We had a nice breakfast in the hotel then caught the Metro and a bus to get to the Pantheon. We missed our bus stop and ended up riding the bus across town to the Vatican. Thankfully the bus returned across town on the same loop, so this time we were able to get off near the right spot, at Campo di Fiori.
With map in hand, we made our way towards the Pantheon, stopping to look in shops, piazzas and other sights.
This is Area Sacra, ruins of ancient Roman temples.
Next, we made our way to Piazza Navonna, with its street performers, artists, fountains and cafes. The piazza is shaped like a cigar, dating from the time it was a racetrack built by the emperor Domitian.
Street Performer
Artists in Piazza Navonna
Another view of busy Piazza Navonna
Piazza in front of the Pantheon
Our next stop was the Pantheon, Rome's best preserved monument. The outside of the Pantheon is not really anything to marvel at. The inside is spectacular. The dome is a marvel of Roman engineering.
The interior of the Pantheon was beautiful
The domed ceiling was amazing
Burial site of a king of Italy, inside the Pantheon
It was time for lunch, so we found a pizzeria and rested our feet for awhile.
Enjoying lunch
After lunch we continued to wander the streets of Rome with Brandon as our tour guide.
Monuments and sights along our walk through the city
Brandon bought a new cat and named it Nero
Eventually we ended up at the Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's iconic sites. It's also a place for people to gather...lots of people. They are named for the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican which has existed for over 300 years.
The Spanish Steps, a very crowded place
The Trevi Fountain, a Baroque monument built in 1762, was built to celebrate the reopening of an ancient aquaduct. Tradition states that you should toss a coin over your shoulder and make a wish. Brandon tried it, but I'm not sure of the result
The Trevi Fountain
Evening was approaching. Katrina wanted to find a higher angle to take pictures of the Colosseum, so we wandered back to the Roman Forum and up to Palatine Hill.
Roman Forum
Arch of Titus
Talented artist at work
View of Colosseum from Palatine Hill
Temple of Venus and Rome - View from Palatine Hill
This evening I decided it would be fun to take a sightseeing tour of Rome. We've done this in other cities we have visited and its been fun. At first it seems very touristy, but it definitely gives you a good overview of the city.
We decided to ride the Sightseeing Rome bus this evening. It was a bit chilly!
Victor Emmanuel Monument, a tribute to Italy's first king. It was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Italy's unification in 1870.
Rome traffic
Hadrian's Tomb turned castle, prison, papal apartment and now a museum.
Evening at the Vatican
When you have a small car, you can even park perpendicular to the curb. We've seen this many times around Italy.
We walked past the Trevi Fountain to see it at night. It was not less crowded than earlier in the day.
The street that heads to the Spanish Steps is full of designer stores. I don't remember the designer, but this handbag will cost someone 1,800 euro!!
It was another great day in Rome.
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