When in Rome...

We arrived in Rome earlier today and had but a few seconds to relax before we explored the city by foot. We looked like the typical tourists with our headphone set walking through the streets. Our first stop was the Santa Maria Cathedral. This cathedral was built in the 5th century! I canot even fathom how early that was. The church was in great condition. The story goes that the person who built the cathedral knew to build it where it stands today because in August there was snow that covered the spot. This unusual event must have been a sign, so the cathedral was built here. To this day, white roses are dropped from the balcony in August. 

The ceilings in the cathedral are made from real gold, so there is a slight slope in the ceiling from the weight. 

The interior was very intricate and full of gold designs.

We then made our way to the San Pietro 

Cathedral that houses Michelagelo's Moses. 

On the walls there are stone portraits of the dead adorned with small skeletons. I found this to be interesting. 

This cathedral was very close to the Colosseum. We all see the Colosseum in books and learn about it in history class, but to actually see it in person is another experience. This is such an old amphitheater full of history, death, and entertainment. 

It was a rainy day here, so the clouds are gray. 

We wandered down past the Colosseum, and saw the Roman Forum. These are the ruins of the old center of Rome. Here people would gather to share news and trade. It was developed in the 7th century BC. 

It is still under construction, as more ruins are discovered frequently when building metro train routes. 

We continued our tour, and made it to the Pantheon. The Pantheon is older than the Colosseum, but it is in much better condition. 

Inside the tombs of the first two Kings of Rome are housed as well as the painter Raphael. The top of the Pantheon is a hollow circle and when it rains the drains in the floor help to clear out any excess rain. The floors have purple marble, which comes from Egypt. The Pantheon is used for church services today.

We took a quick snack break and then went to see Trevvi Fountain. The name originates because the fountain is in the intersection of three streets. Currently, the fountain is under restoration, so there was no water in the fountain. The tradition is to throw a coin in the water, which means that you will come back to Italy. I threw a coin into the fountain even though there was not any water. 

We then walked to the Spanish Steps and sat for a few minutes before dinner. I am ready for bed and a long day tomorrow!

Bounasera!