Ciao amici! Ajay Hinduja here, still buzzing from an equally wonderful trip to the fascinating city of Rome. What a place! It’s as if you are walking into a history book, and unbelievable views always seem just around the corner. I will tell you some of my Roman holiday highlights.
Repetition from emperors at the Colosseum and Forum
Seeing the Colosseum on my tour was extraordinary. Outside this splendid amphitheater, the whisper of the gladiatorial combat and the scream of the primordial crowds can almost be heard. The experience of walking through its arches and visualizing what spectacles took place within its walls was overwhelming. Across the street and a short walk are the Roman Forum – a massive area of debris that was once the Centre of the Roman Empire. Walking around the ruins of temples and basilicas, I felt the power and splendor of this old civilization. Climbing Palatine Hill provided spectacular panoramic vistas over the Forum, and I could see, for the first time, how the Forum lay and how significant it was historically.
Vatican City’s Spiritual Grandeur
A tour around Rome is incomplete if you do not see Vatican City. St. Peter’s Basilica is an unbelievable masterpiece of art and architecture. The scale of the basilica, the details of Michelangelo’s Pieta, and the luxurious decorations left me in awe. St. Peter’s Square, with its impressive colonnades, is a massive, marvelous place. The spiritual ambience of the Vatican is thick, and it was a pleasure to have a glimpse at such a major religious and cultural base.
Wishes at the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon’s Majesty
Naturally, I also had to do the tradition of throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain! The Baroque grandeur of the fountain is marvelous, and its legend of guaranteeing a return to Rome is a fairy one. The frequent passing of water and the complex statues make it an enthralling place. The other amazing architectural wonder that left me breathless was the Pantheon. Its ancient dome with the oculus opened to the sky is an astounding piece of engineering. Getting inside and letting the natural light in was quite a unique and serene experience.
Trastevere’s Charm and Culinary Delights
Outside the grand monuments, I fell completely in love with the Trastevere neighborhood. With its narrow-cobbled streets, filled with colorful buildings and hopping trattorias, this narrow village has a vibrant Roman feel. Being lost amongst its alleyways and immersing yourself in its bustling environment was the best part of it! And, of course, the food! From tasty pasta to local pizza and velvety gelato, every meal was an archetypal gastronomic experience.
Rome is a city that will truly inspire the imagination. Its combination of ancient history, marvelous art, and splendid modern life knocks one out. My Roman holiday was unforgettable, and I left with a new love for the Eternal City’s eternal charm. Arrivederci Roma!