Billy’s assessment of this city is on the mark…”It’s like the treasures in your grandmother’s attic”… We got off a bus and passed ancient ruins alongside the monstrously-sized “new” building, Vittorio Emanuele II National Monument, completed in 1935. Right next to that was a steep embankment of steps to one of the 800+ churches in this city, this one containing steps Christ was said to have walked, and today they are ascended on worshiper’s knees. Immediately alongside, is the Piazza di Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo. Every site here sits elbow to elbow. We climbed the steps to the Piazza, and then down a road behind it that overlooked the Forum, a part of which I have in the photo above. It’s hard to imagine so many edifices sitting packed, one against another. Most recognizable is the Coliseum at the back right that sits behind the bell tower, but outside the Forum. From this vantage point, unseen in the picture are the many marble columns, a church and an immense marble archway that lie just below, spread to the left of this view. The site is larger than I ever imagined, and filled with the remains of facades. When we arrived it was a beautiful sight to see, and, with puffy clouds dotting a clear sky, the light got more beautiful as the sun began to lower. We ended the day by visiting the church, The Basilica di S. Maria in Aracoeli, where a stairway for climbing bypasses the stairs people were ascending on their knees. At the top was a small painting, said “not to have been painted by human hands”. This is a land filled with churches and relics, and it’s all fascinating. We visit here with wonderment, and for the locals, it’s woven into their daily lives.
Saturday we head north to Lucca, a walled city near Florence. We'll again be without Internet access, so I don't expect to assuredly post photos. Thanks for all the lovely notes; I'm so happy I can share this.
Fantastic picture; this perspective is impressive!
I really enjoy reading the background that you give to your photos - it's ALMOST like being there (I wish!). Look forward to seeing more from your travels :)
@parisouailleurs How lovely to know that I visited Paris in this fashion :-) It would make an interesting thread (perhaps) to see how many of us find 365 and individuals here permeating our night-time dreams. I've found it happening often and thought of sharing it, but didn't. Funny how we've crept in on one another, perhaps not surprisingly! ...did I answer your question of several days past? We'll be in Paris for the week leading up to Christmas.
This is such a great photo that captures so much in one shot. As you walk the streets, the feeling must be overwhelming to think of all the hisotory that has occurred over the centuries right there under your feet. It is beautiful.
So amazing and so wonderful the way you took this shot so we can see a bit of so many of the buildings. Just looked through some of your previous photos...need more time to read and learn...I'm so envious...what a trip!
Love the composition of this -- with little bits of everything in it! i LOVE Rome. I remember getting goosebumps when our tour guide at the forum pointed to the ground and said that we were looking at CHARIOT tracks. Amazing place!
wonderful shot and history. Roma was one of the first cities I visited in Europe in 2006, I wasn't there long enough and I know I would appriciate it more now after I have done so much more travelling.
just gorgeous--those rich colors of the buildings are exactly what i would have expected!! oh, what amazing history you are plopped right in the middle of there in rome!! definitely a destination i long to visit!!
INCREDIBLE capture!! When I go back I need to look for this photo spot....you have captured it all beautifully!! Did Billy reveal to you this wonderful photo spot, or did you just happen on it? *a fav
@boysami Each area we visit in this city, Billy knows his way around. It's his 4th time here, but it's uncanny the way he knows names and details of ancient history, as though he's done the time travel himself. From the Michaelangelo Piazza, he said, "and now we're going to go down this little road, and wait until you see the view..." While there, two tour groups came along, but we spent a long while at this overlook and it was uncrowded.
@dmortega That was a lovely gesture for Sarah Jane. I'm grateful I didn't miss that one and only wish the community, coming together for her, could turn everything around. Prayer helps...
wow, what a wonderful place! the lighting is fantastic and of course the buildings are amazing as well! great shot! i'd definitely love to see that for myself some day
Louise, this picture is remarkable. I am so jealous that you are actually there. It's beautiful. The juxtaposition of new and old is different isn't it. I saw it in London and it sort of shocks you at first. Great , great picture.
Love all the layers you have managed to cram into one picture. Both my trips to Rome were in the high heat of summer. I'm sure it was more pleasant strolling in November than July or August!
Wow! I've only seen this shot in tourist brochures! How fun to imagine the four of you standing in that very spot just the other day! Just a gorgeous photo!
I love your point of view on this shot! my husband and I were just blown away when we visited the forum, that we could actually touch a door that is over two thousand years old and still works today. In Texas we get all excited if we see a building that is over two hundred years old, so to see something that was 10 times older. wow! I'm loving your vacation photos.
I've been so bogged down my school and family that I didn't see you sneak over to Italy! Must catch up with your life, Louise. Lovely photo for me to start working backwards on. I can't get behind again...or I'll miss your next adventure!
I love the light in Italy, it makes the already beautiful surroudings look even more so. Great picture, it makes we want to go there too!!!
I did go to Lucca many moons ago, and loved it! I´m sure you will too, have fun!!
Louise! You've caught the light in this photo just right.
I have been to that exact place, but at night & my photo did not turn out as good as yours -wow! soooo good.
Glad you are having a wonderful time :)
heavenly light on this ancient site, which you have really done justice too - so glad to catch up with you after all the recent excitement of a new grandchild. I adore Italy so a little jealous that you are there and I am in my cold study in Freezing Bradford on Avon.
Hi, I just passed by to say hello, Louise! I've busy these days and I'm felling guilty missing my friends pictures. I realized that you are taking this wonderful trip to the old continent. It's bit late, but never too late, I want to send you a safe trip and enjoy yourself!!! Thanks to sharing your travel!
@ZG I see we're having early-morning/late afternoon coffee together again. I'd love to invite you in for a hearty demi-tasse of espresso :-) And again, I was delighted to see you had a good, extended weekend!
So much history in one shot. Oh, I really wish I was there with you. I have visited Rome but for a long ago. Awesome city. You are really making a long trip. Happy for you:)
So much to see, so much to look at!! Rome is full of treasures, just like Paris! There's a pice of history around every corner, waiting to be photographed! This photo is wonderful, Louise! A fav!
I really enjoy reading the background that you give to your photos - it's ALMOST like being there (I wish!). Look forward to seeing more from your travels :)
I did go to Lucca many moons ago, and loved it! I´m sure you will too, have fun!!
I have been to that exact place, but at night & my photo did not turn out as good as yours -wow! soooo good.
Glad you are having a wonderful time :)