Day duex part duex

After the Vatican City morning - which seemed like an entire day - we ventured around the outskirts of the center of the (ancient) city.

We traveled around the Trastevere neighborhood to see one of the original hills (& churches).  This hill was where St. Paul was crucified.  

Also, we went to the first church dedicated to Mary - Santa Maria in Trastevere.  The gold mosaic center for the naive is breathtaking!

Then we ventured to a favorite Roman church, Saint Cecilia in Trastevere.  She (and her husband) were persecuted and died for their religion.  She was sainted and Romans love her.  This was a very peaceful place.

But we had to stop for a drink once in a while because this day was a lot.

After that, I felt we could fit more into the day.  (Jordan points out here this fascinates him, as I have not slept for two days & am a bit under the weather.  However, I am in Rome where people have suffered much worse over the centuries.). 

We ventured once again across the Tiber River to the Aventine neighborhood.  We went to see the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin.  This church began in the 700s.   In the portico of the church, on the north side, can be found La Bocca della Verità, an ancient sculpture thought to be a drain covering. A legend states that, if a person places his hand inside the mouth ("bocca") and then swears falsely, the mouth will close and sever the hand. It was made famous to Americans in the movie Roman Holiday.   The line was an hour to put your hand in the Mouth of Truth, but here is a picture of the statue. Also, this old church even houses the skull of Saint Valentine.  So yay for love & Audrey Hepburn?!

We walked across the street to see the two oldest temples left in one piece in Rome.  The temples were built for the Sea God (Portuno) & Hercules.   

Then Jordan reluctantly climbed the famous Aventine hill.  He only agreed as he wanted to see the hill that was the walk the non-Romans used to do to enter the city.  We went to see the view of the city.  

On the same hill is a keyhole to see the view of Saint Peter's dome.   This place is centered around three states -the Knights of Malta, Italy & Vatican - so we wanted to add another recognized nation to our list of travels. It was neat (thanks to Sara for the recommendation!)

We even saw some great ruins in this neighborhood. 

After this eleven miles of walking, even I agreed to take a cab to a nice pub!  (In my defense on the pub, I have to eat Italian food for 11 days so it's ok!).  We have one more morning to wake up early, because the Coliseum is calling my name!!

Location:Via del Plebiscito,Rome,Italy