Ponte Sant’Angelo
The best approach to the Vatican area!
This is the most beautiful bridge by far along Rome’s river Tiber. You have the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo right in front of you as you pass the stunning angel statues that run the length of the bridge. With great views down the river either side along with your first glimpse of St Peter’s in the distance – this is the most thrilling approach to the Vatican area!
Basilica di San Giovanni
This is Baroque architecture at its best!
This huge church is in a quieter area of the city and has some space and air around it which is just perfect as you have the room to admire and marvel at it’s beautiful facade! Yes there are literally hundreds of churches and chapels in Rome but this one, for some reason, captivated us!
Piazza Navona
The city’s biggest and most spectacular square!
A long, stretched out oval in shape this piazza is jaw dropping! It has fountains, statues, a church, restaurants & bars, street performers, artists painting away, usually some live music somewhere and an atmosphere that is hard to match! If you like watching the world go by this is the place!
St Peter’s at Vatican City
An extraordinary place to see, visit and experience!
The approach, the vast square, the sheer scale and beauty of it all is quite over whelming! No amount of research or looking at photographs can prepare you for the immense wonder, we are sure everyone feels, on that first visit and first step inside of this extraordinary Basilica!
Fontana di Trevi
Throw in your coin & you are sure to return to Rome!
Whether you think you want to or not – when you actually arrive at this iconic fountain there is an urge to throw those coins over your left shoulder and make a wish – you just have to! Apart from its obviously presence and beauty the most amazing thing about this monument is how shoe horned into a small, unassuming square it is! You really do have to get up before sunrise to experience this place alone as literally thousands of people descend on it all day, every day … which is certainly atmospheric but nothing better than having the time and some space to view it calmly in all of its glory!
The Colosseum
Surely one of the first sights you want to see!
And it is worth every bit of your time to walk around it and be amazed! You can’t help but imagine the life that this place has had and what it has seen and what has taken place there! If you can bear to queue your reward awaits inside as it is fascinating to see and feel the history here!
Foro Romano
Mind boggling that so much of it still exists!
Hard to explain the feeling of literally walking through ancient Rome as so much is still intact with columns and ornate arches rising high! Again such a fascinating journey along the ancient cobbled pathways getting up close to the magnificent feats of the past!
Temple of Vestal Virgins
Behind Piazza Venezia set in pretty gardens!
Somehow this temple seemed small scale to the huge imposing columns and arches of the cities other sights … and for this reason we enjoyed its proportions and calm garden setting! A place to pause and reset before going back into the busy, noisy streets!
Vittorio Emanuele II
Also known as Alter of The Fatherland!
This huge monument that stands proudly at Piazza Venezia is a beauty! The light, the shadows, the tree lined street and the ornate stone work is a feast for the eyes!
Campidoglio
Worth the climb up the incredible marble staircase!
This 16th century piazza designed by Michelangelo is wonderful and sits upon one of the Seven Hills of Rome! The town hall is here so you may be lucky and catch a wedding which are general quite extravagant in Italy! There are perfect viewing spots over the Roman Forum too!
Unknown church
Amazing what you find in a quiet backstreet!
Somewhere around the back of Santa Maria Maggiore we spotted a hidden courtyard set back from the street. This truly beautiful church with the Maddona statue perfectly framed by its arches was a pure delight! We couldn’t see or find a name for this place but it actually turned out to be one of our most favourite photos!
The Fontana of Neptune
Worth searching out this epic fountain!
Have always loved this spot which is found just off of Piazza della Repubblica! It isn’t one of Rome’s main sights but the power and vibrancy in sculpture of Neptune is unreal! You need the patience of a saint to capture a shot in this city that is car and people free … but we did it! This was literally one nano second of time that all was clear!
We adore Italy and here are the links to other trips we’ve made around this incredible country – simply click on the place below that’s of interest :
ROME – magic happens in December!
AGRIGENTO – Valley of the Temples
