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Published: November 26th 2007
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View from Vittori
St. Peter's dome in the back. Today was my last day in Rome. It was also a day about going really, really far back in time. Started out my morning at the Colessium. There was hardly anyone around so a few of us had it to ourselves. You climb a few levels of stairs which slope downward so are a bit disconcerting. My feet have been reinvigorated by a night’s sleep but I can feel my thighs with each step from yesterday! The Colessium is pretty amazing. Its sheer size is incredibly intimidating and it’s amazing it’s still standing. It and the Forum are both victims of earthquakes and pilfering of its rock and marble by the Popes for churches. Very little marble remains as a result in it. The seating for the Senators remains and they had a very easy exit through ramps. No stairs for them like the common people. The upper deck was made of wood seats and for the poorest. Rest of the seating was marble/rock. It is believed to have seated around 50,000. It also had a working latrine system and basement area for animals and people. One can’t help but wonder how many animals and people died there for sheer sport.
Does make me want to watch the movie The Gladiator again.
After exiting the Colessium, I passed by the Arch of Constantine which is pretty impressive. Very detailed and was to celebrate his victories. I then entered the Forum. Started out climbing Palotine Hill which is where Rome was founded back in 753 BC. The Hill overlooks the Forum and was home to palaces and gardens of former emperors. Several remnants remain of varying quality. Not that well marked, however. Then, I journeyed down to the Forum. As I wandered through marveling at its skeleton remains, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit like Indiana Jones making my way through this archeological dream. Not a lot remains but it had to be absolutely incredible in its day. There are remains of several temples as well as places of business and politics. It’s truly stunning that escavation on it did not begin until the 1890s. Apparently, it was so covered with dirt and manure that no one realized anymore what was there. Like the Colessium, the Popes pilfered it for its marble and bronze so very little remains. The Forum was probably one of my highlights for Rome. It's
so incredible yet so hard to explain. Pictures do not do justice to walking through it.
For lunch, I grabbed a pannini and beverage from a street vendor and sat on the steps overlooking the Forum and enjoying the site. Had two very annoying pigeons wanting a meal, however. I have traveled enough at this point to find pigeons to be nothing but annoyances. Yeah, they look cute but they are bothersome, disease carrying and typically cover up buildings and art with their droppings. Enough of my pigeon rant…Back to the blog…
I walked through the area of Capitoline Hill which was once the political center of ancient Rome and overlooks the Forum. Was apparently redone during the Renaissance and result is ornate buildings and statues combined with ancient history. After that, I was drawn into the Vittori. A huge, massive, tall, white marble structure that I could not figure out what it was for that it drew me in to see. Didn’t plan to climb anymore stairs but it was worth it. Entry is free and you climb about 200 stairs to the terraces. The stairs are pretty easy because they are nice and low. At the
terrace level, you can pay 7 Euro for a glass elevator ride up a few stories to the top for what I think are the best views of Rome. You can see the Forum and St. Peter’s from the different sides. Had another heavy aired day today so photos not very clear which is disappointing. The Vittori is about 100 years ago and was built as a monument to the leader who finally united Italy again. The terrace level has a cafeteria where you can enjoy lunch and a glass of wine or coffee. I ordered a cappuccino and did a little journaling about my day while I rested my flat, wide, tired feet for a few minutes.
Next up…I slowly meandered by way back to the Pantheon viewing some sites along the way. I had seen it yesterday but was so amazed by it and wanted to see it in better light. So glad I did. With the Forum, it’s my favorite site of Rome. Just amazing. The interior surprises me with the sedate brown marble inside. The Pantheon was built from 118-125 AD. Its exterior shows a bit of its age but its interior still looks sparkling
new. Since I have no artistic ability, I am always amazed at people’s ability to imagine and create such things especially so many centuries ago. Had to enjoy some gelato at a restaurant in the Square. Great views of the Pantheon and fountain. As I said, today was a more leisurely site seeing day.
I was going to be losing light soon so made my way to the Trevi Fountain because I wanted to also see it during the day. That area was the only spot of the day that was really busy with people. Found a spot to sit and sat and enjoyed my surroundings while doing a bit of journaling. Did the customary toss of a coin over my shoulder to assure a return trip to Rome someday. A bride and groom showed up to take some pictures in front of the fountain. That would be some cool wedding photos to have.
It was now past dark so made my way back to the hotel for dinner. Couldn’t understand the menu so just went with it and ordered the day’s Chef special. First course was a round filled pasta in manera sauce. Second course was I
belive what the Germans could call weiner schnitzel (deep fried, breaded veal). I’ve never been much of a veal fan but ate a bit to say I tried. This was served with a buffet of vegetables including olives, carrots, beans, squash, etc. etc. Desert was a choice of gelato favorites. Not bad at all. That was my last day in Rome. Tomorrow, I take the train to Florence. If all goes according to plan, I should arrive shortly before 1 PM. Hope the weather is good. It was another day of great weather here in Rome. Probably high 60s and very comfortable.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back home!
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