The Colosseum and The Roman Forum

We started the afternoon by exploring the heart of ancient Rome.

The cross dedicated to the Christian martyrs who were killed at the Colosseum.

Liz, Jenny, dad, mom, and myself.

Me with my mom, Jenny, and Liz. Photo by unknown.

Liz, Jenny, dad, and mom.

Myself and Liz.

Mom and Dad.

Myself and Jenny.

The view of The Arch of Constantine from the Colosseum.

Myself, mom, Jenny, Liz, and dad.

The view towards the Roman Forum.

My family in front of the Arch of Titus.

Myself and dad.

It was truly incredible to see so many ancient buildings in one place. It felt heavenly just wandering around.

The Basilica of Maxentius.

The roofs of the Basilica of Maxentius and the Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana.

Myself and Jenny.

Myself and mom.

The view towards the Palatine Hill.

The Temple of Romulus.

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

Liz and Jenny.

Dad and mom.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Myself and dad.

Ara di Caesar, the place where Julius Caesar’s remains were cremated.

The Arch of Septimius Severus and the Church of St. Luca and St. Martina.

Looking back over the Roman Forum.

The Temple of Saturn.

Myself, Jenny, and Liz.

Jenny and mom.

Myself, Jenny, and mom.

The Temple of Saturn.

The Arch of Septimius Severus.

The Temple of Saturn.

Dad and Liz.

Some of the incredible Roman brick work.

Jenny and I decided to explore an elevated walk way and got treated to some breathtaking views.

Myself and Jenny.

Crossing back underneath the Arch of Titus.

Myself and dad in front of the Arch of Constantine.

Myself, Liz, and Jenny.

Dad and mom.

Mom attempting to ride one of the (stationary) electric scooters.

We ended the day at Old Chengdu with some delicious Chinese food.

Piazza Navona

After the Pantheon it was only a short walk to the lovely Piazza Navona. 

Mom and Dad.

The Fountain of Neptune.

Fountain of the Four Rivers.

Photo by Liz Kasper.

Fontana del Moro.

The Pantheon

We started off our third day in Rome by seeing the Pantheon. This architectural marvel is one of the best preserved Roman buildings. The famous concrete dome was the largest on earth for about 1300 years. It survived as well as it has by going from a temple to a church and remaining in continuous use for all these years.

The scale and symmetry were astonishing.

I was struck by how colorful it was inside. Almost nothing was painted, everything on the walls was a different type of stone. The marble was white, grey, peach, green, yellow, and red - all patterned and expertly set in place.

The alter for the Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs.

The door and the oculus remain the only sources of light. 

Even the floor was beautifully designed with different types of marble.

The Chapel of the Annunciation. Attributed to Melozzo da Forlì, early 16th century.

The massive doors are the originals and among the oldest bronze doors in the world.

Myself with dad and mom.

Myself, Jenny, Liz, dad, and mom.

The Egyptian obelisk in front of the Pantheon. It was moved to Rome in the 1700’s but was originally erected during the reign of Ramesses II. 

The columns are all monoliths and were quarried in Egypt.

Myself and Jenny.

It was breathtaking to see a 2,000 year old building in such remarkable condition. Still appreciated and inspiring people everyday.