White Smoke Over the Vatican by Uzi Eilam

Author:Uzi Eilam [Eilam, Uzi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-04-30T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

Dan and Noam, who had joined Gideon and Nimer, heard about Nimer’s request to tour Rome. Gideon believed the strategic goal of the tour should be concealed and that it should be called a touristic tour. Dan commented on the need for security while leaving the Vatican, and Noam recommended asking one of the Swiss Guards to guide the tour. Dan claimed it would be better to have a miniature drone known as a “wasp” surveying the area, in addition to a covert member of the Swiss Guard security team.

“We’re glad you’re willing to show Dr. Dieter and myself your beautiful city,” Gideon said as the man from the Swiss Guard arrived.

“It’s my honor,” he replied. “If you may, I’ll mention some must-see sites we’ll be visiting tomorrow. Each site will unveil secrets of the greatest architects who worked in Rome.”

“We’re listening,” Gideon spurred him on.

“We should leave early in order to avoid as much of the relentless stream of tourists as possible. Our first stop will be the Colosseum, declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The ancient structure was used as the biggest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, hosting dozens of thousands of people who came to watch the gladiators. Don’t worry about the long wait at the entrance, we have a free pass thanks to the Vatican. We will later visit the nearby complex, ‘Foro Romano’, where ancient statues, structures and relics are found. This is also where the Arch of Titus is, built by Titus to commemorate the conquest of Judea by the Roman army.”

The man stopped and examined his audience before continuing his review, pointing at the start of the route on the map.

“The next stop is Piazza Navona – the great square, decorated with statues and fountains. We won’t spend too much time on the many artists who show their work there, just as we won’t be tempted to sit in any of the restaurants.”

“I want to mention,” Dan interjected, “that the crowded places call for extra security. While we accompany you from above, your Swiss Guard security guards must know exactly how the route goes and where the stopping points are.”

“Understood and acceptable,” the guide promised, noticing Gideon’s nod. “If I may, we’ll continue to the Pantheon, an ancient shrine built two thousand years ago which is the best-preserved structure in Rome. Perhaps turning it into a church might have helped with that. Inside the structure, you’ll be able to see the murals and sculptures that have been preserved to this very day.”

“That sounds very interesting, sir,” Nimer intervened. “Other than being converted into a church, did the Pantheon’s unique structure also contribute to its resilience?”

“Certainly, Dr. Dieter. We will inspect the planners’ wisdom once inside the building. The next stop is Piazza Venezia. This is another square with a large white structure, the Palazzo Venezia used by Mussolini as his residence, and the location of his famous speeches where everyone gathered in the square below.”

“The wings of history,” Noam commented.

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