Three points of interest from church visits. Gesù Nuovo church is decorated with thousands of votive medals offered in thanks for healing. A 20th century medical doctor who worked tirelessly with the poor of Naples and through his piety was the instrument of several miracles has been canonized and is buried here, Saint Giuseppe Moscati.
The sacristy of another church, San Domenico Maggiore, built in the medieval period for a community of Dominican monks, was fitted in the eighteenth century with humongous oak cupboards for treasures, linens, vestments… as a humble altar guild member of what in comparison is a tiny cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, these cupboards are truly awe-inspiring. Up above them all around the room are 44 cloth-draped caskets of the kings of Aragon who ruled Naples throughout the fifteenth century. Caskets complete with mummified remains, of course!
Saint Thomas Aquinas is honoured in this same church. He spent two years living here in the monastery while writing and teaching before his death in 1274. We could visit and his cell with the 12th century picture of Christ crucified that was so dear to Thomas.
We spent the afternoon in Naples’ huge and beautiful archaeological museum looking at Roman statues and mosaics, frescoes, furniture and household items from Pompéi. Here are some favorites.
This is a baker and his wife, wall painting from Pompei. One of only a very few portraits of actual people.
And here is a lovely etching on marble of Roman ladies playing a dice game.
It is hard to stop sharing photos! Another favorite for both Theresa and me was this column from a house in Pompei, the mosaics just shining and glimmering, even inside the somewhat dull light of the museum.
And finally, a Roman dog, an ancestor I am sure of the countless Italian dogs barking at us from behind the gates of their houses!
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