Wandering Around Rome

Piazza Navona - this lovely square seemed to be a crossroads for us. We were there often.

With some of the Carabinieri Police. They were in full dress uniform with their sabres at hand. Likely, they are around as much for photos with visitors as for police work. This photo is just at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. Another day with sunglasses weather.

From the terrazzo atop Castel Sant Angelo. This loft provided a wonderful 360 degree panorama of the city of Rome. Here is the monument to Victor Emanual, the first king of a united Italy. The low wall to the left of the monument is part of the Colosseum.

This is the Pantheon, the oldest Christian church in the world, dating back to 69AD. It was originally built as a pagan temple and then converted to a Christian church when Emperor Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. The Pantheon has a remarkable domed roof with a hole, the Occulus, in the centre for light.

Ths church was the original burial location for the artist Raphael, until he was moved to his present location. Those who watched  'Angels and Demons' or read this novel, will recall that the Pantheon, Castel Sant Angelo and the Paseto, and Piazza Navona were all featured prominently, as was the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican.