Veni, Vidi, Vici ~ Rome
Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain. I did and came back.
“Stuff your eyes with wonder…… See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream” - Ray Bradbury.
The origins of Rome, as of many ancient cities, is wrapped in fable. The Roman fable is of Romulus and Remus twin sons of Mars, abandoned on the flooding Tiber and deposited by the receding waters at the foot of the Palatine. Suckled by a she-wolf, they were reared by a shepherd and grew up to found Rome, a city spread over seven hills.
As a bespectacled teenager growing up in India I was a book worm devouring history and novels. I dreamt about some day visiting some of these places I read about but that too was just another dream. In June 2003, I actually stepped into my dreams and watched them come true when I made my first trip to Italy, starting in Rome.
This was a spectacular trip, planned to the finest detail since I did not know if this would be a one time chance. Starting from staying at the exclusive, Inn at the Spanish Steps on the famous Via Condotti and visiting all the places that I had read about so long ago in my history books in far away India and more recently in Dan Brown’s famous Angels and Demons, tasting the food, smelling the air, gazing at the River Tiber…. I don’t think I can express my feelings in words.
I actually cried when I entered the Sistine Chapel as I recalled Michael Angelo painting the famous ceiling from my long ago history book. As, I walked all over Rome stepping where centurions, Mark Anthony and other famous personages from my books had stepped I was gripped with a travel lust so deep that it hasn’t been satisfied yet.
Looking down From the Monumento Vittorio Emanuele II. All the various monuments and the Colosseum which are on a visitors must do list in Rome.
Rome in all its glory
The Eternal City spread out in all its glory. The panoramic views from the top of the Vittorio Emmanuel monument are definitely worth the price of admission to take the elevator all the way to the top.
The ruins of Ancient Rome
The site of Palatine Hill and the forum. The seat of the Roman Empire the ancient civilization that left such a great legacy for the modern world.
Piazza Navona
The glorious Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains, church and restaurants once the site of the roman games is now a wonderful location to spend a beautiful evening relaxing in Rome.
The Spanish Steps
The 135 steps that link the piazza Spagna with the Trinitia De Monti Church at the top. When we visited we sat on these steps with the hundreds of other tourists to absorb the atmosphere of the city. People would sneak up trying to sell small trinkets, toys and food and drink. Such a shame that now people cannot sit here. I recall climbing these steps effortlessly on that and a subsequent visit and did not imagine there were 135 steps. It’s a good thing I did it then because my strength fails at the thought of doing “so many step” today.
St Peters Square Vatican City, remember no shorts and cover your arms in order to enter the churches all over Italy.
Inside St. Peter’s
Certainly a trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete with out a visit to Vatican and the seat of the Catholic power. Regardless of religious beliefs the church has a sanctity that makes you want to light a candle and bend your knee in prayer. I of course had been raised in India, educated at a catholic school and attended Easter mass every year for the duration of my school years felt right at home even as I gawked at the ostentation and beauty that abounds.
Michael Angelo’s pieta is now guarded by bullet proof glass will bring a tear to your eyes to imagine how young he was when he carved this beautiful piece that speaks to the onlookers.
Basilica of Our Lady Trastevere
The Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Rome built in 221 to 227. It was dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. The church has large areas of important mosaics from the late 13th century by Pietro Cavallini. This might not be on your must see destinations the first time you visit Rome because one is consumed with the need to see the Vatican, Colosseum, Forum etc. I too only saw it when I went to Rome for a second time but it is definitely worth your time and effort as is the Transtevere area which was a up and coming area when we visited again in 2015.
Vatican Museum
The richness and the curated contents of the Musei Vatican are exquisite. It is best to take a guided tour because one can get overwhelmed and lost otherwise. Of course you need to go St. Peters separately from the Museum.
Pizza and Gelato can’t miss these. In fact after my first introduction to gelato, I make sure that I have one for lunch every time I am traveling in Europe. Typically one has a large breakfast in the morning so a spot of gelato makes the perfect lunch to hold you over for gastronomic delights in the evening.