On my last day in Rome, before joining the cruise, I walked around and did some solo sight seeing.
In Rome, there are many unique churches.
Lunch or Brunch?
Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna - This area has been in many films and television shows, but probably the most famous is Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. At the top of the 135 steps is the Piazza Trinita dei Monti and the Trinita dei Monti Church. The stairway was built from 1723 to 1725, with funds bequeathed by French diplomat Etienne Guefflier, and designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi. At the base of the steps is the Fontana della Baraccia built in 1627-29.
I briefly sat down on the steps to put something in my backpack and a uniformed officer came over and told me to stand up. Sitting is not allowed!
Continuing on...
Trevi Fountain - was also featured in the movie Roman Holiday. It was designed by Italian architect Nocola Salvi and is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, standing 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide.
Continuing on...
I remember seeing 10 cent pay toilets when I was a child, but was surprised to see this toilet costing one euro. I didn't stop and use it.
At this point, I headed to the hotel meeting place for Sandy Arthur's needlepoint cruise group. I had a nice time in Rome, but it was time to move on.
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater built in the center of Rome between AD 72 and 80. It is built of Travertine limestone, volcanic rock, and concrete. It was the largest amphitheater of its time and held 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. In 2018, it was the most popular tourist attraction in the world, with 7.4 million visitors. I can understand why.
This is a place I've read about and seen on television programs and in movies and I was happy I was able to see it up close. I'm amazed it is still standing after so many years.
