It definitely wasn't built in a day but we covered most of it in that time.

 

There are many proverbs that relate to Rome …”All roads lead to Rome”…”Rome wasn’t built in a day”, but for us the most relevant on this trip was the one “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. But how could we ? We couldn’t tear around on a Vespa motor scooter ? We couldn’t parade through the streets looking drop dead gorgeous or dressed to the hilt in high fashion. But what we could do and what we decided to do was to return briefly and reluctantly to our childhood Catholicism So off we went 9am Sunday morning, train to The Vatican to see the Pope. What a majestic place and for obvious reasons it wasn’t crowded and we walked straight into St Peters Cathedral.  Then after walking Jonesy around St Peters square  The Pope appeared at a distant window at 12 noon to give us all a blessing and a few words. 

After that brief exhibition of false devotion we went off to see the rest of the city …and also the pub. Well a restaurant actually for a brilliant lunch. Good to see that the economic fallout of the pandemic means you can have a three course meal with a beer in the centre of Rome for 12 euros. After visiting the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo and the river Tiber, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, The church of St Ignazio, Piazza del Venezia, Roman Forum and finally the Colliseum we finished our day trip around 4:30. Its so nice to visit a capital city on a sunday, there are few workers about and the ambience seems more relaxed with the many talented street entertainers playing to the tourists. What a fantastic city.

For Rome we used Camping Flaminio 20e a night plus tourist tax 4e a night. Bus stop outside. Train station over the road takes you to Flaminio where you then use the underground stations. 7e for the day covered both of us plus Jonesy.

Where's the crowds. 

Inside St Peters, the larges cathedral in the world.

St Peters square, the crowds gather for the Pope's message.

He's up there somewhere.

From the river Tiber.

Castel Sant 'Angelo.

No idea. Passed it walking along the Tiber

.

Spanish Steps.

Trevi Fountain

Pantheon.

This was a fabulous church with fresco paintings on the ceiling. There was a magnifying mirror on the floor that allowed you to zoom into the detail. Came across it by chance ...Chiesa di Sant ' Ignzio.

Piazza de Venezia

Roman Forum. The government centre of ancient Rome

Roman Forum. The centre of everyday life in ancient Rome where trials, processions and gladiatorial matches were held.

Roman Forum.

The road through Roman Forum that takes you to The Colosseum. It was good to sit here for a few minutes and listen to the street entertainers. Some exceptional musicians. Best was a guy with a violin playing classical music. 

Final one ...The Colosseum. With all that beer i'm starting to look like Van Morrison!