Rome, Italy

Finally made it to posting our amazing trip to Italy.  It was a fabulous birthday present to say the least.  So here's to posting 5 months past due!

 

We began our vacation in Rome and what better place to start than Vatican City!

 

Vatican City is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome. It is a non-hereditary, elected monarchy that is ruled by the Bishop of Rome - the Pope. The Saint Peter's Square is located directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. The open space which lies before the basilica was redesigned by Gian Lorenzo Bernini from 1656 to 1667, under the direction of Pope Alexander VII. At the center of the square stands an Egyptian obelisk of red granite, 25.5 meters tall, supported on bronze lions and surmounted by the Chigi arms in bronze, in all 41 meters to the cross on its top. The Saint Pete's Basilica occupies a "unique position" as one of the holiest sites and as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom". Although the Vatican basilica is neither the Pope's official seat or first in rank among the great basilicas, (St. John Lateran) it is most certainly his principal church, as most Papal ceremonies take place at St. Peter's due to its size, proximity to the Papal residence, and location within the Vatican City walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vittorio Emanuele II monument, designed by Giuseppe Sacconi at the end of 19th century, is a monument to honour Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It was inaugurated in 1911 and completed in 1935.

The colossal white marble structure has a huge equestrian sculpture of Victor Emmanuel II and two statues of the goddess Victoria riding on quadrigas. It also features majestic stairways, tall Corinthian columns and fountains. The monument contains the tomb of the First World War's unknown soldier; a museum of Italian Reunification; and a cafe.You can get nice views of Rome from structure for free, but for a fee you can take a lift to the very top ' The Terrace of the Quadrigas' where you can enjoy stunning Panoramic views.Locals compare it to a wedding cake or a Victorian typewriter. It has been a controversial building since its contruction for several reasons: destroying a large area of the Capitoline Hill; "too white"; "too large"; "pompous" and so on. However, it is still a Rome landmark and receives many visitors.

 

 

The much anticipated Collossium

 

The Colossium is the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire. Its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD. Originally capable of seating around 80,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of visitors each year. There is also a museum dedicated to Eros located in the upper floor of the outer wall of the building.

 

The Arc of Constatine

 

Dedicated by the Senate in AD 315, the tenth anniversary (decennalia) of the emperor's reign, the Arch of Constantine (Arcus Constantini) commemorates the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312 for sole control of the Roman empire in the west. The inscription, which is repeated on both sides of the attic, alludes to the "divine inspiration" about which Eusebius writes in his Life of Constantine (I.28), although which divinity had helped Constantine deliberately is not specified. The arch is the last and largest in Rome, and the most flamboyant in its use of colored stone.

 

One thing we learned is the luxury of tour busses.  Not only does it eliminate the exhausting walks, it gives you a better and more thorough tour rich with historical explanations and such. 

 

Daddy was always down wit his girls.

 

I think he rocks that pink hat!

 

Roman Forum (Foro Romano)

(Latin: Forum Romanum) sometimes known by its original Latin title, is located between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill of the city of Rome. It is the central area around which the ancient Roman civilization developed. The oldest and most important structures of the ancient city are located in the forum, including its ancient former royal residency the Regia and the surrounding complex of the Vestal virgins. The Old Republic had its formal Comitium there where the senate, as well as Republican government began. The forum served as a city square and central hub where the people of Rome gathered for justice, and faith. The forum was also the economic hub of the city and considered to be the center of the Republic and Empire.

 

 

 

 

And we finish off with

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

(Italian: Fontana di Trevi) is the largest - standing 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide - and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. It is located in the rione of Trevi. A traditional legend holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.

 

Next stop......Florence!