Roman Around in Italy! Part 2: Old Friends

Roman Around in Italy! Part 2: Old Friends


And then we visited some favorite spots . . . (we like to read about what we're seeing while we're gazing at these historical wonders, so I've put in a few interesting facts here and there, too): 

* Trajan's Column:  Is an imposing and intricately carved triumphal column commemorating the Dacian War victory of one of Rome's illustrious emperors, Trajan. Completed in 113 A.D., it's freestanding and features battle scenes done in spiral bas relief.  I was fascinated to follow the eye line upward and take in the incredible detail of the column. Interesting history note about the Emperor's self-image and belief: Trajan's ashes were buried at the base of the column, "essentially staying in the Forum with the Roman people, while his conquests ascend him up into the heavens."* (Wikipedia)

* The Forum:  "The teeming heart of ancient Rome, it has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history."* (Wikipedia)   This area was a marketplace and was also used for triumphal processions, elections, gladiator matches, public speeches, and even criminal trials.  Today these former government buildings, in ruins and reconstructed pieces, echo their former glory; it's amazing to see!

* The Colosseum:  This is probably the most iconic symbol of Imperial Rome today; it's an oval amphitheater that opened in 80 A.D. and could hold up to 80,000 spectators! Quite something to muse on the gladiatorial games once held there and imagine the fights, the animals, the crowds and the atmosphere; so far afield from what most of us today would consider humane, let alone entertaining!  

The structure itself is wonderful though!  Not always an entertainment venue, it was later used for housing, workshops, a fortress and a quarry.  Parts of the Colosseum are being cleaned right now, and the talk is that it's also going to be refurbished to be used for concerts and such again in the future.  

* St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City:  An evening stroll led us to this famous, Italian Renaissance church where St. Peter is buried.  Its architects included Michelangelo and Bernini -- what artistic gifts they had!  There has actually been a church on the site since the time of Emperor Constantine the Great.

I especially like the gentle arc of the four-deep colonnade which encircles part of the square, with its two huge fountains and even an Egyptian obelisk, plus huge screens to improve visibility of the Pope's talks to those listening in the square.  Very few people milled about the plaza that night (highly unusual for there) and the area was bathed in a soft golden light.  Beautiful!  

* Trevi Fountain:  Such a romantic place, this lovely, elaborate fountain fairly sparkles as the lights and water dance off its stone carvings and spillways.  It has been under renovation and cleaning for the last 17 months and reopened just 5 days before we arrived!  Standing 86 feet high x 163 feet wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, and definitely my favorite one.

* The Pantheon:  This ancient building was dedicated about 126 A.D. and boasts the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome!  It's circular and has a portico with enormous granite columns and a pediment; it's been in continuous use since it was constructed and became a church in the 7th century.  Famous artist, Raphael, is buried here.  

One of the most unusual and intriguing features of this building is the oculus -- an 27-foot, open hole in the ceiling where the only source of natural light comes through to the room below (except the light coming in from doors as they open).  This oculus also serves as a cooling and ventilation method.  As far as weather issues and an opening in the roof?  When it rains or snows, there's a drainage system under the floor that manages the water that comes in through the circular opening.

* The Vittoriano:  Nicknamed the "wedding cake", this building is also called The Altare della Patria and is a monument to honor Victor Emmanuel, the first king of unified Italy.  Their Tomb of the Unknown Solider with an eternal flame and military guard sits at the top of the stairs, too.  A rather large and imposing landmark!

* Castel Sant' Angelo:  This enormous castle (also called the Angel's Castle) was build in 139 A.D. and was originally Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum.  Legend has it that it was named after Archangel Michael appeared in response to Pope Gregory's prayer begging God to put an end to a plague that attacked Rome.  Pope Pius had a chapel built on the very place the Archangel Michael was said to have appeared and a statue of the savior angel sits atop the castle.   The Bridge of Angels, featuring 10 marble angels  each holding an instrument of the Passion to encourage passing pilgrims to contemplate Christ and repent, leads to the castle.  

Also, for a many years the castle served as a safe haven for Vatican City; a passageway was built (1772) between it and the Apostolic Palace which led to safety when there was a threat of danger.

* Piazza Navona:  With its fountains, street performers, artists, musicians and open-air cafes scattered throughout, this plaza is one of our favorites for strolling.  It's a charming, lively, Roman meeting place surrounded by churches and monumental buildings.  Some of its most notable spots include The Fountain of the Four Rivers, The Fountain of Neptune, the Fountain of the Moor and Sant'agnese in Agone Church.

* Largo Argentina:  This square is home to the ruins of four Republican Roman temples and what still remains of Pompey's Theater -- where Julius Caesar is believed to have been killed.  The area is also a shelter for homeless cats (and Rome has oodles of them).

So much to see and do and experience -- all in all, we loved Rome.  It's a wonder for sure and we hope to be back when the temple is finished . . .  

But for now . . . "Arrivederci Roma"!