It’s hard to believe we’re actually in Rome. The city of so much history, of so many martyrs for Christ, of the church to which Paul wrote Romans. It’s surreal to be walking the streets, taking in the sites, and seeing with my own eyes things I’ve only read about. As they say, ‘If these walls could talk.’
We’re conveniently staying at the Colonna Palace Hotel in the heart of old Rome. Our room is on the 3d floor (385) and our window overlooks the Piazza di Montecitorio below and gives us a view of Parliament across the piazza. We’re within walking distance of dozens of historical sites, ancient ruins, churches, and the Vatican itself.
We arrived at our hotel at 10:30 by taxi from the airport, dropped our luggage, connected to wifi, and immediately began exploring the city. Our time here is limited so we want to make the most of it. KT and Ann (from church) have visited this part of town several times and have helpfully suggested the best places to see and eat. Thank you!
The famous Pantheon.The “sanctuary” for services inside the Pantheon
It’s crazy to think that I’ve seen pictures like this in so many books and magazines; and now I was able to take my own!The church of Sant’Eustachio. Nearby is the Caffe Sant’Eustachio, famous for the best coffee in Rome.Church of San Luigi dei Francesi. A last resting place for many illustrious French people–so much so that many say it’s “the French Pantheon” in Rome.A confessional inside San Luigi. I was grieved by the crucifix facing the confesser. It’s bad enough that the priest acts as the mediator between God and man, but to hide the priest behind an image of the atoning Christ powerfully declares it.The place of worship inside St. Luigi. Any idea what’s missing here? A pulpit! And what’s taken its place? A table for the mass–not to mention all the iconography.Here’s the pulpit–on the side, beside the back row. It’s unusually adorned with color and gold, i.e. compared to what I’ve seen in most of the basilicas.One of Caravaggio’s famous paintings of St. Matthew (located in St. Luigi).The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the magnificent fountain in the center of Piazza Navona. Met the owner of the restaurant Ai Tre Tartufi (directly across from this fountain) who persuaded us to have lunch, dinner, and gelato at his restaurant sometime during the trip 🙂Photos were not allowed in this church but I did notice that two Christian martyrs are buried within it. It’s built on the site where St. Agnes was martyred.Filling up our water bottles at a public fountain–just to say we did 🙂 The water was cold and kept us hydrated–walking around in 95 degree weather all day.I forgot to note what church this was. I think it’s St. Maria dell Anima, the German church in Rome.With glowing recommendations, we dined here at Alfredo’s, the birthplace of the famous Fettuccine Alfredo. It was definitely the best I’ve ever had. “That’s definitely not from a jar!” I said to Schylie.
This was one of many private courtyards inside the square of apartments surrounding it. One would drive his car into the courtyard park it, and then head up the elevator to his apartment. No yard to boast of for these folk; but what a nice courtyard!Our evening entertainment! We had a magnificent time at this Italian opera. The tenor and soprano sang beautifully.
The busyness of the streets at night. Everyone comes out for dinner, gelato, and entertainment in the piazzas.This old man was serenading the people dining at the restaurant in front of him. It was beautiful in its simplicity.These columns are all that remains of the Temple of Hadrian (145 AD). It now acts as a facade for the building which houses the stock exchange. The Piazza di Pietra (Piazza of Stone) in front of it was largely built from the stones uncovered in the excavation.Ended the evening with some delicious gelato next to our hotel. Actually, the parliament building in the background is the view out our window. The column in the photo is Emperor Augustus’ obelisk in the Piazza di Montecitorio. Apparently this granite obelisk was brought back from Egypt by Augustus in 10 BC. He put a sundial on the top of it for telling time. It was still standing in the 9th c. but then disappeared until it was discovered in the 16th c. lying under medieval houses. It was erected in its current location by Pope Pius VI in 1792. It’s hard to believe that things around here can be so old.
Looks awesome brother!! The food looks amazing!! Take it all in ! Absolutely beautiful!!