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!

Rome, Day 2 - Part 1 of 3 ~ 4/3/14

We packed so much into this day that it had to be divided into three postings. First on the agenda was a tour of the Vatican. We met our tour guide down these stairs and made our way to the entrance, by-passing a line that circled the Vatican wall for at least two blocks. Yes, paying for a tour is so worth it.

Inside, it was packed, but our tour guide deftly got us through the screenings and ticket takers and we were off. After visiting the Post Office (get a stamped postcard if you wish), she led us outside where she would describe in detail what we would see in the Sistine Chapel.

Our able guide also advised us that this was the best viewpoint for photos of St. Peter's Basilica. Never doubt the word of your tour guide.

The Vatican Museums are incredible with their storehouses of priceless art and I'm posting just a few pictures here.

Before we made our way to the goal of everyone touring the Vatican, we viewed these unassuming views of the Sistine Chapel walls from an adjacent building. And then finally, we were there.

It's a large room with benches along the side and standing people packed wall to wall. Guards are everywhere looking for flashing cameras and requiring people to delete their photos, and continually announcing "Silencio!" There were people surreptitiously taking pictures, and with the dense crowd many were getting away with it. I didn't attempt any photos but our tour guide told us when we left that there were many high definition photos available on the internet and that the Vatican's attempt to protect its copyrighted artwork was futile. So in that spirit, here are two photos I found that at least give you an idea of the magnificence of this art. I expected God's Creation of Adam to be much bigger than it was. It's just a small piece of this great work created by Michelangelo.

And on a side note - there are no toilet seats in the women's bathrooms - learn to squat. Next up - St. Peter's Basilica, and Prince Philip of England.