Rome Part 3

Day 3- Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Spanish Steps and Palatine Hill

Another busy day walking the city of Rome. We took a bus to a stop near the Trevi Fountain where we walked to our destinations. First up was the Trevi Fountain. From there we went to the Pantheon, Spanish Steps and hit up Hard Rock Cafe. We decided after all that walking we were still in the mood for more site seeing: Palatine Hill. 

The Trevi Fountain was gorgeous! I was quite impressed with the size. I swore I took a picture of the whole thing, but apparently I didn't. 

It is said that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain you will be sure to return to Rome. This fountain collects over 3,000 euro in coins each day. The money collected is then donated to a charity. In 2002, the police caught a man stealing the coins. Apparently he had been taking them for years. He was banned from the fountain and new security measures were put in place. Eventually, the ban was lifted after the court decided the coins were not considered stolen because they were discarded and no longer belonged to anyhow. Recently, the man was caught stealing the coins again with the help of the police. The mayor plans to make removal of the coins a criminal offense. 

Oops... James didn't throw it over his shoulder....

See the two horses? These are sea horses. One is docile and the other wild- representing the moods of the sea. 

Pantheon

The Pantheon! The BEST preserved piece of history in Rome. This was built between 27 and 25BC on the location of where the founder of Rome (Romulus) was killed and seized by an eagle, then taken away to the heavens to be with God. 

The Oculus- the center of the dome ceiling. This is the only way light gets inside the Pantheon. When it rains, the rain also comes through the Oculus and onto the Pantheon floor. 

Raphael's tomb. 

Some Italian yumminess.

Kylee and I on the Spanish Steps. 

One awesome door. Who can't love this?

Palatine Hill

Legend has it that Palatine Hill is where Romulus killed his twin brother and founded Rome in 753BC. There was so much to see in this area, and I do not remember what everything was called. 

This was some type of stadium I believe.

The lower peristyle of the Domus Augustana.

The kids are acting like statues. 

These were Romulan huts, where apparently Romulus and his brother, Remus. 

More excavations 

Roman Forum area. 

A few last pictures of the Colosseum, still my favorite site in Rome. 

Day 4 had consisted of good food, gelato (twice) and walking around the city one last time before heading home the next day. 

Rome was beautiful, but I'm glad to be back in Germany where there is no traffic, no graffiti, and lots of beautiful open spaces. 

I will post some tips of traveling in Rome tomorrow.