Rome: August 19-22, 2019

I visited Rome for the first time in about 25 years.

I found many changes such as the Termini Station, the booking system of many tourist spots, and improved taxi services. Still, the overwhelming existence of historical has never changed.

I walked classic visiting places during my stay.

(1) Foro Romano (Roman Forum) : It was the center of Rome around 2000 years ago. The ruins of basilicas (meeting facilities), temples and columns remain.

It still locates in the center of the city.

(See also the 2nd photo)

(2) Colosseo: It stands in the south of Foro Romano. As many as 50000 people could gather here in the Roman era. The fights of the gladiators were held here. 

Roman Empire provided people “bread and circuses” to suppress their dissatisfaction. Colosso was used for that purpose. (See also the top photo)

(3) Fori Imperali: Roman leaders and emperors built new forums near Foro Romana. They include forums of Caesar and Trajanus.    

(4) Capitoline Hill: It locates near Foro Romano. There is a piazza (city square) on the top of the hill. The replica of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on a horse is placed in the piazza. The Capitolini Museum stands at the side of the piazza. The Treaty of Rome, which established EEC (predecessor of EU), was signed here.

(5) Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica was crowded with many visitors. (See also the 4th photo)

In addition to my walk inside the St. Peter’s Basilica, I climbed up the round roof (cupola). This is a scene of San Pietro Piazza from the roof.

(6) Vatican Museum: There are many masterpieces in the museum. They include:

 “The School of Athens” drawn by Raphael.

Laocoön and His Sons

It is prohibited to take photos in the Sistine Chapel

(7) Trevi Fountain: The fountain was surrounded by many people. I found many policemen around the fountain to keep security. (See also the 3rd photo)

(8) Spanish Steps: Sitting in the steps was banned in 2019. I found many people sitting at the Fountain of the Boat instead of the steps.

There are many high-brand shops along the Condotti street, which goes west from the Spanish steps.

Italian polotics:  Prime Minister Conte announced his resignation on August 20, when I was in Rome. His announcement was made as political conflicts in the coalition government – between the populist Five Star Movement and the right wing League – intensified. President Mattarella began talks with the party leaders to form new administration (or to dissolve the parliament).

Journalists and camera crews were waiting politicians coming out in front of the President’s office near the Fountain of Trevi.

The Prime Minister’s office locates around the Piazza Colonna. The column of Marcus Aurelius stands in the piazza.