the eyes of the public. It resembled an angular empty booth or tent, crowned with a head without a neck, with an expressionless face completely unlike the inspired face of the Pope.

Monument to the Pope (Monumento a Giovanni Paolo II), photo by Artribune

A scandal erupted. The press openly ridiculed the monument, comparing the bronze statue with Benito Mussolini and calling it a "homeless shelter". The RCC tried to disown, stating that a completely different project had been submitted for approval. Raynaldi accused the foundry workers of deviating from the sketch, simultaneously complaining about the limited public who did not appreciate the subtle creative plan. City Hall conducted a survey among the Romans. Almost 90 percent of the townspeople did not approve of the monument.

It was decided to send the statue for revision. Redid it himself Raynaldi. The head of the monument was completely changed, giving the face a good expression and a greater resemblance to the features of the original; the outlines of the shoulders made smooth. The new opening of the monument took place on November 18, 2012.

Pope John Paul II, photo by Giorgio Ranu '

How to get there

Take the metro line A or B to Termini station.

How do I save on hotels?

Everything is very simple - look not only at the booking. I prefer the search engine RoomGuru. He is looking for discounts at the same time on Booking and on 70 other booking sites.

Watch the video: Rome, Italy - Pope John Paul II Statue at Termini Station HD 2015 (November 2024).

Popular Posts

Category Italy, Next Article

Iseo Lake
Italian lakes

Iseo Lake

In the frame of Italian sights along with large "stones" like Lake Maggiore, Garda and Como, another emerald shines - Lago di Iseo (Italian: Lago d'Iseo). Fans of the Italian mountains greatly appreciate high-altitude resorts, alluring with white snow caps and extreme types of recreation. However, even the most active tourist will not resist the beauty and crystal clearness of mountain lakes.
Read More
Lake Como: attractions, villas, hotels, how to get
Italian lakes

Lake Como: attractions, villas, hotels, how to get

In the north of Lombardy, very close to the Swiss border, lies Lake Como (Italian: Lago di Como). Like a gem, the waters of Como glisten in the rim of the Alpine mountains. The extremely deep and fabulously beautiful lake is loved by the original Italians and numerous guests of the country. Mountain landscapes framed by fluffy clouds serve as a source of inspiration for writers, artists and film industry workers.
Read More
Holidays on Lake Maggiore: Attractions and Villas
Italian lakes

Holidays on Lake Maggiore: Attractions and Villas

Lago Maggiore (Italian: Lago Maggiore) is one of the four great Italian lakes. The literal translation of the name of the reservoir sounds like a "big lake". And that is the true truth. Located at the very top of the “boot”, Lago Maggiore washes its waters with Italian and Swiss lands. Sheltered by the mountain range of the Alps from the sharp influence of the outside world, Maggiore is famous for its excellent mild climate, clear waters and breathtaking views.
Read More
Garda - the largest lake in Italy
Italian lakes

Garda - the largest lake in Italy

On the outskirts of Lombardy, just a 1.5-hour drive from Milan, lies one of Italy's natural attractions - Lake Garda (Italian: Lago di Garda). The blue waters of this pond are surrounded by the lush greenery of Italian nature and the mighty slopes of the Alpine mountains. Garda is the largest lake in the country, its length is 52 km, width - 17 km, surface area of ​​the water - 370 km 2.
Read More