After checking into our hotel I really wanted to visit the Basilica di San Lorenzo. St. Lawrence the Martyr had long been near and dear to my heart. He took care of the sick and was killed for his defiance and devotion. He was tied to a gridiron and placed over a fire, at one point calling out something along the lines of “flip me over for I am done on this side”. He lived and died in Rome as one the earliest martyrs. When I found out that the church was pretty close to our hotel I knew I had to see it.
For some reason the GPS had us walk through the cemetery behind the church but it ended up being a strikingly beautiful detour.
Walking up to the Piazzale del Verano.
A lovely flower shop on the corner.
As we walked into the cemetery we came upon an enormous wall of tombstones.
The Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Inside the basilica there was a small room under the alter that held the gridiron that was used to kill St. Lawrence.
Light pouring through the doorway and highlighting a piece of stone in the floor with Roman script.
A statue of St. Lawrence.
My mother admiring the alter.
Colorful frescoes on the outside of the basilica. They were done in the 13th century and depicts scenes from the lives of St. Lawrence and St. Stephen.
The Piazzale del Verano.
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| Mom and dad. |
For dinner one of the people who worked at our hotel suggested that we try La Famiglia Ristorante, which was wonderful!
The Tagliolini Cacio e Pepe.
Jenny enjoying her pasta and wine.
