We wandered away from the Coliseum (much to Robby’s chagrin) towards the massive Victor Emmanual II Monument, where we found perhaps our first real pickpocket – a filthy middle-aged gypsy woman approached Bob from behind. There were a few police officers present, and they watched her like a hawk. The Monument, which has Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was impressive and has apparently only recently been opened to the public. We decided not to venture in, since I realized how many more things we were planning to see that day.
We walked up the flight of steps to Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidolgio and took a break from the heat. Then we started walking through the forum ‘backward’ – nearly everyone starts at the Coliseum and walks up the forum, so we were like salmon swimming up stream. I reason I would be able to hold Robby’s attention better by seeing the Coliseum last, plus I wanted to build up to it anyway. First we saw the Curia (Senate) and the Rostrum. The Rostrum is the birthplace of free speech – anyone was allowed to stand up this elevated ‘stage’ and say anything they wished. We took another break from the heat under the shade trees near at the House of the Vestel Virgins. There were college students digging just outside the House, but there was no indication they found anything too exciting. The heat was once again stifling, and the kids’ behavior and patience was wearing thin. Following ‘the book’ I located the massive Basilica of Constantine, which was ‘hidden’ behind some trees off the main path. The remaining chapels of the Basilica are enormous – think football field sized, and most of a hundred feet high. It was one of my favorite sights. Finally we wandered over to the Coliseum.
We bought some much needed cold drinks from a street vendor out front of the Coliseum and had lunch under a tree. We then spent about an hour inside. A local bank (Bank of Rome?) was sponsoring a massive cleanup effort of the Coliseum, and it was very easy to see which sections had been cleaned and which had not. We were all a little disappointed that we couldn’t walk down under the floor, or onto the bridge that runs at floor level from one end to the other. We walked up to the second level, walked all the way around it, and left. Somehow we got separated, then Bob went back inside to find us. Then we started back towards the hotel. Robby enjoyed finally seeing the Coliseum, but for some reason I don’t think it quite lived up to his expectations.
Walking up the steps across the street from the Coliseum we found a crowd – apparently a band of four gypsy kids had just ripped off (or tried to rip off) an
American tourist. They had surrounded her, singing and dancing with cardboard signs hiding their thieving hands. Heard something about 65€. The tourist indicated she’d had no idea what was going on. I found her gullibility more incredible than the attempted theft.
Within ten minute we’d found San Pietro in Vincoli, the St Peter in Chains Church. This church housed the chains that held St Peter, as well as Michelangelo’s Moses, Leah, and Rachel. At the time I wasn’t quite sure what was inside – it was late in the afternoon and I was a bit confused. Unfortunately everyone but Bob and Karin had shorts on, and they appeared to be serious about the ‘no shorts’ rule here, so they were the only ones who could go in. I gave Karin the camera and she took a few pictures for me.
Quite a bit of uphill walking later we found St Maggiore church, but didn’t see any way to get in. We were all very tired and very hot – fortunately we were back at the hotel a few minutes later. We ate at Est Est that night – probably better food than Lu Cucina
Nazionale, but the street was very busy which for me at least distracted significantly from the outdoor dining experience.
Roma - the Forum
The Rostrum is the dark platform behind the tree in the center
The Arch of Septimus Severus is right center
The 8 columns on the left are the ruins of the Temple of Saturn
The Mayor of Rome's residence is left background -
it is built on part of the ruins of the Temple of Saturn
The top back of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument
is the white marble structure in the right background
Roma - the Forum
Palantine Hill is in the background
Ruins of the Temple of Caligula dominate Palantine Hill
Temple of the Vesta (as in Vestal Virgins) is far left
Ruins of the House of the Vestal Virgins (not visible) are behind the
Temple of Vesta
Roma - the Coliseum (as if it needs a caption)
Roma - the Coliseum interior