Rome panorama
Rome has been on Mrs Y’s agenda for a return visit since a birthday trip when she was just eleven. Somehow though a visit has never materialised, but finally we managed to get there during October 2011 half-term.
Met at the airport by Lewis Hamilton’s Mafia, sun-glass wearing, God-father, we sped through the streets dodging and passing anything that happened to be ahead of us. Despite having to hang on to our seats with white knuckles it did give us an amazing night tour of some of Rome’s most glorious sites before being deposited at the Residenza Ki on Via Rasella.
Despite arriving late in the day we hot-footed it down the road to visit the wondrous Trevi Fountain but could barely see any of it due to the scrum-like crowds surrounding it, giving us just tantalising glimpses of it’s beauty. Unable to, or unwilling to battle through the crowds we took consolation in a nearby Gelateria Valentino for a well deserved ice-cream. Highly recommended too.
Buffet breakfast devoured we took the Metro across to St Peters Basilica, mistakenly assuming an early start would beat the crowds. Joining the tourists queued around the perimeter of the square, we inched painfully towards the security scanners guarding the entrance to the Basilica. Once inside, although a little overly ornate for our liking, the crowds once again made viewing anything of note, like Michelangelo’s La Pieta, impossible. Mrs Y was most disappointed with the bullet proof security screens as on her last visit you could still touch the foot of Jesus. For us, the highlight of the visit was the view from steps of the Basilica across the square down to the Tiber and the Castel Sant’Angelo. Religious souvenirs are on offer from every nook and cranny, and feel sure games of Ecclesiastical Bingo would help pass the time in the queue as every colour and denomination of priest, nun and monk can be spotted in the square.
Forgoing the crowds thronging the Metro we started back towards our hotel along the Tiber river passing through many wonderful streets and through squares and piazzas happening upon delights like the The Bernini Four Rivers Fountains, The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument and the Spanish Steps, or Piazza D’Espagna. Despite being really lovely the Spanish Steps and the surrounding roads were rammed with tourists. Our highlight of the day was taking a lift to the roof of the Vittorio Emanuele Monument where you are able to get panoramas of Rome that are simply breathtaking. You also get a sneak peek birds-eye view in to the Forum too which is an unexpected treat.
Again, wending our way through the streets we passed and stopped at some lovely little Chapels that were very ornate, charming and very noteworthy in their own right, and really quiet too, appearing to be the sole domain of the local congregation. Enroute, like iron filings to a magnet, we were drawn to the Pantheon, a wondrous Roman temple with a hole in the roof, the oculus. Built in 126AD, symmetrical to the point of obsession, the worlds largest unreinforced concrete dome, was truly, truly amazing. Our day ended in a really nice Italian Pasta restaurant enjoying a traditional Italian dish.
Our next morning started very early, 06:00AM, we dressed quickly and crept from the hotel. Picking our way along the deserted, freshly washed, cobbled streets to the Trevi Fountain, where we were the ONLY visitors (apart from two Police officers). It felt like, just for a few minutes, the fountain was ours.
Our last day was spent exploring the Forum, where you are treading, and walking on the exact same paving slabs that the ancient Romans did back 2500 years before. Quite amazing. The Forum is vast and sprawling, and although busy, didn’t feel crowded. Enjoying the sunshine and the sights our route led us down to the Coliseum which was much busier but equally breath taking. Purchase a ticket that covers both venues and you get to jump the hideous queues!
Rome was simply wonderful. I feel sure we will return again one day, especially as we tossed a coin in the Trevi Fountain.
mrandmrsyoung 