Click on the word "more" at the end of this writing to see information about Rome and our trip! Also, check out the "Comments", at the bottom of the page, under Angels and Demons, to see a comment by Dan Brown, author of the book: "Da Vinci Code".

To even slightly delve into the history of Rome would take up pages before you'd see one picture. So, we'll leave the history for you to learn, should you be interested. We will tell you that it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, but it also grows more agricultural products within its extensive boundaries, than any local government unit in Europe. It is built on 20 hills (not 7) of varying height and is purported to be one of the noisiest cities on the continent. Only about 3% of the population goes to mass in this city of Popes. Its "birthday" is April 21 and it is approximately 2,755 YEARS OLD!!!

We had two days in Rome. How on earth were we going to see enough to make our visit memorable? First thing we did was to request to leave the tour group on our first day. We arrived in the evening and since we were staying on the Vatican side of the Tiber, we decided to take an evening stroll along the River and toward St. Peter's and back. Armed with our trusty map of Rome (indispensable!!) We are so glad that we ventured out because it was lovely to see the bridges over the Tiber all lit up and reflecting into the river; the beautiful angel sculptures on the Ponte Vittorio Emanuele Bridge between the Vatican and Rome; and the Castel S. Angelo, the massive building that has been used as a fortress to guard Popes which have been in peril over the centuries. The Castle, which was designed by Hadrian as his mausoleum, is now a museum. A moat surrounds the castle. (Unfortunately, the night pictures did not do the views justice and have not been included in this album.)

On Monday morning we went to the Vatican first (please see Vatican City Album). That left us with a half day to wander on our own. And wander and walk we did and we pretty well covered the "must see" sights as you'll see below. Grabbing pizza and gelato en route, we enjoyed everything we saw along the way. And, if you knew how far we walked seeing all of these fantastic sights, you'd think we did pretty well. Certainly got our exercise!

After the Vatican, we continued on to the Piazza Navona, which contains three fountains by Bernini, including the Fountain of the Rivers, and the Church of St. Agnes in Agony; then on to the unbelievable Pantheon, which is Rome's best-preserved monument since it was consecrated in 609 A.D. which contains the Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon has a 30-foot opening at the top of its concrete dome which lets sunlight and rain come through every day of its existence! The floor slopes toward the center where the rain is caught in drains. The interior walls are green and white marble. Priceless artwork is displayed on the walls.

From the Pantheon we proceeded to find the Monument Victor Emanuele. The people of Rome do not particularly like this monument and so they call it by various names: the wedding cake or the typewriter. The monument is truly immense and basically succeeds to block ones view of The Forum and Ancient Rome. Or, conversely, if youre in The Forum, it blocks your view of Rome proper. Quite frankly, I like it!

We then made our way to the not so easy to be found: Fountain of Trevi which is my personal favorite. It is tucked into a tiny Piazza surrounded by buildings. Remembered from the American films, Three Coins in the Fountain and Roman Holiday, it seems everyone tosses a coin into the fountain believing that it will bring them back to Rome someday. Well, guess what? - We didnt throw coins in. Later that evening at supper with the group we found out that when they got to the Fountain of Trevi, the water had been drained so that the workers could get all of the coins out. Well, when we arrived, the fountain was again filled with water!!! What luck!!! Wish, however, that we would have seen it at night as we understand that it is spectacular all lit up.

Then it was on to the Spanish Steps which is the main gathering place for tourists and Romans alike. Naturally we climbed every step to the top where you can see an expansive view of Rome.

The church Trinita del Monti is located at the top of the Spanish Steps and contained a beautiful sculpture by one of Michelangelos students. From there we walked to the right along the Viale Trinita del Monti which took us past the Villa Medici Gardens and the Pinclo Gardens and eventually down to the massive Piazza del Popolo. This was the scene of many public spectacles in the early days of Rome. The twin churches of Santa Maria del Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto are at the border of the Piazza.

By then, we were quite exhausted and slowly returned to our hotel. That evening we were taken to Da meo Patacca, a wonderful Italian Restaurant where we were wined and dined and serenaded.