Rome, which has existed for over 3,000 years, is the capital of Italy and of Roma province. We really only saw a fraction of it.
While building on what the Greeks had done before, Rome is where the western world was defined. Three days was not nearly enough even to scratch the surface of Rome. For example, we drove by but did not visit the Colosseum.
The Pantheon is a most remarkable building. Built and possibly designed by Hadrian around 80AD, it is both an architectural and aesthetic gem.
We loved the fountains. Marion tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain and I got a picture of the coin in the air. That should get us back! I guess that means we will definitely return!
Rome is also the historic center of Christianity. We visited three of the four Major Basilicas in two days. I have set up a separate photo album for them. They were all magnificent.
We saw three of the four major Basilicas missing only St. Paul’s. Once again, the art alone is worth a visit no matter what your religion.
San Giovanni in Laterno was started in 642 and the original building is still contained within the neoclassic exterior that dates from the 1740s. It was very close to our hotel and the railroad station.
San Giovanni in Laterno is the Cathedral of Rome. The original church was built by the emperor Constantine in the 4th century. It and subsequent buildings were destroyed by Vandals (5th century), damage by earthquake (9th), two devastating fires (14th), and four consequent re-buildings. The current building mostly dates from the 1730’s.
St Peter’s is considered the burial place of the Apostle Peter. The original building stood for 1,000 years before being torn down by Pope Julius II in 1506. The current building dates from the 1500s with various architects including Michelangelo, who completed a design started by Bramante and Raphael.
When I was there in 1961, Michaelangelo’s Pieta was in an open niche. Alas, a deranged man damaged it with a hammer. It is now behind glass. I managed to get a fair shot of it. We had wanted to visit the Sistine Chapel, but ran out of time. It is good that Marion tossed the coin in the fountain!
Rome, the Eternal City, was where we started and finished our visit. Interestingly, the Tiber river, which flows through Rome, starts near the area we stayed at in Umbria. We took the train from Perugia to the main station in Rome, arriving early afternoon. We spent three days there and then flew home. We will visit again.
