Today was a fun-filled day spent trekking across Rome to see all of the sights and by the end we were ready for some well-earned rest and relaxation. We started by going to the train station this morning to buy our train ticket to Florence tomorrow. From there we headed on to the Colosseum via Santa Maria Magiorre, the third largest church in Rome. When we arrived at the Colosseum we decided to join a guided tour that included both the Colosseum and the Forum and it was more than worth the extra cost.
Prep areas below the floor of the Colosseum
Arches in the Colosseum
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
Overgrown ruins in the old Roman Forum
After finishing with the Forum tour we explored the Forum a bit more on our own then took off for the Vatican and St Peter's Basilica. We went to the top of the dome first and the views of Rome were spectacular. We also got lucky enough to catch it just before sunset, which only enhanced the views. After coming down from the dome we exited into the interior of the Basilica and, even having seen it before, I was struck by the sheer massiveness and beautiful ornamentation of the interior. After looking around inside for a bit we emerged into the dusk of St. Peter's square.
Looking down onto St. Peter's Square
Looking west from atop Saint Peter's Basilica
The lights of St. Peter's Basilica loom over the Tiber
We then walked past the Castle of St. Angelo, along the Tiber river, and further on to the Spanish Steps. After a quick walk up and down the steps we found a great little cafe a few blocks to the south and enjoyed some delicious pasta dishes and deserts before finishing our walk back to the hotel. After a long day with probably 8 to 10 miles of walking we are both exhausted and heading to bed, goodnight!
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