Standing on top of Capitaline Hill, first weekend. (Left to right: Me, Nikki, Tiffany A., Tiffany W., and Ananya). The five of us became the closest in the house and did a lot of traveling together!
My boyfriend Mark came to visit me halfway through my trip in March! It was so good to see him, especially having a little piece from home after being gone for soo long. Us in front of the Colosseum. After being there 2 months before he came, I was quite the tour guide!
I love this picture because you get a bird's eye view of the area around the Colosseum. This picture was taken on my first weekend tour on top of Capitaline Hill (Exact Center of Rome). This area is called Ancient Rome because the Roman Forum, Capitaline and Palitine Hills, and Coloseum all exist within a short walk of eachother.
This is the Roman Forum. Back in Ancient Rome, this was full of temples, the senate house, and social gatherings. Many arcs were built to honor generals who won battles. Julius Ceasars forum was connected to this forum because he was ruler and wanted to be here at all times. I took an on site class, and met many mornings here. The feeling was indescribable walking to class seeing the sun rising, and walking towards the Coloseum and Roman Forum. Side Note: I passed out in the Roman Forum during class one morning when not feeling well. That is one story I will never forget!
This is inside of the Colosseum! I like this picture because you can see beneath the stage where they would keep the animals and gladiators, along with being able to see all of the different levels of seating. The lower your seat was, the wealthier you were. The Emperor and his wife had designated seating at the very end of this picture to the right.
The best pizza in the entire world!! Pizza has never tasted the same ever since eating it first hand in Italia! Fresh homeade bread, little to no sauce, and tons of toppings. These were my ultime favorites! Potatoe Pizza (Patata) and Tomato and Mozzarella (Pomodoro e Formaggio)! There are pizza restaurants at every block in Italy. They charge you by the weight of the slice!
This is the Teatro di Marcellus. (Theater of Marcellus). It was made of limestone and is situated not far from Capitaline Hill area.
This is Victoria Emanuel and is situated in front of Capitaline Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. It is fairly new compared to other buildings, and it was made in the image of Italy itself (what they believe Italy stands for). This basically separates a busy shopping area (Via del Corso) from Ancient Rome. My first weekend there, I fell into a tourist trap and took a picture with my own camera with someone dressed as a gladiator. They charged us 10 euros for 3 pictures! We never did that again!
This is Capitoline Hill, which is the exact center of Rome. It is on top of a hill and is claimed to be where Rome first originated. On top of this hill are the most famous museums of Rome which hold original sculptures found in the Forum centuies ago. One side of the hill looks towards Victoria Emanuel, and the other side leads you right down into the Forum. Side note: The Forum is free to walk around in during the off months during winter. Once late March early April hit, they charge 10 euros to enter!
This is Largo Argentina, also known as Cat Sanctuary because all stray cats of Rome live here. This is a short distance from the Colosseum and the Pantheon. This is the end of Trestevere, only a short 15 minute tram ride from my apartment. This is also a bus stop area. Many shops and cafes surround this area. The remains of 4 victory temples from battles won occupy this area.
Mark and I in front of the Vatican. When I first arrived after Christmas, they had a large nativity scene set up in the middle of St. Peters Square. The Vatican is surrounded by pillars in the shape of a semi-circle, symbolizing open arms of the church.
One of my favorite places in Roma! The Trevi Fountain! My sister Lexi, Mom, and Grandma came to visit me! Throw a coin in for good luck and hopes to return to Roma! Traveler Tip: This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rome. Visit the Trevi at 3 a.m. once everyone is asleep... the fountain is all lit up and you get a chance to view it in peace!
Campo Di Fiori. This is a common place for all locals. It is a market during the day/ Venders selling fruits, veggies, meats, and flowers. During the night it is a local hotspot filled with bars and people drinking and having a good time.
The Spanish Steps! This is a fun area to be. Designer stores such as Prada, Valentino, Gucci, etc. fill the street leading to the steps. Many famous people are spotted here. During the summer months, lines of flowers decorate the steps. It is very beautiful! Not as many steps as I was anticipating.
The Pantheon! My first weekend in Rome getting to know the area and a few of my roommates! (Left to right: Francesca, Nikki, Tiffany, Claire, and me). This is one of the oldest structures in Rome, being rebuilt 3 different times. It is situated in the middle of a piazza filled with restaurants, gelato shops, and McDonald's. (I caved and ate there a few weeks before coming home.. not the same).
Grandma and I in front of the Roman Forum. Nice view and you can see how big it really is. On the left is the Paletine Hill, another well known hill next to Capitaline Hill. The first founders of Rome, Romulus and Reus were believed to have lived there.
Standing on top of Capitaline Hill, first weekend. (Left to right: Me, Nikki, Tiffany A., Tiffany W., and Ananya). The five of us became the closest in the house and did a lot of traveling together!
