Roma, Roma, Roma!

The Eternal city of Rome was definitely enjoyed by all.  Exploring this huge city can be a bit daunting to first-time travelers, but it can also be one of the most amazing experiences you will ever have.  Having the 360 degree view of Rome from our hotel's rooftop really helps one understand how much is out there to see!  There are many layers to Rome, ancient to modern.  It is truly a magnificent city. 

We began our exploration with a visit inside the Pantheon, my personal favorite.  This "temple to all gods", built in 120AD has been in constant use since its construction.  After centuries of being a pagan temple, it became a Catholic church in the 7th century, so it was protected from the ravages of later generations taking its building material to use in more modern buildings.  The huge dome of the Pantheon was the last of its type to built until the Renaissance.  Inside you have a very accurate idea of what an ancient Roman temple really looked like.  The marble floor is over 1700 years old.  The huge opening in the roof is 30 feet in diameter and rain does fall through it.  The story of its construction is also very interesting and that is why it is one of the most influential buildings in art history today.

From here we headed towards the Tiber river with a stop on the way at Campo dei Fiori.  This large piazza has always been a lively square and a market has stood here for centuries.  Today, you can find just that and it is fun to explore the picture perfect vegetable stalls.  Next, we crossed the Tiber River on the Ponte Sant' Angelo which leads to Castel Sant' Angelo, the 2nd century tomb of the Emperor Hadrian.  The beautiful bridge is lined with the Bernini Angel sculptures.  From here you can get your first good view of the huge dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. 

We made our way to St. Peter's Square and everyone was pretty amazed at the size and beauty of the Basilica and square.  After a quick lunch, it was time for a guided tour of the extensive Vatican Museum and St. Peter's.  The guide, Rosella led everyone through the many rooms of the museum filled with Greek and Roman sculpture, paintings by Raffaelle and others, stunning tapestries and a map room depicting Italy in the 1300's that is perfect.  Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel is the crowning glory of the tour and always very special to see.  From the chapel you then can enter in St. Peter's which is the largest Christian church in the world.  That pretty much says it all, so a visit inside is filled with treasures.

Later in the evening, we met for dinner together at one of my favorite trattorias in Rome.  Here Stanley and Faith made our time around the table perfect.  Food was delicious and service was superb.  Afterwards, we walked over to another famous landmark in Rome, the Spanish Steps.  It was the perfect way to end a day of fantastic exploration in this eternal city.

On Tuesday, there was some time in the morning for everyone to get out and about on their own for a bit before meeting to explore some ancient Rome's most important sights.  We started with Capital Hill, where Rome began back in 760BC.  The staircase leading up to the Piazza Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo in the 15th century.  The buildings surrounding the piazza are today museums, the oldest in the world.  This is also the seat of Rome's city government even today. 

Behind this piazza is the Roman Forum dating back to the beginning of Rome as well.  One can only imagine all the famous people in history who have walked these cobblestones.  We made our own walk down Via dei Fori Imperiali lined with many of Forum buildings.  This large avenue leads to the Roman Colosseum.  What a sight!  We took some time to enjoy another delicious meal at Ristorante Gladiatori before our guided tour of the Colosseum entering the famous arena through the gate where the Gladiators would have entered many centuries ago.  Guido, our guide then led everyone through the Colosseum providing wonderful historical information.  This was followed by a visit inside the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.  It was a complete and wonderful visit to some of ancient Rome's most important treasures. 

This last evening was free for everyone to enjoy Rome as they wished.  I am pretty sure that Roma will be fondly remembered by all, even though it also probably gave everyone a few sore muscles.  Oh well, that is what a good glass of vino is for.  Salute!