Rome, Italy

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We had spent considerable time in Rome (Roma) years earlier. On our excursions from the port at Civittavecchia, we used our time to revisit some of our favorite places. They were considerably more crowded than when we were last there, and had more security in place. See also European Excursions: Rome.

The Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome, a sprawling district of temples, government buildings, markets and public spaces, was the scene for religious and secular ceremonies and spectacles.

The iconic Colosseum, a symbol of Roman power, was constructed over 9 years by 60,000 Jewish slaves. During its use for gladiatorial fights, over 400,000 people and a million wild animals lost their lives.

The Victor Emmanuel II Monument rises above Piazza Venezzia and affords a wonderful view of the city.

 

The butterfly-shaped Spanish Steps, the widest stairway in Europe, climb a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti.

We were amused by the huge crowds at the Tivoli Fountain, who were throwing coins in to the water to ensure a return to Rome.

Piazza Navona, Rome's largest and most beautiful piazza, has three fountains, an obelisk, a cathedral and an array of Baroque palaces. It is filled with vendors, musicians, artists and tourists.

Villa Borghese is a large landscaped garden in central Rome. There is a boating lake, a zoo,  a replica of the Globe theatre and villas scattered throughout the garden which house museums, including the spectacular Galleria Borghese.

We noticed a significant military and police presence on every street and near every attraction.

 

Campo dei Fiori is the only piazza that does not have a church. It hosts a daily street market and is a lively area of cafes and pubs.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a square with the ruins of 4 Roman Republican temples and the remains of Pompey's Theatre. It is believed to be the place where Julius Caesar was killed.

 

   

The entire city is an art gallery. There are 900 churches, each with their own collections, 93 fountains, 23 towers, 18 obelisks, numerous aqueducts, bridges and triumphal arches, and thousands of statues.

Vatican City, an independent city-state is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Its St. Peter's Square and Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums are a treasure-trove of art and architecture.

We happened to be there when Mother Teresa was being canonized and clergy and worshippers from around the world were there to honor her.

The Interior of St. Peters is overwhelmingly immense, richly decorated with Baroque stuccoes, mosaics and statues, featuring artwork by Michelangelo, Bernini, Giotti, Raphael and Canova. (isogood, wikimedia commons) 

Michelangelo's La Pieta was created in 1499 when he was only 24 years old, and is the only piece that has his signature.

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This site was last updated 06/24/23