Hello from Rome

Thursday, June 13, 2019
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Rome, Italy’s capital, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. It has a population of 2,800,000. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, has St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
We arrived off the ship and went for a walk to the Trevi Fountain and then on to the Pantheon, we walked into the Pantheon and were lucky to see the beautiful architecture of this place. The crowds  were immense and after a refreshment we were happy to get out of there.
The next day of our brief visit in Rome we got up early to beat the rush at  the Vatican City/ Museum/St Peters Basilica. We had a small group and fortunately we entered the Museum at 7.30am. It was hot today with a top of 32 degrees and it was already 25 degrees. We started at the Galleria of the Candelabras. Then onto the tapestries and  hall of maps. Wow, unbelievable and you have to see them to believe the size and detail of them. They are very expensive and look like wall paintings. Then on to the Sistine Chapel, (no photos allowed in here). I have attached some photos of the paintings from Michelangelo of "The Last Judgement" (1536-1541). (Just internet photos)
The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art. (I have just attached some internet photos). We just sat and we were in ore of the detail of these paintings and how cleaver he was, just incredible, even his muscle detail of their bodies and it looked 3D, but he was originally a sculptor so no wonder he was a great artist.
We then walked on to St Peter's Basilica. What a amazing place, seeing is believing how incredible it was. St Peter’s is one of the world’s holiest catholic shrines, visited by thousands of pilgrims and tourists every month. Built upon the tomb of St Peter. The history behind the creation of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome is almost as amazing as the building itself. After the first Basilica was knocked down, it took over 100 years to rebuild, and some of the most famous architects of the time contributed to its design. 
Every painting is a mosaic, you would never know that if you were not told. I have taken a few photos, it is hard to even notice. Later that evening (when it started to get a bit cooler) we went on a walking tour to get  to the Colosseum. We started at the Largo di Torre and saw the exact spot where Julius Caesar was stabbed to death on 14 March 44BC. We then walked past the Altare della Patria, which is the national monument to the kings of Italy. Then onto the Roman Forum, the ruins of government buildings, basilica's and the city centre of Roman public life. Next to the Roman Forum is the Colosseum, the most visited place in the world in 2018. The Colosseum also known as the Flavin Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city. Built of travertine and brick-faced  concrete it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasin and in 72 AD and  was completed in  80 AD under his successor and heir, Titus. The Colosseum  could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000. It was used for gladiatorial contests, executions and public spectacles such as mock sea battles. It was a really great experience to see it in the later evening/night. It was cooler and no crowds. We saw the cages where the animals were kept and the aqueducts that supplied water throughout the Colosseum. Walked on the re-constructed stadium and saw a video of life here as a gladiator. It was very moving and surreal sitting right where the executions, gladiator fights and the exhibitions of exotic animals took place. Since the 6th Century the Colosseum has suffered lootings, earthquakes and even bombings World War II. 
Other Entries

Comments

Suzy
2019-06-16

Great photos. Was 13 degrees and raining when we were there last month. Too many people in Rome for my liking but loved all the churches.

Tony
2019-06-16

Ah, Rome! bellissimo! Loving your journey :) We are now tracking Lucy and the cousins as they just touched down in London for the beginning of their 3 1/2 month European journey.

Sue M
2019-06-18

Great photos and stories!! Loved travelling with you.

2025-02-16

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank