Rome Part 3 - The Sights

Rome is packed full of amazing sights, history and delicious and fresh food.  It really was a fantastic weekend and we are already dreaming of all the other places we want to visit in Italy while we are so close.  Hope you enjoyed Rome Part 1 - The Hosts & Neighborhood & Rome Part 2 - An Unexpected Second Honeymoon!

Below are some of the photos you would expect to see from a trip to Rome, all the amazing sights.

The Trevi fountain - you can't see much of it in this first photo, but it's truly amazing and huge.  We both threw some € over our shoulder and into the fountain, which, legend has it, ensures you will return to Rome - yes please!

Here is the full view of Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps.  They are always crowded, and it was really hot.  We didn't spend much time here, but walked up a few flights.

Looking down

Looking up

After we left the crowds at The Spanish Steps, we walked down the cutest back street that Brian found.

Isn't Italy beautiful?

I love the shot below.  It's from Villa Borghese of Piazza Popolo, and you can see St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

We walked along the edge of the park and there were great views all the way

Nice photography Brian!

One of my favorites photos from the trip

I can't remember the name of this one....kidding.  The Colosseum.  It is so amazing how it's still here, standing and holding thousands of tourist everyday.  I only wish I could see it with all the marble that used to cover it.

I absolutely hate this photo of me, but everything else in it is great.

Our first day, we went to the Pantheon, it closed at 1pm for the holiday (It was Italian Independence Day), we got there at 1:20.  We went back on our second day, it was closed for Mass (it was Sunday).  We had a cafe, waited around, and finally were able to get in an hour later.

Another amazing building that has been here for centuries.

The light that comes from the oculus was so cool!  Phillip saw it when it was snowing
in Rome last winter, which must have been amazing.

Light beaming almost on Brian 

Piazza outside of the Pantheon, one of my favorites

After we finally made it into the Pantheon, we headed back to the Colesseium and Roman Forum to go inside.

Another one of my favorite shots from the trip

We walked through the Palentino and Roman Forum after, it was really interesting to learn more about the ancient city and how it was destroyed.  Also, to think of how many more ruins are buried under Rome that are unknown.

The Stadium Ruins 

Ruins

Day three was about the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, a Picnic, and of course, a gelato break.

They have a few statues in the Vatican

The Map Room.  The ceiling was amazing, and the maps were cool.

Post Picnic.  Yes, that is a water bottle of Red Wine.  We bought it in bulk, straight form the barrel.

Marlon showed us the best Gelato in town 

St Peter's Basilica

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Swiss Guard

Fun fact: A lot of people know the Vatican has their own Post Office, but did you know that when the mail leaves the Vatican, it goes directly to Switzerland?  They trust the mail system there, but not in Italy.  Our Nephew Nate should keep an eye on his mail for a postcard sent straight from the Vatican.  He'll know by the Pope Postage Stamp.

Before our very last meal in Rome, Phillip took us up the hill behind his apartment to see the view.  It was beautiful, and we could point out most everything we did and saw from up there.

The sun was in our eyes

Ciao Rome! 

I talked Brian into 1 more photo

And our grand finale in Rome was a dinner at Phillip and Marlon's favorite restaurant.  We didn't look at a menu, just ordered a meat or fish meal, and everything was amazing.

Dinning outside

A perfect end to a perfect weekend away.  Thanks again to our fabulous hosts.