Old Rome

Today we explored Old Rome, which is Municipio 1, or the first district of Rome. If you're ever in Rome and are looking for a place to start exploring, this would be a good bet. The Coliseum, Arch of Constantine, Arch of Titus, Roman Forum, and Trajan's Column are right next to each other. Literally. 

Travel tip

Buy a Roma Pass! (www.romapass.it) You can buy it as a three-day or 48-hour pass. Like the Paris pass, it's a handy way to see the city. Unlike the Paris pass, it acts as an unlimited metro and bus card, and only gives you free admission to the first two museaums or sites (or combo if both) that you see. The rest are reduced admission, which still isn't bad. We got the three day pass and it is €36 per person. 

The Coliseum was pretty nifty! I learned about it in school last year so it was super fun to see in person. Also, it meant a lot more to visit it after learning about it because now I know the historical significance. Guess which Roman emperor was responsible for commissioning it? VESPASIAN!!!!!!! Except that he died so his successor Titus finished it for him. 

This is what the inside looks like. The platform to the right would have completely covered the arena way back when. But now they leave part if the underground exposed. 

It was really cold and wearing a dress was a bad decision. 

But as Helen (hi Helen!) would say, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. So yup. Tomorrow I'm wearing pants. 

As we exited the Coliseum, we ran smack dab into the Arch of Constantine. It's a triumphal arch! The one built by Titus was made or financed (can't remember exactly) with stuff the Romans raided from a Jewish temple(?). 

Here's the forum! It was an economic, political and social hub in its heyday. Now it's just...in ruins. 😱😱😱. It's HUGE and also connected to Palatine Hill. 

After a really late lunch, we went to Saint John's Cathedral. Saint John as in John the Baptist. Apparently it's one of the four main churches for the pope! The inside was soooooooooo cool and nothing like the church that I go to.

That's all for now friends! Tomorrow we're going to the Vatican. 

Love, marissa