We spent three whirlwind days exploring Rome’s extensive history, and extensive it is as the city has been a capital of one sort or another for nearly 3000 years. Fortunately the center of the ancient empire is fairly compact letting us cram in the majority of the most famous sights. But there were enough churches, ancient ruins, and museums to keep you busy for weeks.
Overlooking the Roman Forum with the Colosseum in distant background
The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the 50,000 seat arena was completed in 80 AD.
The maze in the middle where actually passage ways built under the arena floor where animals and gladiators moved around the stadium.
Sue in an ancient marble gown
Goliath Graham
Monument to Vittprio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. The monument is a memorial and museum to the unification(s) of Italy.
Trevi Fountain ,1732, where the custom is to throw a coin in over shoulder to ensure your return to Rome. An estimated €3000 is thrown in daily. Several police were on hand to make sure no one went diving.
The Panteon, a 2000 year old temple, the dome is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built and considered one of Roman’s greatest achievements.
The Roman Forum , the famous ruins are what is left of the cultural, financial and political hub of the Roman Republic. Some of the ruins date back as far as 489 BC.
Arco di Settimo Severo erected in 203 AD.
The columns are all that remain of the many of the temples.
Palatine Hill where Rome was said to have been founded in 753 BC, most of the hill is covered with the ruins of the Emperor Domitian’s vast first century complex.
St. Peter’s Basilica in the distance.
St. Peter’s Square and Basilica the entrance to Vatican city, the world’s smallest sovereign state.
A Swiss Guard at his post in his funny pants
Inside the richly decorated St. Basilica, built over St. Peter’s grave, the current structure dates back to 1503. The project took more than 150 years to complete and was overseen by Michelangelo, among others.
The courtyard of the Vatican Museum. The last Sunday of every month is free Vatican day, saving you a €14 entrance fee. We showed up a half hour after doors opened and there was a line stretching about 5 blocks along the curving Vatican wall. Even by 9 am it was hot in the sun, but we stuck out the hour and forty five minute wait and got in for freeJ
Golden Globe sculputure, still not quite sure what the significance is.
Room after room of grand and ancient statues.
While the halls were lined with countless artifacts, we spent as much time looking up, the cielings were themselves where fantastic pieces of art.
The most famous of ceilings, the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in 1508.
Onward to Greece, for our last week in Europe. Have we really been travelling for 5 months already?
