No other city in the world has such a concentration of architectural monuments per square meter. Rome cannot be recognized in a few days, but you can fall in love with it in a matter of minutes. For those who first came to the Italian capital, experienced tourists advise not to get too far from the center, as in all the intricacies of the streets of this giant not always understand even the locals.
For most visitors, Rome is interesting for its architecture and unique, lively, dynamic atmosphere. And yet there are other entertainments in the city, one of which is unparalleled Italian cuisine. Only on the streets of Rome you can taste hundreds of types of pizza and pasta, as well as other traditional Italian dishes. And people also come to Rome to get married in the church.
The best time for a church wedding
The Italian capital is located in a very comfortable climate zone, thanks to which it is possible to come here at any time of the year. Winters in Rome are mild but rainy. The average temperature is about plus ten degrees, snowfalls and frosts are extremely rare. Summers last a long time and can be very hot. Temperatures can rise above 40 degrees, which is not always good for weddings. One of the most favorable periods can be called autumn, which is characterized by pleasant temperatures, clear weather and almost complete absence of precipitation.
Where to get church wedding in Rome?
Italy is a deeply Catholic country, Rome is no exception. Although the city opens its arms to all visitors, it favors its own, traditional religion. At the same time, Rome has many places where you can get married. Basically these are house temples or marching parishes, which do not have their own territory. But there are two places where you can get married at almost any time.
Church of St. Nicholas
Back at the dawn of the 19th century, a large Orthodox church was to be built in Rome, but the situation in the political arena escalated. Politicians and church authorities could not agree and the construction of the church was postponed indefinitely. Instead of a large church there was a modest house church with no permanent address. The church still operated until 1932, although it changed its address five times. In the spring of 1932, the Roman Orthodox parish inherited a mansion, which was rebuilt as a church.
During all the time of its existence the church fulfilled not only its main functions. During World War II the church served as a refugee camp. Today the church is a three-story building in the traditional Roman style. The interior space was rebuilt, part of the partitions and walls were destroyed, and the altar part of the temple was added additionally. Among the decorations of the church are gold and marble mosaics, picturesque frescoes, iconostasis. The temple has an outstanding collection of ancient icons, which believers from all over the world come to worship.
Church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr
The church is located on the territory of the Embassy Complex of the Russian Federation in Rome. The complex stands on a hill, on the north side of the Vatican, overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica. The history of the church is not simple and goes back to the middle of the 19th century. It was then that fundraising for the construction of an Orthodox cathedral in Rome began. Over the course of several decades, the necessary amount was collected. Even a plot of land was purchased for the cathedral, but the revolution broke out in Russia and the construction of the temple was delayed for 80 years.
Construction of the modern temple began in 2001 and was associated with a number of legislative difficulties, which by the time of the consecration of the church were successfully overcome. The construction of the church was finished only by 2009. It is a complex in the Russian style, consisting of the upper church, the lower limit and the bell tower. The interior decoration is made partly of marble, the ceiling and walls are painted with frescoes. The relics of Orthodox saints are kept in the church.
The church wedding ceremony in Rome
Despite the fact that Rome is the capital of Catholicism, there are no peculiarities and differences in the rite of marriage in Roman Orthodox churches. Conditions for the ceremony:
— a certificate of marriage;
— Baptismal certificate of both spouses;
— the presence of witnesses;
— absence of a valid church marriage.
Before the ceremony, the couple should contact the priest to talk about the firmness of their intentions. This can be done by phone or by visiting the chosen church a few days before the sacrament. On the night before the ceremony, the couple must not consume food, water or alcohol, and it is forbidden to smoke after midnight. On the day of the wedding, the couple should arrive at the church early in the morning to have time to confess and receive communion. The rite of marriage takes about an hour of time. At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds receive a marriage certificate, which is valid in all Orthodox countries.
Rome is a hectic city where it is easy to get lost and not find the right place. To make the wedding ceremony without unnecessary fuss and nerves, contact our company. We have extensive experience in organizing such serious events. Your wedding will be remembered as the happiest moment of married life!