After our Ciclismo tour ended we made our way back to Rome. Our flight to Alghero wasn't until the next day at 6pm so we had some time to explore the city. We dropped off our things at the hotel and were on our way to the Collosseo. We quickly signed up for a tour and avoided the long line coiling outside the gates.The history of the Colosseum is incredible. The number of people and animals killed in the name of entertainment was staggering. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as sea battles, animal hunts and executions. It remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last games being held in the 6th century.
After our Colosseum tour, we made our way over to the nearby Arch of Constantine. The arch was erected to commemorate Contantine I's victory over Maxentius. The arch shows many scenes of battle in relief.
We then headed to the Roman Forum. The Forum is located between the Palatine hill and Capitoline hill. It was here that Roman civilization was developed. The people of Rome gathered at the Forum for justice and faith as well as to shop and purchase goods. The original land was actually a wetland but was drained and developed. Most of the Roman Forum now contains the ruins
of those buildings, churches and structures that once filled the area.
After the Forum we made our way over to the Tiber River and walked across the Isola to Trastevere for lovely dinner.
The next morning, we were up early to meet our tour group at the Vatican Museum. The Vatican Museum contains an extensive collection of art work from the Catholic church and includes the work of such masters as Caravaggio, Leonardo, Giotto, Michelangelo... There were so many famous works of art but the Sistine Chapel was a definite highlight for the both of us.
We then made our way to St. Peter's. The Basilica is the most prominent building inside the Vatican and the dome is the
dominant feature of the skyline of Rome. The construction of St. Peter's was completed in 1626. St. Peter's tomb is below the alter of the basilica and as a result, many Popes have followed tradition and have been buried there.
The Basilica and the piazza outside were so large, you can't really get a sense of its size until you are standing in the middle of it. Our time in Rome was short-lived but we enjoyed the sites were were able to see. It was time to get back to the airport for our flight to Sardinia.
****To see all of our pictures from Rome, click on the link entitled Chris and Nicole's picture gallery.
