Rome, Latium, Italy
We woke to a glorious Sunday and in no particular hurry to get out of bed, especially as Susan and I had been woken by early risers in the apartment above us - I solved the issue for the balance of our stay by using my air travel earplugs. Rena had found the local bakery and returned with breakfast treats.
Since the day was forecast to stay fine, we headed out on foot again across Ponte Sisto to explore the sites of Rome. Our only commitment was to meet Rena's Roman Aunt Concetta - who stayed with us in Tuscany - and her brother and his wife from Milan at the Spanish Steps mid afternoon.
We made our way back to Piazza Navona, where we dined last night. It was very different in the full sunlight, although the tourist vendors looked like they never left. We paused for some pics at Netunno Fountain, then headed east from the north end of the piazza in search of the Pantheon. The Pantheon was only a couple of blocks from Piazza Navona and we approached from the north along via del Pantheon entering the Piazza Rotonda in full view of the Pantheon Fountain and the impressive façade of the Pantheon.
The interior really takes your breath away. We were treated by the special effects of the midday sunlight beaming through the 'oculus' aperture in the top of the Pantheon dome.
From the Pantheon we headed east for the Trevi Fountain; after a few blocks we passed the Piazza Colona with the 30m high marble column depicting victories of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, erected in 2nd century AD. From here the Trevi Fountain was only two blocks further east. As we arrived, it was nearing 2pm and we hadn't eaten, so we grabbed a pizza from a street vendor and stopped to take in the atmosphere around Trevi, where the girls tossed coins and made a wish.
The Spanish Steps were about 500m and four blocks north of the Trevi Fountain. We were there within 20 minutes. I think the crowds must have been out for the warm weather; they seem to be growing as the afternoon developed. When we arrived, just before 3pm, the steps were teaming with people. I forgot to mention earlier that today was the fourth Sunday of Easter and the new Pope Francis had taken morning mass at the Vatican, just a few kilometers away.
That would have finished and thousands of that congregation would no doubt be visiting other religious sites, like the Spanish steps.
While Rob and Rena waited at the foot of the steps, Susan the girls and I walked to the top of the steps to survey the masses. Rob bought an expensive espresso coffee from a café adjacent to the steps, just so he could use their loo.
Finally Rena's relatives arrived and we headed back to Nobleman's Loft, Trastevere. First we headed west along via Condotti towards the river. When we got close to the river, there was a split in the party; the iPhone maps users wanted to head south back toward Piazza Navona and back across Ponte Sisto to Trastevere. Allan decided to cross the Tiber and follow the river back; although a longer journey, the going would be faster and a change of scenery. Alice went with her father and they captured some great shots as they passed Saint Angelo Castle Museum and Conciliation Avenue leading up to the Basilica. Alice and Allan were first back to Nobleman's Loft.
We spent the remainder of the afternoon at Nobleman's Loft before Concetta and her bother and sister-in-law had to leave. It was a final goodbye to Concetta for our family, who was departing in two days, but Rob and Rena would catch up with Rena's family again later in the week.
For dinner we headed for piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere to see what we could find. As we crossed the piazza there was a party atmosphere with people out enjoying the balmy weather. Rena was hassled by a cheeky Italian youth who tried to ask for money from the 'tourist'. After politely refusing the persistent and drunk youth twice in English, Rena let rip in Italian and he quickly backed off.
After peering in windows and menus we decided on 'Osteria Romana', on vicola Saint Maria. This was our only dining let-down in Italy. The food was fine - except for Allan's 'American burger' - but the service was lousy; slow and the bill had someone else's alcohol charge.
2025-05-22