We ended our trip to Italy with three days in Rome, the Eternal City. We have always wanted to visit Rome and are so happy that we finally got the opportunity to do so.
Rome is a beautiful city with so much history and culture. There is literally a gem at the turn of every corner, whether it is an ancient building, a piazza, a historical site or a beautiful church (all the churches that we visited were beautiful, there was not a single one that wasn't). We had an amazing time visiting all the sights and also spending time with our Italian friends, Luigi and Alessandra.
The Pantheon
This former pagan temple, now the Christian church Santa Maria ad Martyres is truly one of the marvels of Rome. This stunning building was designed by Emperor Hadrian, an amateur architect and it dates back to AD125.
The inside is stunning and houses the tombs of Raphael and two of Italy's kings (Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I). One of the main features of the Pantheon is definitely the dome. The dome of the Pantheon is the widest masonry dome in Europe and it is exactly as high as it is wide (142 feet or 43.3 metres). What makes this dome very special is the oculus, the 27 foot (8.3 metre) diameter hole at the dome's centre which provides light and structural support. We were thinking that it must be such a spectacular sight when it rains or snows!
The inside is stunning and houses the tombs of Raphael and two of Italy's kings (Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I). One of the main features of the Pantheon is definitely the dome. The dome of the Pantheon is the widest masonry dome in Europe and it is exactly as high as it is wide (142 feet or 43.3 metres). What makes this dome very special is the oculus, the 27 foot (8.3 metre) diameter hole at the dome's centre which provides light and structural support. We were thinking that it must be such a spectacular sight when it rains or snows!
Dinner at Pizzeria la Pratolina
During our first night in Rome we met up with our friend Luigi for dinner (his wife Alessandra was away on business). We enjoyed pinsa, an oblong-shaped type of pizza. What makes pinsa different from pizza besides the shape, is that the dough is leavened for 48-72 hours. It was very good and so were the Fiori di Zucca Fritti (deep-fried zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese and anchovies, a Rome speciality).
Outdoor Show at Foro di Augusto
After dinner with Luigi, he took us to see an outdoor multi-media show at Foro di Augusto (one of the Imperial forums of Rome). The show gave a historic account and journey through Ancient Rome (narrated by one of Rome's well known television presenters and available in many different languages), while using lights and images projected against the backdrop of the ruins to help tell the story. It was a very interesting show.
A Taste of Sicily in Rome
Our friends Luigi and Alessandra took us to try Sicilian street food at Mondo Arancina. Alessandra is originally from Sicily and she wanted to introduce us to some of the food. We enjoyed arancina, crochet, panelle, calzone and crostini. Everything was very tasty.
Gelato
After our Sicilian street food lunch, Luigi and Alessandra took us to their favourite geleteria for gelato. During our visit to Italy we didn't eat a lot of gelato, so this was a nice treat.
Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II
This enormous beautiful white marble monument was built in 1885 as a tribute to the first king of united Italy, Victor Emanuelle II. It is located in the Piazza Venezia, near the Roman Forum and it has a commanding presence.
Market at Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori occupies what once was in ancient times, the open space in front of the Theatre of Pompey. This "Field of Flowers" bursts with colour and activity during the morning market and again at night with a lively pub/bar scene. We visited the market (we love visiting markets) and had a great time looking at all the beautiful fresh produce and other offerings for sale.
This enormous beautiful white marble monument was built in 1885 as a tribute to the first king of united Italy, Victor Emanuelle II. It is located in the Piazza Venezia, near the Roman Forum and it has a commanding presence.
Market at Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori occupies what once was in ancient times, the open space in front of the Theatre of Pompey. This "Field of Flowers" bursts with colour and activity during the morning market and again at night with a lively pub/bar scene. We visited the market (we love visiting markets) and had a great time looking at all the beautiful fresh produce and other offerings for sale.
Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna
This off-centre staircase is Rome's most beloved Rococo monument. Francesco De Sanctis designed the steps in 1723 for King Louis XV and the true name in Italian is Scalinata della Trinitá dei Monti (named after the church at the top of the staircase). The hourglass-shaped Piazza di Spagna and the Bernini Barcaccia fountain was named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican, which is located nearby.
On the afternoon that we visited the Spanish steps it was packed with people (although we suspect it is always packed and busy) and there was a lively atmosphere.
This off-centre staircase is Rome's most beloved Rococo monument. Francesco De Sanctis designed the steps in 1723 for King Louis XV and the true name in Italian is Scalinata della Trinitá dei Monti (named after the church at the top of the staircase). The hourglass-shaped Piazza di Spagna and the Bernini Barcaccia fountain was named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican, which is located nearby.
On the afternoon that we visited the Spanish steps it was packed with people (although we suspect it is always packed and busy) and there was a lively atmosphere.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most familiar sights of Rome, this spectacular fountain (we've seen photos of it) was not so spectacular when we visited, as it was undergoing restoration......what a pity! Fortunately for us, this was the only sight in Rome that we did not get to see in its full glory.
Dinner at Taverna Trilussa
During our last evening in Rome, we had dinner with Luigi and Alessandra at a restaurant called Taverna Trulussa. This restaurant serves typical Roman food and we enjoyed two of Rome's traditional pasta dishes - Cacio e Pepe (pasta with Pecorino cheese and cracked black pepper) and Spaghetti alla carbonara (pasta with pancetta, parmigiano cheese, eggs and black pepper). We also enjoyed artichokes, steak and I (Sam) ordered tripe prepared in a tomato-stew (the best tripe I've eaten!). We ended our meal with Italian desserts that we shared. It was a delicious meal with great company.
