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

Claudia Cardinale
Famous Italians and Italians

Claudia Cardinale

Claude Josephine Rose Cardinale (Claude Josephine Rose Cardinale) - a popular actress of Italian cinema in the sixties of the twentieth century. Stage name - Claudia Cardinale (Claudia Cardinale). The list of films of the actress has more than 50 films, she worked with directors: Federico Fellini, Luchino Visconti di Modrone, Gianfranco Corsi, Frenchman Claude Lelouch and others.
Read More
Enrico Caruso - the great Italian tenor
Famous Italians and Italians

Enrico Caruso - the great Italian tenor

Enrico Caruso is an internationally renowned Italian opera singer, tenor. He was born the third child in a poor family, where six more children were raised with him. Only thanks to his talent and hard work, he was able to get out of poverty, surrounding himself and his loved ones with the luxury of a rich life.
Read More
Celebrities who have property in Italy
Famous Italians and Italians

Celebrities who have property in Italy

Italy is a country of stunning beauty. Wine, pizza, the sea and a warm climate can not leave indifferent even the most sophisticated people. And therefore it is not surprising that many celebrities buy real estate here. And here are a few stars who could not resist the temptation and bought a villa or house on the Apennine Peninsula.
Read More
Toto Cutugno
Famous Italians and Italians

Toto Cutugno

Enchanting concerts of the nightingale of Italy, Salvatore "Cutugno" never take place without a full house. Everywhere the musician gathers huge halls of fans and admirers of his talent. The audience pampers him, sings along with famous compositions and is looking forward to new ones with anticipation. The music of Toto Cutugno is full of beauty, sensuality, exquisite charm.
Read More