Monday, June 12, 2017

Colosseum and Roman Forum

Rome Giorno 2 (or, Rome Day 2)

We got moving really early in the morning in order to beat the heat and the crowds at the Colosseum. We were given advice on the best way to get tickets and get in quickly - and it worked! The Colosseum is amazing - it is the largest amphitheater eve built, and even in ruins the scale is breathtaking. It is cool to see all the remains of the elevator shafts that would have allowed them to transform the space into battlegrounds, put on mock sea battles, and of course - all the animals to come up from the floor to challenge the gladiators.

We took a coffee and pastry break, as we didn't have any before getting to the Colosseum, then we headed to the Roman Forum. The forum was the heart of ancient Rome - today it is a sprawling ruin that includes the temple and living complex of the Vestal Virgins, and old Senate buildings - including ones built and used by Julius Caesar. 

Right by the ancient Roman Forum is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - which is part of the monument to the first King of Italy - and has an eternal flame.

We had our afternoon rest and then went out to dinner near our place. Had a great fennel salad, more artichokes and fresh seafood. Yum!







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