Europe

Rome, Italy, Day 2 Pantheon

Next is the Pantheon. It was a pagan temple built in 29 BC.

It had columns for 12 pagan gods. Then it became a Christian Church so all the pagan gods were replaced by Christian figures. It is a beautiful round structure with a hole in the ceiling open to the heavens.

When it rains, the floor has holes where the water drains away.

(to be continued)

Rome, Italy, Day 2 Trevi Fountain

Then we walk to the Trevi Fountain. This is probably most recognizable landmark of Rome. It has been the backdrop of many, many films, both Italian and American - Three Coins in the Fountain, etc.

The tradition is that a small coin held in the right hand and thrown over the left shoulder means you will return to Rome.

It worked for Doug and I. We were here about 30 years ago. It is estimated that 3000 Euros are thrown in the fountain every day. In 2016, an estimated 1.4 million (US$1.5 million) was thrown into the fountain. The Vatican regularly cleans out the coins and gives them to charity.

(to be continued)

Rome, Italy, Day 2 Spanish Steps

We start out early walking, since old town Rome is not that big. We walk toward The Spanish Steps down Via Condotti. This street has stores of all the famous Italian fashion designers. Prices are out of this world.

The monumental stairway of 174 steps was built when a French diplomat gave money to have them built in order to link the Spanish Embassy with the French Church. Of course there is much more to the story, but suffice it to say they could have been called the French Steps. They have long been a meeting place for people.

(to be continued)

Rome, Italy, Day 1 Tiber

But no boat rides along the Tiber in Rome!! The problem is that after the river Tiber flooded Rome several times, the city fathers decided to build a tall wall along the river banks so it wouldn't flood. So it doesn't flood anymore, but now it's a pretty river flowing through Rome!! There's nothing to see from the river except the tall wall!

Now we're in our room taking a siesta. It's been a long day!

More adventures tomorrow!

(to be continued)