April 17, 2012 - Rome, Day 2
Ahhhh, Rome, Day 2. Let's explore this beautiful city. We were staying at the Hostel Peter Pan, which was nice but it was located clear out from the center of the city. We had to take a bus and then the metro to get to the sites each day. It was a good price but we also had about a 30-40 minute commute from our hostel each day. Frankly, it was worth it. We also had gotten lucky by finding out that we could get a 4 day metro pass for a lower cost than the daily pass ... always stop and ask the tourist spots, the Roma Pass was an option but it was not the best choice for what we wanted to do while in Rome.
We started our day at the Coliseum. We went very early and did not have to wait in line more than 30 minutes, which is really good for the Coliseum. We did stop and grab a quick breakfast on the way at a small cafe but was able to make it before they opened for the day. I would highly recommend downloading the Rick Steves' audio tour again for this site in Rome. He gives a guided walking tour that includes history and stories of this great historical site.
The Coliseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, located in the middle of Rome. Construction started in 72 AD and finished in 80 AD. Was capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium in Lincoln holds a little over 81,000 at maximum capacity. Pretty impressive for almost 2,000 years ago. Plus, it is said that the entire place could empty out within a few minutes due to the many exits all around the structure.
The arena floor and seating have disappeared with time. The floor was made of wood and the seating was a mix of wood and stone and marble.
Seriously, this was one of the coolest moments for me in my travels. I was standing in a place that is almost 2,000 years old. So much history, so much happened here. Amazing! What I wouldn't give to just see the place in all it's former glory.
These now empty structures used to be covered with seats, time has taken it's toll but the bones of the Coliseum have stood the test of time.
Above is the one area of the Coliseum that has seating, it has been recreated to show what seating looked like ... long stone benches, some people brought their own cushions to sit on for the events.
Thought it was pretty funny seeing this black cat roaming the ruins in Rome.
A view of the former arena floor from the second level. Fantastic to think of what it would have looked like in its prime with all the set changes, animals, and battles...can almost hear the roar of the people.
Laura and I enjoying our audio tour of the Coliseum.
The view from inside of the Coliseum, the nearby Roman Forum.
The Arch of Constantine ... simply beautiful and breathtaking, especially when standing under it.
Nothing like becoming Roman Statues inside of the Coliseum.
Hear No, Speak No, See No Evil.
A few people walking by started laughing when they saw us doing this and recognized it right away.
Just an idea of how gigantic the Coliseum is ... look close, that's me standing there.
The Roman Forum ... hundreds of years of ruins, just waiting to be unearthed.
Rome, at night ... again.
Want to be a Roman Statue? Sure!
The Coliseum at Night ... a must see any time of the day!
Sitting outside of the President's Palace on the fountain.
The Pantheon ... so magnificent! Another amazing structure in the city of Rome.
The fountains are everywhere! Each one is unique and fantastic in it's own way.
This is one of my absolute favorite fountains, the Four Rivers Fountain. There is a story for each of the four men on the fountain and the animals that are sculpted. One must walk around it slowly and take it all of the different features of the fountain.
My second day in Rome was just as great as the first. It is an amazing city to just walk and explore, find a random restaurant, statue, ruins, and lots of gelato!!! I cannot wait to see what the next day brings!
