I T A L I A 2 0 0 5
NOTE: "HOME" takes you to our
initial home page; "UP" will return you
to the Italia 2005 site
for more exploring.
We
began our Italian adventure in Roma, the “City Eternal.”
Roma has so much to see and do; it’s incredible!!
While we had visited Roma numerous times, it was Vic & Barb’s first
visit. It was great for us to experience the sites, the culture and
the city itself through their eyes.
We
all arrived on the afternoon of Saturday, 18 June. We took the Leonardo Express directly from the airport to
Termini Station, Roma’s main transportation hub, and then walked to our hotel.
After settling in briefly, we began our explorations.
Relying on Roma’s metro system, we went to Santa Maria Maggiore, the
Fontana de Trevi and Spanish Steps. Each
unique and beautiful in its own way.
Click on the image to display a larger photo. Once
displayed,
click on the BACK button (first button on the left of
your browser)
to return to this page.
 |
A side view
of Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma's |
 |
The main entry into Santa
Maria Maggiore. According to myth, the Virgin appeared to Pope Liberius and instructed him to build a church where the snow would fall the next day. Although it was summer, snow fell the next day on this spot on Equiline Hill. |
 |
As legend goes, throw a coin
into Fontana di Trevi, and you'll return again to Roma.... Vic & Barb are tossing in an old 100 lire coin saved for just this purpose! (Check out the coins in mid-air!!) |
 |
Fontana di Trevi
Oceanus (Neptune) is the central figure |
On
Sunday, 19 June, we took a guided tour of the Colesseo (the Coliseum). Our
thanks go to “GoPorta,” an advance-ticketing agent which let us avoid the
long lines at some popular sites. Despite
its disrepair, the Colesseo remains an incredible structure.
Following our visit there, we walked across the street to Palatine Hill
and the Roman Forum. It gives one a
glimpse into the culture and sophistication of ancient Romans.
We spent the balance of the day exploring some more recent locations.
We viewed the Monumento de Emanuale IV (also known as the “Wedding
Cake”). We also visited the
church, Santa Maria di Popoli. All
and all, an outstanding day!
Click on the image to display a larger photo. Once
displayed,
click on the BACK button (first button on the left of
your browser)
to return to this page.
 |
A view of the Colesseo from the outside |
 |
The Colesseo
is the world's largest |
 |
Us in the Colesseo |
 |
The Arch of Constantine
between the Colesseo and Foro Romano |
 |
An overview of Foro Romano |
 |
Lindy admiring the Arch
of Septimus Severus |
 |
"Il Vittoriano" (Victor Emmanuel II Monument) This white marble monument was built to honor Victor Emmanuel, the first king to unite all of Italy in 1861 (Also called the "wedding cake") |
On
Monday, 20 June, we resumed our touring. Our
first stop was San Pietro in Vincoli, best known for housing Michelangelo’s
statute, “Moses.” We then
visited the Pantheon, one of our favorite sites in Roma.
After the Pantheon, we went to Santa Maria sopra Minerva.
We ended the afternoon at Campo de Fiore, an open-air market.
Our last stop of the evening was at Piazza Narvona, always a lovely spot.
Click on the image to display a larger photo. Once
displayed,
click on the BACK button (first button on the left of
your browser)
to return to this page.
 |
Michelangelo's "Moses" |
 |
Moses, a closer view |
 |
The Pantheon was built by
Roman Emperor Hadrian from AD118-28. The dome is an amazing architectural feat. It has a diameter of 142 feet - equal to its height from the floor. In 609AD, the Pantheon was transformed into a church which led to the preservation of this incredible building |
 |
This elephant holding an
obelisk is one of Bernini's many works in Roma |
 |
Piazza Navona |
Tuesday,
21 June was our last day in Roma (at least for this trip!).
We had pre-arranged for a tour of the Vatican (again, thanks GoPorta!).
It was an outstanding way to visit this seat of Christianity.
It is an amazing complex containing many, many treasures.
We saw two of Michelangelo’s works – The Pieta and the Sistine
Chapel. In the Chapel, it’s
always amazing to think that Michelangelo could paint such details on a ceiling
while lying on his back on scaffolding. It’s
also amazing he finished the work in less than four years.
An incredible talent!!
Click on the image to display a larger photo. Once
displayed,
click on the BACK button (first button on the left of
your browser)
to return to this page.
 |
St. Peter's
Cathedral |
 |
Us in front of St. Peters |
 |
The Pieta |
 |
Inside St. Peter's |
 |
A closer view of the alter in St. Peter's |
 |
Beams of sunlight coming through the cupola of St. Peter's |
 |
The Vatican Guard Members are recruited from Switzerland's four Cantons. Their uniform was designed by Michelangelo. |
 |
A view of Roma from a terrace in St. Peter's |
 |
A hall leading to the Sistine
Chapel which was painted by Bernini |
 |
A closer view of Bernini's work |
 |
St. Peter's as seen from the Vatican Gardens |