Rome

Well, normally, this is a blog about Paris, so although Rome may be considered as my second most beloved Capital, I will try to make the text short. Furthermore, we spent little time in Rome, preferring enjoying the countryside, the swimming-pool… and the more close sightseeing had already been done at previous visits.

However…  a few pictures from some of the compulsory places, like Fontana di Trevi (see also top picture), Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori, Monte Capitolino…

Rome is of course full of “ruins” from Roman times, including the Colosseo.

One of the Roman buildings which stands as it was built 126 A.D. is the Pantheon. It still today has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome!

Too many churches to visit, but here are a few views from Chiesa Santa Maria in Ara Coeli al Campidoglio, Chiesa Nuova, Chiesa del Gesu.

A special mention for Palazzo Farnese. Originally built for the Farnese family (popes…) during the 16th century, with Michelangelo as one of its architects, it’s now the French Embassy.

Some beautiful very old bridges lead over the Tiber, including the Ponte Fabricio, built 62 B.C….

 … which will bring you to the Trastevere on the other side of the river with its narrow streets, full of bars and restaurants… (I learnt that Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone grew up here and even were in the same school class for a year.)

Climbing the hill behind, the Janiculum, you have some splendid views over Rome.

Another way to get a view of all the towers and roofs is to get up on the Pincian Hill behind Piazza de Spagna, where you also will find Villa Medici, now belonging to the French Academy, Villa Borghese… and a lot of green space.