The following day we made our way to the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks of ancient Rome. Walking up to the massive stone structure was surreal—seeing it in photos is one thing, but standing before it was something else entirely. The worn stones and towering arches spoke of the centuries that had passed, a reminder of the might of the Roman Empire.
We’d booked a guided tour, and as we joined our group, the guide started to bring the ancient amphitheater to life. Through her stories, we could almost hear the cheers and roars that would have filled the stands as gladiators battled in the arena below. It was thrilling and chilling at the same time, thinking of the spectacles that would have taken place on the sandy floor, where prisoners, gladiators, and wild animals fought for survival.
Our guide took us to the various levels, explaining how the Colosseum had been meticulously designed to manage the crowds, with seating areas reserved according to rank and status. Mandy and I were amazed by the engineering marvels the Romans achieved without modern technology. Looking up at the sheer height of the walls and down at the reconstructed floor below, we felt awed by the ingenuity and scale of it all.
We then jumped on a hop on, Hop off bus to take a tour of the City's major attractions
Our first stop was the Vatican, and as we approached, we could feel the excitement building. St. Peter’s Square was everything we’d imagined—massive and awe-inspiring, with its impressive columns sweeping around the square in a grand embrace. The sight of St. Peter's Basilica in the distance was almost surreal, standing tall against the bright Roman sky.
We would have loved to go inside the Vatican, but the line stretched for several hundred meters. People waited in the warm sun, and though we knew it would be incredible, we decided to pass on this visit. Instead, we took our time wandering around St. Peter’s Square, admiring the architecture, the fountains, and the people gathered there from all over the world. It felt like the true heart of the city, a place where centuries of history mingled with the vibrant present.
Our next stop was the Basilica of Santa Maria, a stunning 16th-century church that truly took us by surprise. From the outside, it looked simple—almost unassuming—with a small entrance that didn’t prepare us for what lay inside. But as we stepped through the doors, we found ourselves in a vast, awe-inspiring space. The church was beautifully decorated with intricate artwork, its walls adorned with frescoes, and marble statues of saints stood in silent grandeur.
We wandered slowly through the aisles, taking in the rich details. The high, arched ceilings soared above us, and Mandy was captivated by the golden decorations around the altar. Each corner of the church seemed to reveal new statues, each one unique, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence as we took it all in.
We finished the day exploring the area around Repubblica, a bustling square dominated by the grand Fountain of the Naiads. The fountain was stunning, with its dramatic sculptures of water nymphs set against the backdrop of elegant buildings. From there, we took our time strolling down Via Nazionale, one of Rome’s main shopping streets.
The atmosphere was lively and charged with energy as we soon realized why— the Rome Marathon had just finished! Runners, spectators, and volunteers filled the streets, celebrating with cheers and laughter. It was infectious, and Mandy and I couldn’t help but feel part of the event, clapping as we watched the runners, some draped in medals and others proudly holding their finishers’ towels.
As we walked down Nazionale, the street’s mix of elegant shops, bustling cafes, and historical buildings was fascinating.
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