When in Roma….
I’ve been avoiding writing this blog simply because I know once I write it, I’ll be extremely tempted to book a flight. It is impossible to write on blog on my experiences in Italy. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many cities in Italy, with Roma being my favorite (Amalfi coast region in a close 2nd!). It is one of my favorite countries in the world (#2 after Mexico), with the food, landscapes, history, art, and people fascinating me to my core. Anytime anyone asks me where to go in Europe, I recommend Rome. I’ve been to Rome on a couple of occasions, and I have tasted some of the yummiest pastas, cheeses, and tomatoes in this city! This blog will ATTEMPT (I could write 10 blogs on Rome) to show you my Rome highlights. I’m super excited to write this one, yay! Andiamo!
The Vatican City
When in Rome, you can travel to the smallest country in the world! The Vatican City is situated in Rome, and it is a whole other country. It is home to the highest seat of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope! People travel from all over the world to visit the famous museums in the Vatican, with the world’s most impressive artwork and sculptures. I have over 2,000 pics from my visit to the Vatican (insane, I know). The museums feature masterpieces from artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. The best way to explore the Vatican museums is with a guide!!! It is such a vast place, that without a guide, you wouldn’t see everything! Also, a guide can tell you more about the history and religious significance behind the artworks. Tickets for guides can be found on Viator, TripAdvisor, and GetYourGuide. There are many sites that sell them, but those are the most trustworthy!
The Sistine Chapel, in Vatican City, is famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis and his powerful Last Judgment on the altar wall. You are not allowed to talk inside out of respect. You are also unfortunately not allowed to take photos or videos inside due to copyright……………….
St. Peter’s Basilica
It’s hard to find words for the amazement I felt in this beautiful church. Perhaps my favorite piece of art, St. Peter’s is home to Michelangelo’s Pieta. It depicts the Virgin Mary cradling Jesus after the crucifiction. The sculpture is celebrated for its delicate detail, emotional depth, and idealized beauty. It is the only artwork Michelangelo ever signed— making it even more famous. Other than that, the church is filled with beautiful pieces of art depicting the most famous scenes in the Catholic religion. If you buy a tour for the Vatican museums, you can usually skip the line to go inside St. Peter’s!
Let’s talk FOOD
Wonder of the World
Rome is called the Ancient CIty for a reason. I am sure everyone is familiar with the history ot the Roman empire. Thousands of years ago, the Romans thrived over the majority of Europe, with Rome being the capital. Evidence of the empire is still visible today, with the Colosseum as a reminder of the grandeur of their people. The Colosseum is a huge arena that was once used for gladiator fighting and other entertainment. The picture to the left is of Samantha and I in front of the structure. To this day, it is still remarkably preserved!
Fontana di Trevi
According to legend, those who toss a coin into this fountain will always return to Roma. Naturally, I made sure to throw in more than one (it all goes to charity!). The fountain is yet another beautiful aspect of the city, with people flocking around it to take pictures at all hours of the day. Trevi Fountain in Roma depicts Oceanus, the god of water, at the center, riding a chariot pulled by seahorses and guided by tritons. Designed by Nicola Salvi in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest water sources in the city, having supplied ancient baths and central city fountains. Another fun fact— the Romans used aqueduct technology to have water throughout their city. Although other civilizations had used it before, it is closely associated with the Romans because of the improvements and manner in which they built them. It was incredibly impressive given the time period and technology. There are fountains all over Roma with clean, drinking water!
Piazza Navona
Yet ANOTHER beautiful sculpture in Roma is located in the Piazza Navona, the fountain of the Four Rivers. The fountain depicts four major rivers, each symbolizing a continent known in the 17th century: the Nile (Africa), the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), and the Rio de la Plata (Americas). The fountain surrounded a Egyptian obelisk (how did they get it to Roma?!), yet another mystery and amazing feat of the Romans. The piazza itself is a beautiful stop and scroll to sit and eat some gelato!
I could talk day and night about my adventures in Roma, it is truly one of my favorite cities in the world. It feels like you were transported into another lifetime, a slower and peaceful lifetime. Out of all of the places I’ve talked about on this travel blog, Roma is a dire must. If you have anymore questions about what to do, see, and eat in Roma, please contact me!!! I’ll talk your head off about this city. Remember, all roads lead to Roma! Thank you all for reading!
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Ciao!
Cristy 🙂
