ROME: 9/27-28/13: Our first night in Rome consisted of the "Heart of Rome Walk" to several famous locations including the Spanish Steps, named for Rome's 300 year old Spanish Embassy to the Vatican. A hangout for Romantics such as Keats & Goethe. The Trevi Fountain was also visited for experiencing the traditional coin toss over our shoulder to assure a return trip to Rome. The enormous columns of the Pantheon are indeed impressive, and the interior also holds many treasures. Piazzas with a variety of columns were seen around every corner.
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Other sites and treasures! (click on image to enlarge, then center edge to move to each image)
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Any visit to Rome would not be complete without a visit to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. The Basilica is indeed one the richest and grandest churches on earth. The main altar sits directly over St. Peter's tomb and under Bernini's bronze canopy. The Vatican Museum holds miles of ancient statues, frescoes, paintings, tapestries, and of course the amazing Sistine Chapel.
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The National Museum of Rome houses a great collection of Roman marble statues including some rare Greek originals, as well as frescoes, and mosaics.
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The Colosseum was built in 80 A.D. when the Roman Empire was at its peak. An arena for gladiator contests and spectacles. It is a classic example of Roman engineering, using concrete and rounded arches. The arches allowed the crowds to disperse faster in ancient times, than from modern day arenas.
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The Roman Forum is ancient Rome's birthplace, civic center, and encompasses Rome's famous seven hills. Palatine Hill is where the emperors lived. Caesar's tomb can be found within the ruins.
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