"triumphant triumvirate"
After the Vatican Museums' tour, the highlight of which was our visit to the Sistine Chapel, we then saw more of the famed Eternal City. Indeed, if you want to optimize a short trip and see more places, summer is the ideal time to do it, as the sun sets at 10pm or so.
Rome is a historical city whose reminders of its past abound everywhere.One will surely revel in the historical edifices and architectural achievements; relics of over two thousand years sprawling in this unforgettable city.
"...On desperate seas long wont to roam,
Thy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs have brought me home
To the glory that was Greece
And the grandeur that was Rome..."
-Edgar Allan Poe
Practical TipsThy hyacinth hair, thy classic face,
Thy Naiad airs have brought me home
To the glory that was Greece
And the grandeur that was Rome..."
-Edgar Allan Poe
The city isn't built or designed for heavy motor traffic(driving could be inconvenient), thus Rome is best explored on foot. The city center is compact and easily "walkable" (if you're in good shape); and seeing Rome is even easier if you take the METRO, simply called Metropolitana by Italians. The system is very efficient(Mama agrees so;even easier than Paris' metro so she says!). Most tourist spots have a Metro stop close to it(stops like Colosseo, Piazza di Spagna, etc).There are only 2 lines for Rome’s Metro, and the hub to which these 2 lines meet is at the Termini.
Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from a tabacchi (tobacco shop), a bar, or vending machines at metro stations and major bus stops.
Tip: I always make print outs of routes to/from various tourist destinations,say from our hotel or from the city center, etc, so you know in advance the stops and other pertinent metro info.
SIGHTS
Piazza de Spagna
Elegant and scenic, Piazza de Spagna provides a welcoming introduction to the city of Rome.
Piazza de Spagna
Spanish Steps- Piazza de Spagna
"Spanish Steps"
"The Spanish Steps (Italian: Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti) is a set of steps in Rome, Italy, climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti.The Scalinata is "without a doubt the longest and widest staircase in all Europe".The monumental stairway of 138 steps was built with French diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s bequeathed funds of 20,000 scudi, in 1723–1725, linking the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, today still located in Palazzo Monaldeschi in the piazza below, with the Trinità dei Monti above. More info here " (www.wikipedia.org)
It is said that the English poet John Keats lived in one of the houses at the foreground
"Fontana della Barcaccia"
"Fountain of Youth?"
“Fontana della Barcaccia,Fountain of the Old Boat,is a Baroque fresh-water fountain in Rome, in the Piazza di Spagna, just below the Spanish Steps, and is so named because it is in the shape of a boat.
Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII, was completed in 1627 by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The shape was chosen because, prior to the river walls being built, the Tiber often flooded and in 1598 there was a particularly bad flooding and the Piazza di Spagna was flooded up to a meter. Once the water withdrew, there remained a boat in the middle of the square.” (from www.wikipedia.org)
The Colosseum
"Walking Through the Pages of History" -On July 7, 2007, the very day we visited this magnificent structure, the Colosseum was voted as one of New Open World Corporation's New Seven Wonders of the World.
This Flavian Amphitheater,popularly known as the "Colosseum";perhaps derived from the fact that a herculean statue of Nero named as the "Colossus" was built adjacent to it, is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. This elliptical amphitheatre, is one of Rome's architecture and engineering marvels. Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under his son Titus.
It can contain up to 50,000 spectators who gathered there to watch the notorious (cruel!) gladiatorial games (in general, amongst "trained" slaves), hunt and chase of/between wild animals, and mock sea fights (to simulate which, the arena was flooded with water).
"Walking Through the Pages of History" -On July 7, 2007, the very day we visited this magnificent structure, the Colosseum was voted as one of New Open World Corporation's New Seven Wonders of the World.
"The colossal Colosseum"
This Flavian Amphitheater,popularly known as the "Colosseum";perhaps derived from the fact that a herculean statue of Nero named as the "Colossus" was built adjacent to it, is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. This elliptical amphitheatre, is one of Rome's architecture and engineering marvels. Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under his son Titus.
It can contain up to 50,000 spectators who gathered there to watch the notorious (cruel!) gladiatorial games (in general, amongst "trained" slaves), hunt and chase of/between wild animals, and mock sea fights (to simulate which, the arena was flooded with water).
There's a 10-euro entrance fee (can't remember exactly how much, but I'm pretty sure it's not more than 15); and during peak season, be forewarned that the line, though not as long as those at the Vatican, can still be disconcerting. We stayed in line for almost half an hour...It didn't matter that much as we were on the culminating part of the trip anyway...
We made it inside!
Rey and a "Baby Spice" dead-ringer
The Colosseum was also a martyrdom site of many early Christians. Mama got a little teary-eyed in imagining how could it have all taken place. May their souls rest in peace...
transported back in time
Colosseum Today
What we see today of this mighty edifice are what remains of the depredations of nature (damaged by numerous earthquakes) and pillages of man (people did not hesitate to scavenge from it building materials;stripping the Colosseum of marbles and other precious decorations)
The "hypogeum"- an elaborate underground structure;literally meaning "underground"
ala Eva?
We chanced upon these newly-weds having their post nuptial shots at this renowned spot. Well, a lot of couples believed the 7th of July to be a lucky day for wedding (7-7-7). Believers include 'Desperate Housewives' celebrity Eva Longoria, who got married to NBA star Tony Parker in France that promising day. Showbiz!
Arch of Constantine
Near to the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine (in an excellent state of conservation), a triumphal arch raised by the people and the Senate in 312 to celebrate Constantine's victory over Maxentius in the battle of the Milvian Bridge. More info here.
And...
...befittingly capping the day (night?) with beer and pizza!
Then homeward bound...
"Standin' by my window..." (last glimpse of Rome,he3x)
At the hotel's lobby
trying hard to look "cool" while waiting for our flight
An old saying goes: All roads lead to Rome.Indeed whatever road a visitor has chosen to tread, he can be assured that he will be offered an opportunity to admire and study the grandiose Eternal City!
Till next time...
