Finally Shawna, Betty, and I have been to Rome. The ship came into Civitavecchia. A small port town northwest of Rome. After a quick breakfast, we headed to the main-stage to get our turn for the bus that would take us into Rome. The drive in was along highways that passed through a mostly agricultural area of Italy. After about an hour, we started having more buildings and traffic.
We made a quick bathroom break along the highway. The location was a cross between a convenience store and a rest area. An interesting thing was that much of the parking lot had solar panels over the spaces and EV charging stations. Several were in use.
As soon as we entered Rome, the traffic became heavy and we slowed. Rome as a city surrounds the places we would want to see. We weaved through the city and then stopped to start our long walk today. The tour guide spoke to us over a small headset we all wore. He was very knowledgeable. We really enjoyed his descriptions and guidance.
Even the walk between stops took us past some interesting buildings and churches. Just a heads up. There will be lots of history in this post.
Our first stop was the Spanish Steps but we walked many blocks before coming to that square. First, we pass a large column. The Column of the Immaculate Conception. Each year there is a ceremony here where the Pope brings a wreath. Our guide told us that day the square is completely packed with people waiting to see the Pope. The sculptures are impressive.
We then reached the steps and fountain in front. Interestingly they are called Spanish but paid for by the French and built by an Italian. There are 135 stairs and completed were in 1725. At the top of the steps is a church and the Sallustiano Obelisk.
The steps are surrounded by some of the most expensive land in Rome. Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Prada, Versace, and a lot of brands I don't recognize have stores here. Just saying the extremely wealthy shop here.
We then moved on to the Trevi Fountain. Once again walking through streets and turning left and right before suddenly there was the fountain.
It was completed in 1762 and depicts Oceanus, the god of all water. The fountain is the terminus of the Aqua Virgo viaduct which was constructed in 19 B.C and is 85 feet tall and 150 feet wide. It's huge. The name comes from Three Roads which come together at the fountain. Tradition says that if you toss a coin with your right hand over the left shoulder and into the pool ensures you will return to Rome. Lots of coins are thrown in the fountain each day usually around 3000 euros. Every evening the coins are collected and used to feed the needy of Rome. We spent some time at the fountain and had a Gelato. It was very good. The area around the fountain was packed. A couple of times we were bothered by beggars, street vendors, and always on the watch for pick-pockets.
After tossing a coin in the fountain, we gathered and started to our next stop which was the Pantheon.
Even our walk from the fountain to the Pantheon was interesting. Everywhere there are ancient churches and and occasional obelisk. Sant' Ignazio di Loyola, a Jesuit Church, is impressive from the outside but the 400 year old frescos inside are supposed to be spectacular but it was not part of our tour.
As we walk into the plaza of the Pantheon, it is amazing to think this is the ancient Roman building that has a hole in the ceiling. There is so much to say about this landmark.
It would have been even more amazing as it was soon after it was completed.
The plaza in front of the Pantheon there is a fountain and obelisk. The Fountain of the Pantheon was one of the first fountains erected in 1575 of Renaissance Rome.
MAN! Everything is SO OLD here. The central obelisk of Ramses II. Yes, this is a real Ancient Egyptian Obelisk. The carving is "Ramses the second excellent son of the sun god" and works performed in honor of the god. It was originally moved from Egypt to stand at a temple to Isis but that temple was demolished and the site is now a Catholic Church. In 1711, Pope Clement XI Albani had the Obelisk added to the center of the fountain.
The Pantheon it self is amazing. Much bigger than I imagined.
It was built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, burned in a city fire in 80 BC and rebuilt, burned again in 118 BC and rebuilt by Hadrian by 128 BC. Much later it was remodeled from for the Roman gods to Catholicism.
The building is amazing. A circular dome 142 feet in diameter of Roman concrete that rises 71 feet above the base and ends with a 27 diameter hole to the sky. It is still the worlds largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world and the exact method of construction has never been determined. The walls the dome rests on is 20 feet thick.
The "front" porch and entrance is of Corinthian columns supporting a triangular gabled roof. Beneath the porch are huge 24 foot tall bronze double doors. Impressive! I guess that was the point. The romans were incredible builders. If a sphere were in the Pantheon it would exactly fit the dome and just touch the floor in the center. The concrete was made with different material. At the base it is stronger and heavier but at the very top of the dome it is very light mixed with pumice. It would not have have supported the weight if the concrete was of the same mix. The dome itself is not just smooth but decorated with a geometric design. When the sun shines in it moves across the building to indicate time of day and seasons. The hole, oculus, being 27 feet wide allows rain to fall in the building. The Romans planned designed the floor to slope to the center and drain between the marble tile floor. To this day the system allows rain to drain away without creating puddles. The Pantheon was dedicated in AD 609 as the Church of Santa Maria Rotunda, or Santa Maria ad Martyres, and is still and active church. All the original Roman deities and decorations have been replaced with statues of the Catholic. Much of it in late Renaissance form.
As with many churches there are several tombs in the building. The most notable is that of Raphael or Raffaello who died in 1520. He was considered one of the greatest artists, painters and architects of the Renaissance. His dying request was to be buried in the Pantheon.
The last stop was Piazza Navona where the fountain Fontana dei Fiumi is found. That is also where we had lunch at a very nice restaurant. We enjoyed pizza and drinks.
After about an hour, we regrouped and headed to the bus for our ride back to the ship. Of course, there is always someone our a couple who can not find their way back to the meeting spot on time. After a few minutes, they walked up as if nothing was wrong and we started for the bus. Our guide was determined not to be late even if it means someone gets left behind. Rome is NOT a place you want to get left behind.
We are exhausted but we made it without getting pick-pocketed or lost in the city. Back to the ship. Dinner and then off to bed as we have an excursion in the morning.
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