Across the Tiber in Rome

{ Rome, Italy - May 2011 }

After being showered with treasures in the Vatican Museums and people-watch in Saint Peter's Square, we walked straight towards Castel Sant'Angelo.

Castel and Ponte Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo may sound and look familiar as it has recently appeared in the movie Angels & Demons which was based on the book by Dan Brown. Of course, it is also where Passetto di Borgo, the elevated passageway, connects Castel Sant'Angelo to the Vatican City. So, if you have watched the movie, or read the book, it would be a familiar sight. The cylindrical shape made it all the more recognisable.

It was originally built by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum, then converted into a fortress and is now a museum. The inside of the building was not that impressive, especially after the visit to the Vatican Museums. However, the terrace on the top floor provided a great views over Rome and also a good place to take a break after a long day.


Castel Sant'Angelo looked best from Ponte Sant'Angelo. The bridge spans across Tiber, and is famous for the ten Bernini's angel sculptures. 

  

Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Having time in our hands, and without any plans of where we want to go, we decided to visit Trastevere. We walked along small lanes, bought snacks and bread and found ourselves at Piazza Santa Maria. We sat at the fountain, watched people going by and enjoyed some quiet time without that many tourists around us. We spent some time in the peaceful Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, that happened to be one of the oldest churches in Rome. 

  

The Imperial Forums

As the sky turned dark, we took a slow leisurely walk back to our B&B. The leisurely walk turned out to be pretty long! After three days in Rome, we still manage to underestimate the size of this massive city. However, we managed to catch some of the sights that we may otherwise have missed.

One of it would be the ugliest building among the treasures in Rome. The massive structure is the Victor Emmanuel II monument. And to add to the problem, the building is visible from almost everywhere in Rome!


We walked past the Imperial Forums (Fori Imperiali) which was all lighted up at night. The Trajan's Forum (shown in the photo below) used to be a market, with temples and libraries. We also saw a helicopter from what we think should be the Italian Air Force, before reaching our B&B for a much needed rest!


::: Footnotes :::

{ Castel Sant'Angelo } The museum is open from 9am to 7pm from Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday. The ticket costs €5, or €3 with Roma Pass. 

{ Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere } One of the oldest churches in Rome, it is open from 7.30am to 8pm. 

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