Carmen Álvarez Cuadrado
Imagine a fisherman at the time of Jesus on the Sea of Galilea. He would use the Nassa, an ancient fishing technique. It's a structure that's submerged into the water with a small trap.
And, believe it or not, there's one in the Vatican, too...
It's something that catches the attention of tourists... But what is this massive net doing on the door to Saint Peter's?
STEFANO GIAMPAOLO
Head of the Vatican Gardening Service
It's a decoration set up for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.
The “Nassa del Pescatore” is, in fact, a fish trap—a traditional fishing tool that was used in the past and is still used today—and it serves as a reminder of Saint Peter, who was, after all, a fisherman.
This occurs every July 29th, on the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, and is installed the day before. The Vatican Garden team is in charge of its construction and placement.
It's a centuries old tradition at the Basilica that that continues to this day.
STEFANO GIAMPAOLO
Head of the Vatican Gardening Service
It’s a very ancient tradition, dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, so we’ve been carrying it on for quite some time.
It has this slightly egg-shaped form and is made with an iron frame that we’ve been using for centuries, you could say. It’s very, very old, and it’s covered with aromatic plants, specifically myrtle, the Taranto variety, which covers the entire frame. Then there are these garlands, which are adorned with the plants instead of bay leaves.
A net that could easily be ignored, but symbolizes so much more: a return to the roots of Catholicism through the first pope, Saint Peter.
