Rome - ancient buildings, beautiful fountains, spectacular churches and a damn fine bowl of pasta

In August 2011, I spent a 1.5 weeks in Italy (not enough i know). My first stop was Rome, a city that offers ancient buildings, beautiful fountains, spectacular churches and a damn fine bowl of pasta.

Modern Rome is very much a tourist city, with many Ancient Roman landmarks located within close proximity. In fact if you think about, Rome was probably designed to be walked around all those years ago, hence why most of the major landmarks are within walking distance. Here is a photo of the busy Via Nazionale (Nazionale Street), one of the busier streets close-by to where I stayed.

Via Nazionale (Nazionale street), Rome

Rome is a city well known for its fountains, in particular, Trevi Fountain. It was an Ancient Roman custom to build a fountains at the endpoint of aqueducts that brought water to Rome. According to a trusted source i know (AKA Wikipedia), legend holds that if a visitor throws a coin into the fountain they are ensured a return to Rome. Another legend says that two coins will lead to a new romance, and three will ensure either marriage or divorce. Yet another legends says that it is lucky to throw three coins with one's right hand over one's left shoulder. I'm not one to believe in these sorts of things, but i did throw a coin in (just in case). 

Trevi Fountain, Rome

When people think about Rome, they almost definitely think about the Colosseum (and maybe Gladiator). Whilst I had seen photos before, it was amazing to stand inside the Colosseum and to appreciate the enormity of the structure. In it's glory days it would have been something special.

The Colosseum, Rome

The Vatican is another place on the "must visit" list in Rome. In some respects it lived up to its reputation and in others it fell disappointingly short. It is no doubt a place of beautiful architecture etc, but for the so called home of the Catholic Church, I couldn't help but notice the lack of spiritual feeling there. Perhaps it was the hoards of tourists, but the Vatican (mainly St Peter's) did not feel like a church or place of worship. Never-the-less it was a beautiful place. Below is a picture of a stained glass window behind the Sanctuary of the Altar in St Peter's Basilica. A simple yet stunning piece of artwork. Also featured is the roof of St Peter's Basilica. How they painted something this large and so beautifully amazes me.

Stained Glass Window, St Peter's Basilica, Rome

The inside of the dome in St Peter's Basilica, Rome

 Below is another water fountain. This one was a little different in that it featured human-like and animal/beast like creatures. Nothing more to really say about this.

Water fountain (opposite the Pantheon), Rome

As mentioned earlier, Rome offers many ancient buildings, and they don't come any more ancient than The Pantheon, a nearly 2000 year old building. Amazingly the building is still in very good condition. Originally, The Pantheon was a pagan temple, but later was converted to a church.

The Pantheon, Rome

The roof of the Pantheon, Rome

 The Vatican is well known for its churches and buildings. However, St Paul's Basilica, in the southern part of Rome, seemed to me a far better attraction for several reasons. An equally beautiful basilica when compared to St Peter's, this church had fewer tourists and a much better vibe about the place. The dome of the Basilica was decorated with a golden mosaic artwork which was spectacular. How they create such amazing details with broken bits of tile is wonder to me.

St Paul's Basilica, Rome

The mosaic artwork on the dome of St Paul's Basilica, Rome

And lastly, the food. I was very much looking forward to trying real pasta and pizza in Italy. My first few meals were rather average (touristy type pizza and pasta). I wanted the real traditional stuff. Finally I was directed to a restaurant in the Jewish Quarter of Rome. It proved to be super hot tip as this pasta was probably the best I've ever eaten. A spaghetti carbonara with crispy chunks of bacon...drool.

Spaghetti Carbonara, Da Giggetto restaurant, The Jewish Quarter, Rome

 So there's my view of Rome from the lens. Stay tuned for Cinque Terre and Venice.