Took a very early train from La Spezia to Rome. When we just reached the station, we picked up a Roma Pass for €36, for 72 hours. There is also another version for 48 hours for only €28 which was my intended purchase, because we were only in Rome for 2.5 days. But I searched high and low at the train station and they only sold the former. Ended up paying more!
The pass gives you unlimited rides on all public transport (except the airport rail). And for the €36 pass, we have free entry to two museums/attractions. So after we checked into our airbnb, the first place we headed was to the Colosseum! Not only did we get free entry, we got to skip the majorly long queue, and zoomed right past to the entrance. We probably saved 1 to 2 hours.
You can see how the exterior wall of the Colosseum has been destroyed by earthquakes.
And, we are in!
There are two levels/rings that you can go, except for the third ring and underground area, which is a separate price with our guide.
These columns supported seats, which are destroyed and no longer there.
There is also a museum within that showcases a bit of artifacts that explain the history and background of not just the Colosseum but of Romans as well.
We headed to the lower tier, where you can get a closer look at the underground tunnels. This was were animals were held in their cages, and used by gladiators to get to the arena.
After visiting the Colosseum, your ticket should also entitle you to visit the nearby Palastine Hill and Roman Forum.
This is basically the epicenter of ancient Rome, where important government buildings once stood. I took this picture when we exited the grounds, cos really all my pictures while there were just a bunch of ruins with little indication of what we were looking at. You really need either a tour guide, or perhaps rent/download an audio guide in advance.
My fav part of the Roman Forum! Septimius Severus Arch in the foreground, and Santi Luca e Martina church in the background.
Piazza del Campidoglio - Hilltop square designed by Michelangelo, lined with museums & offering views of the Roman forum.
Piazza Venezia - Grand marble, classical temple honoring Italy's first king & First World War soldiers.
You can randomly walk around Rome and stumble upon ruins, so just find a nearby description board.
Trevi Fountain, which by far is the grandest and most beautiful fountain in Rome. There is a saying that if you want to return to Rome, you have to throw a coin with your right hand over the left shoulder. Joel and I did it for fun, but we read later that you're not supposed to watch the coin drop into the water. lol. Guess we won't be returning to Rome soon! But there are many different sayings and beliefs about this fountain so, up to you to believe really!
Next up, we walked over to the Pantheon, which was featured in the movie Angel and Demons, adapted from Dan Brown's book.
Love the airy interior!
There was a service/performance going on.
Fiumi fountain, also known as the fountain of four rivers.
It can be found at Piazza Navona.
xx
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