This morning we headed to the Baths of Carcalla. These baths were in Brandon's guidebook and he had been talking about them all week. My guidebook said they weren't much to look at. I don't usually disagree with Rick, but this time I do. These baths were amazing to explore. The sheer size of the buildings was fascinating all by itself.
These baths were built by Emperor Carcalla in AD 216. 1,600 Romans could use this complex at one time. Bathing was a social experience for ancient Romans. The were not unlike modern day health clubs (in some ways), with exercise areas, swimming pools, gardens for socializing, libraries, shops, food vendors and brothels. They were also a refuge from the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. Admission was very cheap, or even free. The baths were open to men and women.
Brandon was our tour guide as usual.
We spotted this car on the way to the baths. It is a Fiat 600 and it was very exciting to see. This car has special meaning for us. I will explain in a future blog.
Notice how tall these walls are
Inside the rec area of the baths
The ancient Romans loved their mosaics
Giant arches seperate the rooms
Small pool
More mosaics
After leaving the baths, hopped on the Metro to go see Michelangelo's 'Moses'
Rome's Metros are covered in graffiti
One of the last works of sculpture by Michelangelo can be found in San Pietro in Vincoli. Founded in 440, this is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It was built to house Peter's chains.
Michelangelo's Moses. Michelangelo died before completing this work, the tomb of Pope Julius II.
There are two sets of chains linked together. It is said that one set held Peter when he was in the Mamertine Prison near the Forum. The other dates back to when Harod jailed Peter in Jerulsalem.
These stands are setup all over the city and provided us with many snacks, drinks and hot dogs thoughtout the week.
Our next destination was Piazza del Popollo. We grabbed some sandwiches and ate on the steps of a church in the piazza. After lunch we climbed the long hill up to the Villa Borghese gardens.
Obelisk in Piazza del Popollo. Rome has 13 obelisks, more than any other city in the world. The Romans enjoyed the exotic monuments, so they brought them to Rome and set them up in public places.
Piazza del Popollo. You can see St Peters in the distance. View from Villa Borghese
The Victor Emmanuel Monument in the distance - this shows how big this monument is!
The Borghese Gardens are Rome's 'Central Park'. The park is 3 square miles and bustles with activity. There are gardens, cafes, bike rentals, kiddie arcades, row boat rentals, and many places to picnic, lounge and people watch.
After taking a break on a bench for awhile, Brandon persuaded us to rent a carozella (2 or 4 person bike). We rode all over the park and had a lot of fun.
The clock runs on water power from an aquaduct
We took a break to rest our feet. I leaned back on the bench to rest my head and this is what I saw.
Brandon sits on the carozella that we rented for an hour to explore the Villa Borghese gardens
Our boy is always hungry and yes, we have Ritz crackers in Italy
We had a 5pm reservation to visit the Borghese Gallery. No bags, no pictures, nothing can be brought inside. The gallery is housed in a cardinal's mansion in the park. Inside the gallery are pieces of Baroque sculpture, Bernini's 'David', as well as paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian and Ruben's.
This evening we enjoyed another great dinner at Grotta Azzura, near our hotel. I think tonight's dinner was even better than last nights great dinner.
We had a great week in Umbria and Rome. There is so much history, it almost overwhelms you. How did we get so lucky to live here for two years. I am continually thankful for this opportunity.
Tomorrow we drive home...7 hours to Vedano.
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