loggia

Francis’ address from the loggia marked his main appearance for Christmas Day, though he is expected to deliver a blessing on Tuesday, the feast of St. Stephen, which is also a holiday in Italy.

A boisterous example confronts visitors almost upon entry, in the long hallway known as the loggia.

The site in Trastevere identified as the oldest synagogue in Rome — a humble brick house with a small arched loggia at narrow, cobbled Vicolo dell’Atleta, 14 — is not classical but medieval.

Within an hour, he appeared on its loggia before hundreds of thousands of onlookers and announced his name, Benedict XVI.

A vine-strewn loggia leads to the backyard, where winding steps descend to a private backyard with a swimming pool, spa and cabana.