Invaded Italy: Rome and The Vatican

I have to put an end to several months of emotional turmoil not to mention the stress out of it was uncontrollable.  A plan was made to go to Italy and first thing we had to do was the Schengen visa.  After all the detailed passing of requirements and waiting for the result - My boyfriend and I passed and got our visa just in time when I needed a time to heal.

Rome is referred as "The Eternal City" and it’s history spans a thousand years ago.

Rome reflects the history of man's endeavors.  From Rome's ancient ruins dating back to Imperial times, to her modern day galleries, everywhere there is evidence of unchanged structures.

There is something unique about Rome – it is timeless.  No city in the world reflects the history of man's endeavors quite as much as Rome.

Walk any street, and you will find a statue, a fountain, or a piazza.  This is the essence of being Eternal - it means walking in a side street so small and detecting the life and spirit of the Romans, discovering that a major tourist site lies just behind the corner.

The Church of St. Vincent and Anastasius is located right in front of the Fontana di Trevi - it has embalmed hearts of 25 Popes.

The Church of St. Vincent and Anastasius

Fontana di Trevi is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome.  The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea.  Legend has it that you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water.

The word Pantheon is a Greek adjective meaning “honor all Gods.”  In fact the pantheon was built as a temple to all gods.  The most fascinating part of the pantheon is its giant dome, with its famous hole on top which is called the eye of the Pantheon or oculus.

Being in Rome is entirely a dream.  I couldn’t believe that I was actually seeing Rome, I was blown away by the beauty of this place which I used to see on movies and magazines.

Piazza Navona (Navona Square) born as a place of spectacle and It is an architectural miracle in the heart of the Eternal City.

The permanent crowds, the stalls and the street performers made this place one of the liveliest in Rome.  Below are some of the evidence of daily performer and paintings in the Piazza.

As we keep on walking from Piaza Navona, we reached to Campo di Fiori - it is a large and more colorful market in Rome.  It is a very touristic market with street performers, restaurants and vendors.  This is where we had our first taste of Italian cuisine.  We had hoped for the best meals in Italy as Italian chefs takes great pride in using quality ingredients to make delicious food.

Pinocchio - is a fictional character loved by children and it is famous in whole parts of Italy because the writer is an Italian guy named Carlo Collodi.  Carved by a woodcarver named Geppetto in a small Italian Village.

I received a red roses from a random stranger along the way.

The next day was special to us as we are going to The Vatican City.  We were excited to finally see The Vatican (Citta Del Vaticano) - The Holy See.  

There was a tremendous crowd outside The Vatican and St. Peter's Square so we had decided to avoid the queue and paid for a tour guide to make it easier and of course, save a little time.  It was a bit expensive though but the good part is we were able to hear about the history, it was some kind of an educational tour.

The papal residence was built over the tomb of St. Peter.  St. Peter was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and the very first bishop of Rome.

Inside the Vatican City we can find 11 Vatican Museums with the restored Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Vatican Gardens.

This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after the Crucifixion.

 It was one of the most magical moment.  Praying inside St. Peter's was a tearful event.  We were so at peace and felt like God was just right next to us.  I myself needed that and thank God for the experience of a lifetime.  

The grand and magnificent square has retained its classical beauty.  It is a MUST to see.

After an emotional and spiritual day at St. Peter's and The Vatican we were so hungry and tired.  We rested on the side of The Vatican and indulge ourselves for a hearty lunch right there on the sidewalk.

Colosseum / Colosseo known as the Flavian Amphitheater is an elliptical shape in the center in the City of Rome.  It is considered as the largest amphitheater in the world.  It could hold up to 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests.

The Colosseum today is one of the major tourist attractions in Rome.

The Roman gladiators were usually slaves, prisoners of war or condemned criminals.  Most gladiators were men but there were also a few female gladiators.  These combats were attended by poor, the rich and frequently the Emperor himself. 

As gladiators fought, vicious cries and curses were heard from the audience around this Roman Colosseum.

We had an opportunity to tour Colosseo from end to end and it was not an easy walk. Visiting these sites needs energy and strength.   It was very hot in the middle of summer in Italy but it was all worthwhile.  It was not the amazing completeness of the place but the sense of violent history that resonates on it.

Spanish steps / Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular meeting places in Rome.  The combination of the monumental staircase and the church (Trinita dei Monti) above draws every tourist to the square.

The Church of Trinita dei Monti is a beautiful Church located on a hill overlooking the small piazza della Trinita dei Monti.

In front of the Spanish steps is the Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the ugly boat). You can actually drink from this fountain.

Rome Italy's major shopping area is on the foot of the Spanish steps.  This is the area where upmarket chic, with an endless supply of major branded boutiques is located.

It was a lovely day to roam around and window shop.

We had to visit once again the Trevi Fountain on our last day in Rome not only because it is nearby the hotel where we stayed but because it was really a splendid view.  We have to toss our last coins to say another wish.

The busy streets of Rome make you love to walk more and more to discover new things at the end of your walk.

We were all set to move on to our next Italian invasion – FLORENCE.

The Italian railway system is one of the most important parts of the infrastructures in Italy.  It is best to book your tickets beforehand as the prices are expensive if you buy it on the day of your travel.  Log on to www.trenitalia.com for more info.

It was a great experience to be in Rome.  All roads lead to Rome indeed.

"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before." - Dalai Lama

Ciao Roma!  See you next time!  Bellisima Roma!

Love,

M  xo


TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Disclaimer:

This is a personal blog.  The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer.

In addition, my opinions may change from time to time.  I consider this an open-minded consequence of my thoughts and personal views.  This blog is intended to provide a semi-permanent point at the time being and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed may vary in the near future.