The dome of St. Peters and the Vatican hillside garden
are a unity, each different, symbiotic. The dome tells us
about all the marvels that grace, manifest through human
ingenuity, may create in built form. The garden reminds
us that this achievement begins with a simple message,
set in nature, open to all. It is of equal importance, in
some sense, primary.
Walking down the hill, over the great lawn, with towering
palm trees, we discovered a small house, reminiscent
of those found in villages throughout the world, found
certainly in villages throughout the Mediterranean. A
small yard to one side of the house, defined by bushes,
trees, and ancient stone artifacts, has a view, through the
HYLAND