From Rome with Love (Day 2)

Our second day in Italy’s capital began with standing in line for 2 hours in the Vatican (of which you can read more about here), and checking out St. Peter’s Basilica. Afterwards, we walked up to the Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel Sant’Angelo).

Castel Sant’Angelo

The building is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian and his family, and part of it was transformed into a museum. Unfortunately, we didn’t go inside (I think we were supposed to, but because we had to wait for 2 hours in the Vatican , the tour guide decided to take it out of the schedule), which is too bad because a few years after our trip I saw some photos of a friend of mine, and her shots show that the view from the castle is absolutely breathtaking. We didn’t spend much time here, we took a few photos as a keepsake and went on our journey by stepping across Ponte Sant’Angelo (St. Angel Bridge).

another shot of the Castle of the Holy Angel

on the other side of Ponte Sant’Angelo

Next, we took a nice stroll in Piazza Navona and enjoyed a delicious Italian gelato along the way. Rome is famous for its fountains, and monuments, and we could admire some of the best ones in this square.

Fontana del Moro

We also had a chance to visit the Pantheon, a massive building (if I can put it this way), built 2000 years ago. A building of which we learned so much in architecture class last year, a truly unique edifice. It is one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome, and has been in continuous use since it was built. Since the 7th century it has been used as a Roman Catholic Church.

The Pantheon

Trevi Fountain is a must if you go to Rome! It is one of the best-known sites of the city and is a truly wonderful experience once you’re there. We were wandering around some little, narrow streets when suddenly a relatively small square opened up in front of our eyes and a tone of people were waiting in line to get closer to the monument. It is beautiful and majestic at the same time (I never imagined it to be so big).

Trevi Fountain

statues of Trevi Fountain

The beautiful, turqouise water highlights the white statues, making them seem even bigger and more intimidating as you stand in front of the monument, and see it as a whole.

La Fontana di Trevi

Thousands of coins lay in the bottom of the “pool”. It is said, that if you throw in a coin, you will certainly return to Rome one day. The money is collected and taken to orhanages and people in need -a noble cause for a simple symbol.

with Timi after throwing in our coins

Our last stop was at the Spanish steps. We were dead tired and so full of walking that we literally sat down on the steps and waited until the guide gathered the group again so we could get back to our accommodation.

the Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna

Although my stay in Rome was very short and tiring, I do hope to get back and see this wonderful city at my own pace, not with a constantly-in-hurry group. The memories we made here are beautiful and keep me wanting even more!