Renaissance
Rome
Rome, Italy
By Pat Hunter
May 7, 2003
A bridge across the Tiber leads to the Castel St Angelo, named
for the gigantic angel that surmounts it. However, it was initially the Emperor Hadrian’s
mausoleum.
Beyond is the Vatican, where The Pope’s Swiss Guards still wear medieval costume
and carry pikes. Its crowning glory is St Peter’s Square and Basilica. Wear
comfortable shoes if you want to see in the Vatican Museum, because there are miles
of galleries! Among the numerous chapels, the Sistine is most famous. Here, Michelangelo
painted exquisite religious frescoes on the ceiling and one wall. The Vatican has
its own post office from where you can send specially franked mail.
Another place worth seeing is the Villa Borghese (below). It’s set in extensive
gardens and parkland, and also has a zoo. If you climb the gentle slope across its
grounds to the summit of the Pincian Hill, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking
view of the city.
No visit to Rome would be complete without sitting on the Spanish Steps (left, below),
and throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain while making a wish to come back again
soon.
 
Thank you for reading these articles. I hope I’ve succeeded in imparting some
of my affection for the Eternal City. If you have any questions or comments, I would
be very pleased to hear from you.( www.romanwriter.plus.com)
|
