Rome, Day 2 - Part 3 of 3 ~ 4/3/14

We had to walk back to the Vatican to find a cab and took it to see the Pantheon. The original structure was destroyed but rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 A.D. And it is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus is the main source of natural light.

Built as a temple to all gods, somewhere around 600 A.D. it was given to the Roman Catholic Church, which still holds services there today. I think the other gods must not be pleased.

There are also famous tombs here along with great art. Artist Raphael is entombed here along with several Kings of Italy.

It's a most impressive structure and the antiquity of it is overwhelming.

37 second video inside 

We stepped out into the square, Piazza della Rotonda, that contained the Fontana del Pantheon, and many, many people.

21 second video outside 

We grabbed a table with a bird's eye view and enjoyed our beer and people-watching.

We walked around the Pantheon before leaving and took the side and rear views of this structure.

Then we found this interesting glove shop around the corner with a most friendly and helpful owner ~  gloves were purchased.

From there we stumbled across this church, Santa Maria sopra Minerva, built over ruins of a temple for Isis, and with Minerva's Pulcino (elephant & obelisk) out in front.

Time to head back to our hotel and find dinner. Ristorante Quirino was within walking distance and we gave it a try. Superb service and wonderful food.

We ordered a Chianti with our meal but our server totally upsold us to one better: "That Chianti's no good." And we went with him :-)

We began with Caponata Alla Siciliana - beautiful eggplant & peppers.

Our main dishes were spaghetti with clams and chicken with potatoes. We were happy.

We're not big on desserts but were favored with this bit of delectibility.

Here's a blurry picture our wonderful server took :-)

 Tomorrow the Colosseum!