(Historical) Highlights of Rome Trip

I don’t normally post personal items, but I thought my recent trip to Rome would be interesting to some from a historical and cultural perspective.  Also, I hope some may be inspired to visit Rome and also to come to England (esp. Durham) to study because such European cities are just an Easyjet flight away (cheap and direct!).

Our first day we went to the former port city Ostia Antica which is one of the best preserved ancient sites around Rome.  OA contained grain storage that was transported to Rome via the Tiber.  It was a lively city with a busy forum,

theatre, and luxurious bath houses.  Some have said that one can learn more about ancient Roman life from OA than from a trip to Pompei.

Our second day we were off to the Colloseum.  It is surprisingly just right there in the middle of everything.

We did not get to go inside, but we enjoyed the view of this massive structure from several different high places.

Obviously so many merchants and vendors make this an overly tourist-y experience, but we did choose to go in August.

Travelling via the subway system is very easy and very cheap.  It was exciting to have stops named ‘Colosseo’ and ‘Circo massimo’.

One of our favorite experiences was visiting the Capitoline Museum, up on the hill.  It has an amazing collection.

It has a number of world-renowned pieces from ancient Greek and Roman art to Renaissance and Baroque items and more.

We did not have much time and it is a bit pricey, but we do not regret it.

And then there is the magnificent (and free to observe from a distance) Roman forum.   Sadly, pictures cannot capture its glory.

Finally, a trip to Rome is not complete without a visit to Vatican City, which boasts some of the most breathtaking architecture in the world.

You can’t beat this for a lesson in history, religion, culture, and art.  Just don’t go in August when it is abusively hot.  It was worth it, though.