Rome 2014

by Gil on Jun.10, 2014, under Happenings

Hotel Raphael

On our way to Croatia to attend the COPA European migration we stopped in Rome for four days. Italy is one of our favorite countries to visit and Rome a favorite city. We decided to try to duplicate a trip that we took 37 years earlier, staying at the same hotel and trying to have the same great experience. Fortunately, the hotel, the Raphael has been renovated and provided great service, but most importantly it is located next to a special place for us the Piazza Navona. This piazza is like going to a theatrical performance that never stops, and what a stage with the perimeter made up of the oval that was the venue for chariot races in Roman times and decorated in the center by three incredible Bernini fountains. So upon landing and getting settled we headed for the piazza for lunch and to take in the spectral and returned every day.

Piazza Navona

Bernini Fountain

Sphinx

Gymnast

Our cab driver from the airport gave us a recommendation for a local restaurant, which turned out to be very good. But the fact is that there are so many very good restaurants along the streets. Pasqino’s just off the Piazza, a little bit of pasta and veal, with a Italian Frescati, pretty good and the entertainment is free, just watch the people go by.

Restaurant Pasquino

The next day we took a step on/step off bus tour of the city to reacquaint ourselves with Rome.

St Peters from across the river

Castle St Angelo

Palazzo Di-Giuatisie

The Colosseum

Monument Victor Emanuel

Tomb of the Unknown

Mussolini’s Pulpit

The Panteon

Capitol Museum Statue

Lunch at Tre Scallini

Lunch Music

Bernini Fountain

Art for sale in the Piazza

After our tour of the city it was back to the Piazza Navona for lunch and more entertainment.We never tired of our favorite Piazza, and enjoyed some great Italian dining walking distance from this location. The routine was a glass of wine at one of the side walk places and then walk to dinner, just like we did 37 years earlier. Our next day of exploring was to the Vatican. To a degree it was somewhat of a disappointment in that on our previous visit we lingered in the Sistine Chapel which was Â uncrowded then now 30,000 people go through a day and your allowed 10 minutes. Saint Peters Basilica was uncrowded and still breath taking.

Saint Peters Square

Saint Peters Basillica

Saint Peters Alter

The Peita

Saint Peters Columns

Our next day of touring included a visit to the Roman National Museum, Roman Baths and the Basilica of Maria.

Basilica St Maria

Saint Maria Di Angelo

Museum of Rome

Roman Sculpture

Roman Mask

Roman Statue

Roman Bronze Statue

On Sunday om the Piazza Navona of course there was an outdoor religious happening. Musicians started to gather and play until there was a group. Locals gathered around and danced in a circle around the musicians and clapped their hands and sang. There is always something happening of interest in this great gathering place.

Catholic Flash Mob

Church in the Piazza

Father joins the celibration

There is always something beautiful to see when Walking around Rome, whether it be a ancient ruin, a sculptured master piece or just a window on the street. So it was a great visit and now its off to Croatia.