Today, we set out to explore one of the ports we've been looking most forward to, Rome!! We hopped into our private taxi and off we went. Here are some of the highlights:
The first stop of many was the Pantheon/Basilica Di Santa Maria (not to be confused with the Parthenon we visited in Athens), the oldest standing domed structure in Rome. Talk about gorgeous, wow!! The Pantheon was once the temple of all Roman gods. It then became a church and burial place for kings and notable artists. It is the best preserved of all ancient Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world. Since the Renaissance, the Pantheon has been used as a tomb. Among those buried there is the famous painter, Raphael. In the 15th century, the Pantheon was adorned with paintings: the best-known is the Annunciation by Melozzo da Forlì. Architects, like Brunelleschi, used the Pantheon as inspiration when designing the dome of the Cathedral of Florence.
From there,we drove around to some more sights, but due to the time constraints and the vast majority of things to see in Rome, we were obligated to take pics from the car. One thing I was excited to see in Rome is the Trevi Fountain (When in Rome ring a bell?). Approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and are collected at night. The money is used for the city- for instance, it has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome's needy. UNFORTUNATELY though, the darn fountain is under construction... there is no water, its blocked off, and was pointless to see.
We did get to see other things, however, like the below National Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II in Piazza Venezia, dedicated to the first king of Italy. The monument is built of pure white marble from Botticino, Brescia, and features majestic stairways, tall Corinthian columns, fountains, a huge equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel and two statues of the goddess Victoria riding on quadrigas (a chariot drawn by four horses abreast).
After a while of seeing some of the smaller sights, we were off to see the Colosseum! We were pumped because the Colosseum, or Colosseo as they say in Rome, has been on our bucket list for a while. It is the greatest ancient amphitheater in the world and the iconic symbol of Rome. Once we got inside, we were awe struck by the beauty this place truly is. Pictures really don't do it justice and think everyone should visit it at least once in their lifetime. It is crazy to think that after 2,000 years of use, neglect, quarrying for building materials, and natural disasters, this breathtaking monument continues to stand proud. A real testament to Ancient Rome's advanced engineering and architecture. 500 of those years, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial fights, beast hunts, public executions, theatrical reenactments, and various sports for the enjoyment of millions of cheering spectators. Pretty cool stuff!
After spending some time on the inside and fighting the crowds, we headed back outside to try and find "the spot" for a perfect picture. Kyle and I had a picture in our head of what we wanted and even though we didn't get it, we were more than happy with the below.
Next was a short stop to the Forum & Circus Maximus. Circus Maximus is the largest ancient stadium in the world where life defying chariot races were held for the pleasure of more than 150,000 people. For the best views of the Forum we stopped at Capitol Hill, part of the Palatine Hill that offers a great photo-op of the Roman Forum.
After the Colosseum, we headed to Piazza Navona or the Navona Plaza. There, we were able to get some more postcard perfect pictures and also saw a replica of the Statue of David. Apparently, they have 1 in Rome and 2 more replicas in Florence along with the real one in Florence, but we will visit that tomorrow.
After the plaza, we headed to Vatican City, which in itself is it's own country- the smallest country in the world. Fortunately, we had our tickets already because the line was ridiculously long. Once walking in, the museum is incredible. The Vatican Museums is one of the three largest museums in the world with a labyrinth of galleries and halls. Everywhere you look, you want to take pictures!
Our favorite room inside was actually the Geographical Maps
room to the left. The detailing in all of the rooms is so immaculate- floor to ceiling.
Basically, the whole museum has a big build up to the Sistine Chapel, but we felt let down once we got in. Take your time going through if you ever go because what you see walking through outshines the Sistine in our opinion. Regardless, we tried to sneak some pics and video of the Sistine Chapel but those turned out a little blurry. Oh well.
We ended up following the large tour groups into the "secret door" leading directly from the Vatican into St. Peter's Basilica. Now that was breathtaking!! St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in Christendom. It is awe-inspiring architecture, and features works of art by Michelangelo & Bernini.
After the Vatican & Basilica it was unfortunately time to head back to the boat. This cruise has been great to see so many places in such little time, but a drawback is definitely being rushed EVERYWHERE we go.
We headed back to the boat and stopped to get some Gelato. Right where we stopped though was a statue of the famous US picture with the Navy Sailor coming back after the war kissing a nurse. So naturally, Kyle & I tried to recreate the pose. When in Rome, right?!
