Rome, Italy: 28 December to 1 January

Kristie and I departed from Heidelberg on 28 December for our next destination, Rome. We stayed at a hostel but spent most of our time out and about exploring the city.

Trevi Fountain

St. Peter's Square

Queue for entering St. Peter's Basilica

Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica

Inside the massive basilica. The main altar with the dome above can be seen in the distance.

Glimpse of the front section of St. Peter's Basilica

The Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo

The main altar

The dome above the main altar

Listing of all the Popes in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, starting with Saint Peter

Kristie and I with the dome in the background

View from above of St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro)

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These next few photos are from within the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Head of a statue from Thebes, ca. 2000 B.C.

Mummy of a woman from Thebes, ca. 1000 B.C.

Statue of Hercules, ca. 1st century A.D.

The School of Athens fresco, Raphael

The Disputation of the Sacrament fresco, Raphael

This fresco symbolizes the implementation of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Note the shattered pagan sculpture lying at the feet of the crucifix. This fresco was painted by Raphael.

The magnificent frescos of the Sistine Chapel

Ceiling adorned with frescos painted by Michelangelo

Video from within the Sistine Chapel. First you see 'The Last Judgement' on the wall straight ahead, then you will see 9 stories from the Book of Genesis depicted on the ceiling. Sorry about the shaky footage.

The double helix staircase in the Vatican Museums

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Piazza del Popolo. This is the plaza we went to for viewing the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Sign describing the history of the Spanish Steps

Below the history section on the sign are the rules and regulations for the area around the Spanish Steps. Please note the fourth point.

Kristie and I at the Spanish Steps with Trinità dei Monti church in the background

Mopeds were everywhere.

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Inside the Colosseum

Colosseum with the Arch of Constantine to the left

Check out the size of this pinkie toe, Kristie's hand on it gives perspective


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Inside the Pantheon

Entrance to the Pantheon


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On New Year's Day (our last day in Rome) we went back to St. Peter's Square to hear the Pope speak and give a blessing.

The crowd was gathered outside in the square while the Pope was saying mass inside St. Peter's Basilica. After the mass he came out to address the crowd.

Video from the Pope's address