Looking Down the Forum

The Roman Forum reeks of history.  From Julius Caesar to the Vestal Virgins this was where it was happening in the old days of Rome.  And every time I walk down these streets I feel as if I'm transported back in time and can feel the energy of those who walked before me.

"Looking Down the Forum"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Peppers For Sale

I always think of the Southwest when I see dried peppers.  New Mexico specifically.  But I found these at a street market in Rome.  Yep, Rome, Italy.  Then I remembered my favorite pasta dish gets it's unique spicy taste from little beauties like this.  The dish?  Penne Arribiata.  A spicy tomato based dish that's even better topped with lots of parmesan or pecorino cheese.

"Peppers for Sale"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Three Coins in a Fountain

When in Rome it's customary to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to assure your return to Rome.  I tossed mine in three trips ago and I enjoy seeing the sights everytime I go.  So it must work.  And for those of you old enough to remember, the movie "Three Coins in a Fountain" was about this fountain.

"Three Coins in a Fountain"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

Italian Door Knocker

One good door knocker deserves another.  Yesterday it was Parisian, today it's Italian.  I was so amazed at the variety I found as I visited the different towns. 

"Italian Door Knocker"   © Kathy Dunham 2009

Angels and Demons

While in Rome last month my friend Joanne and I took a tour of the city based on Dan Brown's best seller, Angels and Demons. We had a great guide and saw most of the key locales that were in the book. As we crossed over the Ponte Sant' Angelo on our way to the Castel these angels, each representing key events in Christ's life stood tall and almost brooding in the overcast day.

"Angels and Demons" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Trevi Fountain

Tomorrow we leave for Sorrento and to ensure a return trip to Rome it's customary to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Since I had already tossed mine in a few years ago and this is my 4th trip back, I didn't feel it necessary to spend more money to guarantee my return. But this is a beautiful fountain, designed by Bernini (what statue or fountain in Rome isn't?), and is something all visitors should see. So as I depart this intriguing city I say “Ciao”, see you again.

“Trevi Fountain” © Kathy Dunham 2009

Castel Sant' Angelo

Rome at night takes on a whole different look as the monuments are lit to show off their grandeur. This is Castel Sant' Angelo on the Tiber River. Remember, it was originally built as the Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. Then it became a safe haven for Popes during times of strife. Now it's a museum.

“Castel Sant' Angelo” © Kathy Dunham 2009

St. Peter's Basilica

If you visit the Vatican while in Rome, be prepared to do a lot of walking and standing on marble floors. “Why should I care?” you ask. Because by the end of the tour your feet, legs and maybe even your knees will be screaming at you. I know. And I'd give anything for a good foot massage right now. But it was worth it. The art collections, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and of course, the Basilica itself are awesome. Regardless of your religion, this masterpiece of architecture and art will blow you away. This shot is of the main altar at the very back of the church. The golden window above is not stained glass but solid alabaster. Beautiful, isn't it?

“St. Peter's Basilica” © Kathy Dunham 2009

Piazza Navona at Night

Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers is wonderful during the day but magical at night. Built in 1651, this spectacular fountain dominates the Piazza Navona which has always been a hub of Roman social life. Today it is flooded with musicians, artists, locals and tourists who enjoy this beautiful setting.

“Piazza Navona at Night” © Kathy Dunham 2009

Eye of the Pantheon

We're here!! In the heart of Rome, just behind the Vatican. It's hot and muggy so we didn't do too much today. We saw Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navonna and then headed to the Pantheon. Built by the Emperor Hadrian in the early 1st century AD it stands today as a beautiful archetictural monument. Of note amongst the many who are buried here is the artist Raphael. The eye or occulus in the center of the domed ceiling is open to the elements, and has been since it was built. There are drains in the floor to handle the water from rainfalls. The sun was shining through the opening today which was so appropriate to this formerly pagan shrine turned church.

"Eye of the Pantheon" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Castel Sant' Angelo

I'm headed to Italy soon and Castel Sant' Angelo is one of my stops while in Rome. Built in 117-138 AD by the Emperor Hadrian as his mausoleum, it was used as a Papal "hideout" or sanctuary in times of strife between the church and its adversaries. It is also feature prominently in the movie "Angels and Demons". One thing of note.... The whereabouts of Hadrian's remains is still a mystery.

"Castel Sant' Angelo" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Vatican Dome

It took more than 120 years from laying the cornerstone to the consecration of St. Peter's, 7 Popes and artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini to complete this marvelous edifice. An architectural wonder, this is a must see when in Rome.

"Vatican Dome" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers

Commissioned by Pope Innocent X and completed in 1651, this spectacular travertine and marble fountain that graces the Piazza Navona in Rome is a symbol of the four major rivers of the continents as was known at that time. The Danube, representing Europe; The Ganges, for Asia; The Nile for Africa; and The Rio della Plata for the Americas. The head on the figure of the Nile is shrouded as the source of the river wasn't known to Europe at that time.

"Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers" © Kathy Dunham 2009