Rome

Denis and I flew to Rome from London and spent 5 nights there. Like so many other cities we visited, staying in Rome was like visiting a mythical land that (for me) only existed in tales and history books.

Denis and I at some ancient Roman monuments near Capitol Hill



Palentine Hill. Denis and I took an exciting and informative tour of Ancient Rome which was guided by a Roman Archaeologist. The Acropolis is one of many ancient sites scattered throughout the city.



Denis at the Colosseum. The Romans have an ancient prophecy stating that when the Colosseum falls, Rome will also fall. Despite eduring several earthquakes over the centuries, the Colosseum is still standing (to the relief of many superstitious Romans!).



Inside the Colosseum. This arena was used for many gruesome gladiatorial wars and was once filled with water to host a naval battle! When Rome was Christianized this bloody pagan site was closed down by the Church and used as a storage house.



This is the inside of the Pantheon, one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Now a Roman Catholic Church, this was once a temple dedicated to all the pagan deities ("Pan" = "all", "Theon" = "Gods").



The magnificent dome of the Pantheon is once of the most stunning architectural feats of the Ancient Romans. This concrete dome, 142 feet in diameter, was the world's largest dome for 1300 years!



The Via Appia ("Appian Way"). This beautiful ancient road is located near some Christian catacombs outside of Rome. Unfortunately, I was not permitted to take pictures of the catacombs. While walking through the labryinth of these underground tombs, I was moved to think of the persecution that many early Christians endured before their holy bodies were laid to rest there.


The Castel Sant'Angelo, built in the 2nd century AD was eventually used as a fortress for Popes.



The Piaza Navona. Denis caught me off-guard with this picture of a fountain at this lively square.



Night-life at Piaza Navona is vibrant and exciting. Denis and I spent many evenings here surrounded by musicians, painters, street vendors, and all varieties of street performers.