One of my goals on this trip was to only visit countries that I hadn’t previously been to. I had been to Italy, once a few years ago, in Venice. But this little country has so much history and fascinating sites (not to mention the most delicious food), that I decided it was worth another visit to see more! 😉

Rome

My home base was in Rome, where I found an airbnb that was really close to a subway stop. For just 1.50 euro, I was able to hop the train to almost all of the most iconic sites in the city….and could even walk to the Colosseum! The weather in November was mostly rainy, but I did luck out with some sunny-ish days.

The Colosseum

The largest amphitheater built during the Roman Empire, this famous site in Rome dates back to the year 80 A.D., and is host to 6 million visitors each year! It was home to exhibitions of exotic animals, executions, and gladiator fights until the 6th century.

Roman Forum

Next to the Colosseum, this rectangular plaza was once the center of the city of Rome. It was the location where processions and elections were held, public speeches were given, and criminal trials were conducted. It has been called the most celebrated meeting place in all the world and is a huge expanse. It was fascinating walking through the old ruins and picturing events of the past being held here.

Trevi Fountain

This beautiful fountain’s origins date back to the year 19 B.C. in which it formed the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. Its name is derived from Tre Vi (three ways) since the fountain was the meeting point of three streets. Approximately 1 million euros worth of coins are taken from the fountain each year!

Spanish Steps

Actually commissioned by a French diplomat, these steps were initially located near the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Made extra popular in 1953 when they were used as the backdrop for the movie Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, they are a great place to people watch!

St. Peter’s Basilica

Located in Vatican City and one of the largest churches in the world, it was named after one of Jesus’s 12 disciples known as Saint Peter. It can accommodate 20,000 people and was built in 1506. They were putting up a large Christmas tree in the center of the plaza when I visited.

General Assembly with the Pope!

Once a week, on Wednesday mornings, if the Pope is in Rome, he will host a general assembly and tickets are free to attend. If you happen to be in Rome on the Tuesday prior to the assembly, after 3pm, you can come to St. Peter’s Basilica and request a ticket from the Swiss Guard, which is what I did.

The following morning, I woke up early and stood in line in the dark, to get a good seat. There were nuns, monks and lots of brides in the line with me (apparently the Pope will bless newlywed couples). After going through security, we were led into the Hall of Pope Paul VI and I sat with a group of Italian nuns. The assembly consisted of the Pope saying a few brief words, in Italian (I think), and then multiple priests spoke in various languages as well. Afterward, the Pope greeted and blessed those in the front rows and, about an hour later, he walked up the aisle where I stood on a chair for a photo. 😂 I then got a picture with a Swiss Guard too!

Italian Food Tour

Of course I wanted to join a food tour while here, and it was excellent!! We had 4 different stops, the first in a place where we sampled several different types of pesto and cheeses, in addition to white and black truffle cream and honey, all accompanied by a delicious Prosecco. Yum! 😋

We also sampled several different types of pizza, a fried risotto ball, specialty meats, and then ended with a home made gnocchi and tiramisu! I can’t remember a time when I’ve eaten better.

The Vatican

Thanks to my friend Carol, I learned that Vatican City is it’s own country! I visited the museum on Thanksgiving and have never seen so many lovely painted ceilings!

The museum is home to the Sistine Chapel. I’ve included a stock photo of just one wall, as pictures are not allowed inside. It took Michelangelo 4 years to complete the ceiling panel frescos in the chapel when he was in his 30s. He then returned in his 60’s to paint the Last Judgement on the Western Wall (bottom right photo).

The chapel is the site of current day papal conclave, the process by which the new pope is selected.

Florence!

I did a day tour to the Tuscan capital of Florence, and was able to visit Michelangelo’s Statue of David, see the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio and walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge….oh, and also get some gelato. 🍨

Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is quite the site! The freestanding bell tower has a four-degree lean, which is the result of an unstable foundation. Located behind the Pisa Cathedral, the tower began to lean during construction in the 12th century due to the soft ground which could not properly support it.

I was feeling a bit homesick prior to coming to Rome, but this visit definitely revived my excitement for visiting new places! I really loved Italy =)

Thinking about everyone in the US as covid numbers increase. Hoping everyone is staying healthy and well!