Submitted by Angela Kalesis on the 2018 spring semester program in Barcelona, Spain…
I am not new to the religious traditions of Europe and I understand that people tend to be more religious in European countries. I have family in Greece and after living in Barcelona these past few months, the similarities are clear. I had the opportunity to spend my spring break with my family, who met me in Rome, Italy. It was a week of great food, amazing memories and exploration.
My time in Italy was also spent observing the culture and customs that led up to Easter. We were able to see both the local culture, as well as how tourism affects the area during one of the busiest times of the year. I was shocked that all of the Basilicas in Rome are free, as I have spent my months in Barcelona strategically planning my visits in order to get discounts. At first, I believed this may have only been because of Holy Week, but I was later informed by a friend that this is normal in Rome. However, I was not as surprised by the amount of people crowding these areas. The Sistine Chapel barely had room to walk, and St Peter’s Basilica, which the Pope had closed that morning for a service, had a line that was unbelievably long. I have seen tourism in Barcelona and felt the effects of it myself, but Rome is a completely different beast.
I honestly believe that the most shocking part of my week was seeing the immense military presence in the city. It was normal to the civilians who live in Rome, but it is unlike anything I have seen in any other European city. The security around any tourist area was on high alert for this time of the year and it was very eye opening and saddening to think that this is something countries feel is necessary nowadays.
All in all, Rome is an amazing city with a beautiful history and I honestly believe it is a place everyone should visit.
