Holy City

The Holy City was much like any other conurbation until one reached the ancient and monumental city walls, fashioned in bands of white and pink stone and climbing to a height of fifteen metres, with massive octagonal mural towers reaching higher again. But above and beyond them were the spires, ranges and belfries of the Inner City’s twelve cardinalatures, each with its cathedral and residence, the mass of the Patriarchal Palace and, cresting the hill like a shining crown, the awesome grandeur of the White Basilica itself. ch X.