Rome, once known as the capital of the world, was founded more than 2,750 years ago. There is almost 3,000 years of history, architecture, art and food to experience. Rome cannot be adequately described with words, surely not my words. My camera cannot take pictures that will leave you speechless and in awe, as was I, when I first walked into St. Peter’s Basilica and marveled at the enormity, and beauty of this magnificent church.

Nor could my words ever move you the same way, actually standing under the ceiling of the Sistene Chapel would, and staring up at the masterful work of Michelangelo.

   Day and I have stood before the Trevi Fountain, and I can tell you it feels different to be in Piazza di Trevi staring at the Trevi Fountain with 3,000 people, than if you were there alone in the early morning hours. Being alone at the fountain, close enough to feel the mist on your face and hear the water, in the silence, feels different. And, the Trevi Fountain is most certainly something to see at night, all lit up, it’s mesmerizing to watch as the water cascades down through the sculpture.

   As you wander about the streets, you may stumble upon Circo Massimo. Circo Massimo are ancient fairgrounds where once 300,000 spectators would cheer for chariot races and athletic events. Continue onto the Forum, an area of Rome that was once center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome, and of course, there is the Colosseum.

   You cannot think of Rome without thinking of its greatest amphitheater. Commissioned in 72AD, and finished just eight years later, the Colosseum once held 55,000 spectators. For centuries this fantastic building has been raped and pillaged for its marble and other construction materials, but still, it stands there today, dominating the surrounding area. I must admit though, the Colosseum is not my favorite, for that we must go to the mighty Pantheon.

   The Pantheon, the church of all gods, is quite possibly the single most incredible building in all of Europe (in my opinion). Marcus Agrippa finished building the first Pantheon in 25BC, yes I said BC. Hadrian, then rebuilt it in 118AD, and It has been in use ever since. 2042 years old, and masses are still held in this magnificent church every Saturday.

   Day and I have been to Rome, twice now. We have seen most of Rome. Understand, when I say “seen most of Rome,” I mean we have seen most of the brown points of interest on a tourist map. But, Rome needs to be experienced, and I do not feel as though I have experienced Rome. I have yet to stand in St. Peter’s Square with tens of thousands of people for a Papal Audience, or to sit in the Pantheon as the rain comes down through the oculus. I would like to spend a day and meander through the Forum, stopping when I want, sitting quietly when I want, maybe have lunch. I might like to sit in the Colosseum, for an afternoon, sit there as the sun sets, ponder and write a blog post. I would like the time to find my favorite open air market, which piazza I like the most and where best to sit, and enjoy my favorite thing of all, cappuccino.

   Rome is like no other city I have been to, there is thousands of years of history, architecture, art and food, more than can be experienced in week, more than I can write about in one blog post. I love Rome, and I have enjoyed writing about it. I look forward to writing another post about Rome, maybe the Vatican or The Colosseum and the Pantheon, and I hope you decide to come back to Explore. Dream. Discover. Travel.

Luv ya, 

Curly