Favorite Corners - Rome

Rome.  The Eternal City.  The place where every name, grass covered hill, or drop of water has a story.  For example, the Vatican's name is derived not from the church but from the old Etruscan area upon which it sits.  Think a hill is just a hill?  A large grassy mound along Via di Ripetta is actually the mausoleum of the first emperor Augustus.   Thirsty after a long day of sightseeing?  Don't bother buying a drink.  The aqueducts still bring fresh drinkable water to the city's fountains.  So, grab a bottle and fill it up.  Here's to Rome!  Salute!

In front of the architectural marvel, the Pantheon.  

Basilica di Sant Maria Maggiore

St. Peter's at dusk

We were in Rome two years ago, and since then, the coliseum seems to have gotten...taller?  We have to double check our pictures, but that top layer seems more restored than before.

The Coliseum was originally called Flavian's Amphitheater, but the locals began calling it the Colleseo due to the colossal bronze statue of Nero that used to be in front (and has since been melted down).

One of the ten angels along the Ponte Sant'Angelo that depict the Passion of the Christ

Jimmy at the beautiful but busy Trevi Fountain.  There is a saying, "Toss one coin in to make a wish, toss another coin in and you'll come back to Rome, anything after that and you're just throwing money away." 

Knights of Malta keyhole.  Step right up and see three states in one day.  Stand in Rome and look through the keyhole into the monastery gardens belonging to the Knights of Malta, and there in the distance, is dome of St. Peter's in Vatican City.

Interesting street art.  No paint required. The dark parts are the original dirt, the lighter parts are clean. 

The enormous Roman forum.  We're not quite sure how we did it, but we spent an entire day in the Forum and up on Palatine Hill (or "Palpatine Hill" as Jimmy keeps calling it despite the fact there are no sith lords there).

Sitting in front of the Arch of Septimius Severus (sounds like a character from Harry Potter).

Filling in the gap. :)

The house of the Vestal Virgins.  Rose gardens, statues, fountains...

One of the side chapels in Santa Maria Antiqua in the Roman Forum.  The coolest thing about this place?   See the two projectors on top?  They project onto the walls and show what the room looked like during different eras and reconstructions.

The Circus Maximus.  The largest stadium in ancient Rome.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  This place is huge.  

Nothing beats Rome for a romantic walk at night.