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Published: June 16th 2017
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01 Triton Fountain- Bernini
The sea god Triton is in the middle sitting on a scallop shell, surrounded by four (strange looking) dolphins. Geo: 41.8955, 12.4823
Tip toed through the hostel this morning as I got ready, everyone was still asleep. I got dropped off at the train station. It was a bit said to leave Fattoria Bassetto, I got really comfortable there as it was so homey, relaxing and great company. Caught the train to Florence, arrived an hour later. Had to get to Rome before 2pm or I will lose my bed at the hostel. The only choice I had so that I would get there on time, was to get the Eurostar train. This meant a really quick journey and no stops- all at a price of course. I bought my ticket 20 minutes before the train departed and had no pre-booked, the only tickets available were... first class!! Yeah, some luxury. The seats reclined, automatic blinds, comfy seats, wish the ride was longer than 1 1/2 hours, then I could have had a great sleep. I don't want to know how much cheaper the train ride could have been if I didn't have to arrive here before 2pm.
The hostel was about a 10 minute walk from the train station. The area doesn't seem too dodgy. Check in and was given
02 Church and fountain
This is the closed church and the Moses fountain which was made by someone who tried to recreate Michelangelo's Moses fountain which is in a nearby church. a map from the guy at reception who scribbled ALL over it using pink and green hi-lighter and a black texta. I hate it when people do that to my maps!!!
Set off to explore and see what I can find. First land mark that I came across was Bernini's Triton Fountain. He made it for a Pope. Walked to two nearby churches to discover that they, as well as shops were closed for an afternoon siesta. So I kept walking. Came across Piazza della Repubblica. It is a semicircular shape and in the middle is a large fountain of four aquatic animals. On the other side of the piazza is a church, Santa Maria degli Angeli. It is built on the site of a huge Roman bath and was constructed by Michealangelo in 1563. Huge church and was beautifully decorated.
Then I went to the National Roman Musuem. There were many statues dating from the 1st century. Mosaics from the 5th century and in the basement, lots of money!! The display showed the progression of money in Rome.
Went into Santa Susanna, as it was next to other sights. It was a nice church inside. Across the street
03 Piazza della Repubblica
This is one of the buildings and the fountain in the middle. is the large Moses Fountain. This fountain bought clean water to this part of Rome. Across the street I went into the Santa Maria della Vittoria. The good thing about Rome so far, is that all the churches are free!! They are a good spot for me to read my map, so out in the street it looks like I know where I am going. This church was gorgeous inside, so much detail, many paintings and sculptures. The attraction to the church is Bernini's Ecstasy of St Teresa. It is an angel who is about to pierce the saints body for the second time- nice.
And another church, or cemetery of the church. At Santa Maria della Concezione, the crypt is different to others. The 4,000 bodies that were buried here- citizens and friars, have been used to decorate the 5 little rooms in the crypt. Bones have been put together to make chandeliers, arranged to make patterns and dressed up as friars. Quite morbid, I couldn't take any photos. The message in the last room, surrounded by bones is 'What you are, we used to be. What we are, you will be'. How depressing! Was interesting to look
04 Church
This is the outside of the Santa Maria degli Angeli, which was designed by Michelangelo to incorporate the ruined baths. at though.
Just down the road I saw the Fontana delle Api, another one of Bernini's fountains. Then went in search of the Trevi Fountain, which I knew was very close. I heard the water before I saw it. The crowds here were huge and annoying, too many people. Took a few photos and left, will return when there are less people! On the way back to the hostel came across a piazza with an obelisk in the middle. Spent the evening planning the next day.
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