Ancient Rome. Today was our chance to experience it. My favorite travel writer (Rick Steves -blog readers you know this!) calls the trek around this part of Ancient Rome the Caesar Shuffle because you Shuffle around with other people from one site to the next across the old city ruins to see it all. However; we did these sites at record pace!
We got up early enough to be the first into the Coliseum. The vastness + age was hard to imagine, even being there! It feels odd to celebrate this beautiful place, as it was primarily used in brutal ways.
Outside the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine from around 315 AD. He was the Emperor who legalized Christianity for the Empire.
Then we ventured up Palentine Hill, where the emperors and wealthy of Rome placed their palaces for centuries. It was amazing to see what they could build into one of Rome's seven hills.
From the edge of the raised palace, we could even view Circus Maximus. This race track in Ancient Rome was specifically for horses & chariots.
From the hill we could look down into the Roman Forum.
The Roman Forum was like no other place I have been. You could see the ruins of the Roman Senate steps (white marble), the various columns of churches & building and so much more. We have both struggled to summarize it & were both in awe of this area.
After the Forum, we walked along the old street to see more ruins & the remains of Trajan's (an emperor) market / offices. At the end of this was Trajan's Column depicting his victory in various wars around 200 AD.
We did so well on time that I allowed us a break for lunch at an Irish Pub. I of course ordered a Caesar Salad to stay in theme. It was a nice rest.
Then we went back to what I am deeming the largest 'fancy' building I have ever seen. The Altar of the Fatherland is a very large, white marble building celebrating the unification of Italy. We will post more on it later....
After this we went to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.
And the Capital Hill Piazza designed by Michelangelo. He designed it to place the museum.
This Piazza houses the Capitaline Museums. This was the first public museum in the world, dating back to around 1500. The museum houses many statues, artifacts and has rooms showing the Roman Forum ruins / original building. I loved the statue of Marcus Aurelius. And the view of the Roman Forum.
To get a full view of the ancient city, I broke from the Caesar Shuffle. I took us to one more spot. And on the way stumbled onto a church - Basilica de Saint Andrea de Valle.
We had to end our day at the outskirts of Ancient Rome, Campo de Fioro. This was the original marshland & end of the city. I wanted to ensure I saw all of the ancient city! It truly was large. Now it is a pleasant, lively city square. We got there in time to view the market. And then enjoy some beers at Roma Beer Company & dinner at a nice place on another corner of the square.
After the market packed up, I watched the city workers clean the square for almost two hours. They are not helping the stereotype about the Italian way to 'work.'
We figured out how to use the bus, so we didn't have to walk any more.
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