Roman Holiday VI - Cappuchin Crypt, Coin tossing, The Pantheon, The Forums and meeting other Aussies!

Today would be our last day in Rome before we headed off to Venice. Even though it was a little sad to be leaving the Eternal City so soon, it was exciting to be going to Venice! I have to say our 6 days in Rome have gone both quick and slow at the same time, if that makes sense?!?! Our last day in Rome was to be a slower paced one, plus we had factored in time to check out all the little markets and stalls so we could buy a few little mementos of our Roman stay.


We caught the metro to Piazza Barberini and had a closer look at the Triton Fountain - the observations from the tourist bus and that terrible night where we walked a zillion miles after walking all day just do not count. While I had a closer look Tom checked out a map as he was over fountains, just like I was over stairs!!


We then headed off to St Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church as we wanted to check out the Cripta dei Cappuccini - the Cappuchin Crypt. This is a crypt where 4000 Monks (who wanted to be laid to rest on Holy land) lay - a great honor but with a twist.

The crypt is decorated with their bones. I never realise just how many bones that is; it is a massive amount when confronted with.


As you walk into the crypt the first thing you notice is the lack of lighting. It is very dark in the carved out crypt. There is an elderly woman sitting by the door taking your donations. As your eyes adjust you turn and walk down a long stoned corridor that houses the various crypts.


Dim lighting illuminates the Monks remains, there is coolness in the air, hushed voices and the silence is broken by the most eerie sound of choir voices singing cords, very much like a chant. It sent shivers down my spine.


The next thing you notice is the beautiful patterns on the walls and ceilings until you realise there are body parts! It is very confronting seeing walls, light fittings and ceilings decorated in an artistic pattern with human bones but at the same time you can’t help think ‘gee they made good use of that type of bone for that pattern’. It was an impressive, yet morbid sight to see.


You cannot take photos in there but it didn’t stop a number of people doing so. Tom and I were at the last crypt taking it all in when we I heard the familiar camera phone sound, expecting to see a young person ignoring the request for respect I was shocked to see a woman in her late 50’s taking photos. She looked at me and I looked at her and just shook my head at her, once again I got into trouble off Tom. We bought a heap of postcards, for they had photos on them, as a pictorial record. I will see if I can find photo on the net to post.


Afterwards we went upstairs to the church. Reading the plaque on the outside totally blew me away. This church, was built in the 1600’s, it has nothing on our churches back home. Our country is so young!
The church resting above the crypt was just gorgeous. I would have to say one of my favorites. It is so old but holds it beauty so well. We left at 12pm for they shut for 3 hours.


We walked off in the direction of the Trevi Fountain - we wanted to get some day time pics (well I did) and also to toss a coin in and make a wish (yes, ever the tourist I know!). On the way to the fountain we visited all the little markets and shops in the old alley ways they I just loved. We bought a few little trinkets and then headed off to brave the every growing crowds of the fountain.


We were not disappointed!


Tom and I had a few happy snaps and threw our coins in and made our respective wishes. Continuing on our way down the winding alleyways we stopped for a drink near a young boy playing a piano accordion. Now I know this is very Roman and provides the ambiance one likes whilst sitting in a little café in an alleyway in Rome but I have to say Weird Al has ruined the piano accordion for me forever. All I could think of was his famous polkas! Tom just laughed at me.


Continuing on our little exploration we finally found ourselves at the Pantheon. The Pantheon was originally a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome during Hadrian’s rein. It has been used as a tomb - Raphael (not the ninja turtle guys) is buried there and it is now used as a Christian church. It is very impressive. Massive pillars decorate the front of the building and inside is another sensory overload of marble, artwork, statues and paintings. These Romans sure knew how to worship!


From here we continued on, meandering around the streets, it was here I found a bunch of little shops selling everything a priest could ever need! It was funny (yes childish of me) to see shop window displays of the latest priest garments, headwear and jewelry!


We continued on to check out Cesar's Forum and a few others as we missed it the other day.


As the day wore on we headed home, jumping on the metro - we now had totally mastered and met two wide eyed Aussies who were attempting their first use of the metro. We both picked up the Aussie accent straight away and got chatting. They seemed very assured that we had only been in Rome for 6 days and were such masters of the metro!!


Back at the hotel we decided to go out for tea, being our last night and all, so off we went walking - again, heading off for the Via Del Corso to find a cute little Italian restaurant. We found one in the main alleyways and a stone’s throw from the Trevi. As we ate our meal we could hear the roar of the fountain, along with another Italian serenading diners with his piano accordion (again lost on me -thanks Weird Al).



As we soaked up the night atmosphere we were amused by the hawkers nearby. The African men who sell the Gucci bags had set up near the restaurant. I was watching him one minute and the next he took off running, then I saw a policeman picking up all his handbags - I am guessing his wife would have been VERY happy that night.


During dinner we realised we were sitting next to another Aussie - Dave the termite guy from Melbourne! We had a good chat over dinner and dessert and when he found out we were leaving the next day seemed a little sad, he was travelling alone and was obviously lonely.


I couldn’t help but think as we spoke of a few things…and I have come to the conclusion I am reading a little too much true Australian crime. 1: he was from Melbourne, 2: he was Italian, 3: he had brought his father over to see the relos. All I kept thinking was the Australian mafia and underbelly. Tom didn’t connect the dots and on our walk home from dinner I explained what my vivid imagination had come up with during our dinner conversation with Dave, once again Tom laughed at me!


Back at the hotel (after walking through a very long and very loud traffic tunnel) we packed ready for an EARLY morning train. We had to be at the termini by 6.30am - that was going to suck!!

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Part of trip: Living The Dream

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