Rome
October 12, 2019
On Columbus Day, our last full day before we headed for Florence, Torrey wanted to visit Hadrian's tomb. His ashes were placed there, and remains of other emperors were placed there until 217 AD. Over time it was a fortress and became a place of refuge for popes, now called Castel Sant'Angelo. It is now a museum.
Rick Steves said that by climbing hundreds of steps, one can see some nice brickwork. (only a slight exaggeration) So while Torrey toured it, I chose to spend the lovely day outside taking pictures.
The Ponte Sant'Angelo crosses the Tiber from central Rome. Angel statues were added.
The next bridge over is the Vittorio Emanuele II bridge.
A different version of the Homeless Jesus statues is outside a hospital.
There is a clear line of sight from Castel Sant'Angelo to St. Peter's Basilica.
The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs was built in the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. The name of Termini Station comes from the nearby thermal baths.
In a side chapel is the 5000-pipe tracker organ.
The nearby roundabout is called Republica. The closest metro station to our hotel was there. We were brave enough to cross the street once.
And thus ended my first visit to Rome. On Sunday morning, we ate breakfast, checked out of the hotel, and Torrey headed off to the Episcopal church. He was quite pleased with the service and the sermon. We retrieved our bags and headed to Termini to catch a fast train to Florence, where we had reservations for three nights.