We started at the Spanish Steps (definitely a big hang out spot, nice sinking boat fountain, but it's just a bunch of big steps - right?), then we walked to the Trevi Fountain. This was a little more interesting to me. It was still a hot spot with people everywhere. The fountain itself gets it's water from aqueducts and was completed in 1762 to depict "Ocean." It is all lit up and beautiful. Many people threw coins over their shoulders into the fountain to guarantee their return to Rome.
Our walk continued as we meandered through the very busy streets. The Piazza Colonna held a 2nd century column honoring Marcus Aurelius. We walked along the Via de Corso where the Berber Horse races took place (without riders) until a man was trampled in front of a queen in the 1800's and that put a stop to that fun. Royalty! On we went to the Egyptian Obelisk taken from Mark Antony and Cleopatra when they were defeated by Marcus Aurelius (that guy was everywhere!). It was set up like a sundial - pretty cool!
After that we saw the Pantheon, which really is fairly amazing. The columns are in one piece and are 40 feet long. They are the biggest in Italy and were shipped from Greece. The Dome is 142 feet high and wide. It was the bigest until the Renaissance. The dome gets thinner and lighter with height (volcanice pumice near the top).
From there we enjoyed the Piazza Navona and the Campo de Fiori. They were two packed squares filled with artists, mimes, and musicians. The last ruins on our list before leaving Rome were the Largo Argentina which were surprisingly filled with cats! Hmmm...
The next day (July 22), we took a train to Naples and then another one to Sorrento. After a hot, 20 minute hike uphill with our bags, we made it to our accommodations. Ahhhh! We were ready for a little relaxation after the business and heat of the last few days. The town was a cute seaside town, very picturesque. It was to be our base for our future days exploration.
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