Rome

Rome wasn’t built in a day and to think you can see it in two was never realistic but at least we could get a feel for this wonderful city as a precursor to a future visit. Fortunatley the weather cooled down slightly and we had pleasant visitors weather. Out taxi driver from Civatecci had to go round a second time but did well to find the rather discrete door to our hotel. This is a Vatican owned building so maybe there are some rules that apply to street advertising (there was only a doorbell label).

However, inside discrete was not an appropriate description. Each of the four floors had a theme. Sue and Martin were on the wooded floor. Here timber, stones and leaves (well long grasses) were everywhere. This is their bedhead.

And corridor.

Meanwhile the second floor corridor was lined with numerous fish tanks. Imagination will have to suffice for inside the rooms but don’t be conservative.

Our floor with its venetian mosaics and rich padded wall paper was too plain to include!

We were however very central and one street over was the Spanish steps. These were built in the 1720’s and link the Trinita dei Monti church with the Spanish square below. The square is next to the Spanish embassy and was originally viewed by some as Spanish territory. The steps have an unusual butterfly layout which is a little hard to see with the large crowds.

After this Jo took off to the airport as she felt the need to get back to work and pay some more tax.

The following day Helen and I opted for a Hop on Hop off bus to get a feel for the city. First stop the Colosseum which was started in 70AD. It is huge.

Next door is the equally imposing ruins of the Temple of Venus and Roma with its exposed apse which was built in 300AD. The Basilica di Santa Francesca is behind. Both almost look down on the Colosseum which I suspect was the Architect’s intent.

There are so many buildings that could be included in this blog but rather than appeal only to Historians and Architects here is just a snapshot that caught my eye.

The Castel Sant’Angelo.

The Monumento a Vittorio Emanuelle II near to the Government buildings

The imposing Palazzo di Giustiza as you walk across the Ponte Umberto I.

The Vatican city with its huge queues. Here we decided staying on the bus and save this for another day.

The Pantheon with its huge 43.3 metre diameter and the same height open dome dedicated in 126 AD. The Oculus (or hole in the middle) where for some reason the weather does not enter. It is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

Martin who had visited Rome back when …. Well when it was being built and was delighted at the opening of the river frontage to numerous eateries. It was really alive.

Helen and I discovered the Piazza Navona where there was an Italian version of the Spanish headless man. What was hilarious was just before this shot a young lad was bent double sweeping his hand underneath – he really could not understand hovering!

Much more impressive was the huge fountain which was the focus point of the square.

While the detail of some of the surrounding buildings was enhanced by the softer light of the setting sun.

Whilst wondering the street I thought those in the Chateau (and soon to be Cats Abbey) would appreciate a remnder of Liminchello – certainly this is the biggest selection I have ever seen.

After a quick shower and change we decided on a final supper at the Piazza Navona with its vibrant atmosphere.

Despite all this I think Helen’s prime memory will be the best gelatissimo in the world. This shop had substantial queues outside it in the early afternoon. In the evening for our second visit it was even more crowded. It was worth the wait though even if it was not conducive to a good night’s sleep.

We left Rome with a vow to visit with more time in the near future as we headed back to UK and the caravanniing part of this year’s adventure.