I don’t whether to like Rome or dismiss it as one gigantic tourist trap. Admittedly, I didn’t spend much time scratching beyond the surface, just visiting the “must see” sites consumed most of my time. Hopefully, tossing a coin in Trevi fountain has ensured my speedy return.
The Flavian Amphitheatre (aka Coliseum) was the largest one built by the Romans to serve as a venue for immensely popular gladiator fights.
The main arena of the Coliseum, it was once temporary flooded to stage a “naval” battle.
The Pantheon in Rome has the worlds largest unsupported dome. Michelangelo supposedly designed St. Peter’s dome a little smaller to honor this ancient temple.
The magnificent Baroque styled Trevi fountain marks the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct. The fountain depicts the sea-god Oceanus and Tritons taming Hippocampi, a symbol for controlling water.
Immortalized in the film “Roman Holiday”, the famous and incredibly crowded Spanish steps with the Trinita dei Monti church in the background.
The Vatican museums house some of the worlds greatest collections acquired by the Roman Catholic Church. In the background is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The impressive facade of St. Peter’s Basilica, with statutes of the eleven apostles, John the Baptist and Christ on top.
Pontifical guards in their traditional uniform. Interestingly, only Swiss male citizens are accepted into service by the Vatican.
St. Peter’s square and Rome from the dome of the basilica. The 320 steps to the top are quite strenuous and claustrophobic at the end.
Above, Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later a Papal fortress and castle.
View of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Tiber river at dusk.
You can see more pictures here (soon).
Redblackfast's Blog 