![By Stefan Bauer, http://www.ferras.at (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/800px-forum_romanum_rom1.jpg)
The Roman Forum
Update: Please enjoy some new photos added for your viewing pleasure …..
Sometimes traveling somewhere distant can take you right ” home.” I was incredibly fortunate to spend a few magical weeks travelling throughout Italy. As an Italian American , spending some time in the land of my ancestors helped me appreciate some of the origins of my love of food, art, history, and la dolce vita. I was transported to a realm Eckhart Tolle calls spaciousness while visiting cathedrals. Words can barely describe how I feel when I am in the presence of these breathtaking works of art so I will let the images speak to you.
![By Andreas Tille (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/stpetersbasilicaearlymorning.jpg)
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Sistine Chapel Ceiling
Michelangelo’s Creation
Michelangelo’s Last Judgement
Outside St. Peter’s Square , Vatican City
Basilica Di San Marco, Venice
San Marco Ceiling
San Marco Mosaic
San Marco Altar
Duomo, Milan
![Duomo_In_S4 By Spens03 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/duomo_in_s4.jpg)
Duomo Altar
![By メルビル (Own work) [<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0">CC-BY-SA-3.0</a>], <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ADuomo_di_Milano%EF%BC%BF20130101-3.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/duomo_di_milanoefbcbf20130101-3.jpg)
Inside Duomo
![Duomo_In_S16 By Spens03 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/duomo_in_s16.jpg)
Duomo Stained Glass Window
![Duomo_Out_S15 By Spens03 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/duomo_out_s15.jpg)
Outside Detail, Duomo
![Duomo,_Milan (WT-shared) Ronnie Pander at wts wikivoyage [CC-BY-SA-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://lindalitebeing.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/duomo_milan.jpg)
Duomo, Milan
For myself the sheer beauty of these places of worship transcends any intention by the artists, architects, priests or popes. It’s all about the immersion into the awe and wonder where I discover the portals into the Divine. What about you?
see related post:
https://lindalitebeing.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/returning-home-part-i-meditation/
roman forum by Stefan Bauer, http://www.ferras.at (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
St. Peter’s by Andreas Tille (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Outside St. Peter’s Square by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0
Basilica San Marco and San Marco Ceiling ( 2 photos) by Ricardo André Frantz (User:Tetraktys) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/deed.en
San Marco Mosaic by Maria Schnitzmeier http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License_1.2
Duomo, Milan by Jiuguang Wang http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en
Duomo Altar, Duomo Stained Glass Window, and Outside Detail, Duomo ( 3 photos) by Spens03 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
Inside Duomo including seated area by By メルビル (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Duomo ( final photo) by (WT-shared) Ronnie Pander at wts wikivoyage [CC-BY-SA-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons
litebeing chronicles 
Sigh…the pictures are so beautiful.
I remember when I was studying and there was this church near by…I’d walk and sit there looking at the dried up lake during summers….to ease my heart….for me churches do bring a sense of peace…especially when not many people in it 😛
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I agree that I feel more at peace in churches with fewer people, probably because I have introverted tendencies so I am that way anyway!
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Hi shamanictracker,
thank you for your kind words. I have a diverse ethnic background, but currently the Italian energy or essence deeply resonates with me.
Namaste
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To the land of your ancestors! Really beautiful 🙂
xox
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Really beautiful Linda. It must have been so awesome and inspiring.
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thanks Sindy, my time in Europe was life-changing 🙂
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Isn’t it amazing how a stone container can make me feel like I’m floating in air.
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It is amazing 🙂
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Did you go to Florence? This is my number one cathedral in the whole world.
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no, I forfeited Florence for there was no time. Which cathedral is your favorite? I hope to return one day.
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Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, the one with the magnificent red dome. It is divine.
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Omg amazing
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glad you enjoyed the virtual trip 🙂
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