Rome and Vatican City
Rome is another must see on any Italy trip. Not just Rome, but Vatican City. Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica are unbelievable.
From Rome, we arrived in Vatican City by metro. It was not difficult and we met a nice family on the train, that were headed there for a tour as well. The tour groups meet near the Caffe’ Vaticano and we arrived early enough to grab some breakfast there, while we waited. The cafe is directly across the street from The Vatican Museums entrance. It’s about a five minute walk from the metro stop, just use google maps for walking directions. We used it a lot. I actually took a tumble later in Rome because I was looking at my phone for directions, and didn’t realize I had stumbled (literally-haha) upon an uneven (more uneven than usual) part of the sidewalk. I flew sprawling out onto the pavement, scratching and chipping the face of my phone. Grace.
We took a guided Vatican tour and were amazed at all of the stories and details that we would not have discovered on our own. The artwork is mind boggling. How gifted were these artisans! The ceilings and walls are covered with one masterpiece after another. The massive tapestries, woven centuries ago, depicting scenes of Jesus Christ’s life, are hung in the Gallery of Tapestries in The Vatican Museums. Imagine exquisite tapestry after tapestry being created in the 1500s.
The Gallery of Geographical Maps is a double treat. Not only is the hall stunning with its incredible ceiling, but the walls are lined with the most amazing maps. Above and beside each map is ornate as well. One of the many treats of Vatican Museums. The detail in the maps by the artists, is truly captivating.
There are no words for the Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo. It’s just another level of incomprehensible. I challenge you to see it as a flat ceiling! When you enter you are requested to be very quiet and just take it all in.
St Peter’s Basilica in all of it’s ornate glory is spectacular. You can see it from Vatican Museums and anticipate experiencing it. A tour is the way to go, to see and learn about all of the highlights, stories, and so much more. You’ll be impressed. The guides are so knowledgeable and passionate.
Back to Rome, via the same route, we set out exploring with the goal of experiencing all we possibly could in a day. At the Piazza Navona Square, we saw the La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi -Aka Fountain of Four Rivers. It has a tall obelisk with 4 carved figures on each side that stand for four major rivers including The Danube and Nile.
The one place, where I wish we had spent more time, is the Pantheon. We didn’t go inside and apparently we missed out. Our son and his wife went to Rome and took some cool pictures in here. It was very interesting about the day and time being revealed via the light shining thru the top of the dome.
Continuing on, we went to the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna. Lots of people just sit on these steps, it can get a little crowded. We actually sat here for a few minutes too. You know backpacking thru Europe can be exhausting. Lol There was another cool fountain here. It is called Fontana della Barcaccia or Fountain of the Old Boat.
Speaking of fountains, the most amazing and massive fountain in Rome is Trevi Fountain. The backdrop of this fountain is a palace, but it all flows together and you can barely tell where one ends and the other begins.
One of the last places we visited in Rome was the Colosseum. What an amazing and ancient structure. It was undergoing some restoration, but I’m sure that’s constant, as it is with so many other treasured buildings, artwork, etc in Europe. We walked all around the whole Colosseum. Very impressive.
We are pretty tired at this point. We have seen just about everything on our priority list. You can’t see it all in a day, obviously. I would love to come back and spend more time in Rome some day! We really enjoyed Rome. Another big city like New York, but ancient and incredibly interesting. We were cautious, but felt relatively safe the whole time. So far, we had the best room in Rome. Not that we were able to spend much time in it, since we got up early for the Vatican Museums Tour! It was very modern and contemporary with all the amenities though. It was a short walkable distance from Termini Station, which by the way was a nice train station. Time to take another train from here to Naples Central. Used first class express. At least the electrical/charging outlets and WiFi worked. In this particular train, 1st class was not anything special at all. Express is probably what we paid an arm and a leg for, but that was nice since we got to our next stop in Naples early.
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Big Dog’s Review: The highlight of Rome was Vatican City. We took an incredible tour of The Vatican. The grandiose architecture was amazing. The Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s artwork was, to say the least, mind boggling. Also on our tour of Vatican City we took in St Peter’s Square, and St Peter’s Basilica. Our tour guide was so passionate and made the tour very enjoyable.
Other points of interest in Rome are, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum. Beautiful city, enjoy!
Your pictures are absolutely beautiful but I’m sure it’s still even more beautiful in person!
Thanks Ruth! It was amazing!
I loved Rome! Vatican City is truly amazing. I had no idea the amount of art within those walls.
So true!!
Rome is a bucket list destination for me!
My bucket list is long!
Okay, but those striped uniforms!! Lol! Seriously, it looks like a great trip. My oldest went to Rome briefly while in college, but didn’t really get to explore as much as you did.
Haha I bet he enjoyed it tho!!
Wow! What an incredible trip! Great photos! Looks like you packed a ton in while there!
Thanks Kendra! We tried!
I can’t wait to go here one day. I love all of the history and architecture throughout Italy.
Me too! It’s fascinating!
I am loving your travels!
Thanks Erica!
Great photos and videos! Rome is so amazing, but also a bit overwhelming. So many layers of significant history all around you. I feel like I’m still processing it from our trip almost 2 years ago, haha.
So true Jessica!
I sure am enjoying your journey. The pictures are amazing. I would love to visit all these places. Thanks for sharing.
Awe thank you Alice!!
Great photos tell the story that you had an amazing experience!
Thanks Barbara!
I went to Rome in high school and we visited a lot of these places. I think I would appreciate it a lot more as an adult. I’m looking forward to taking my kids there next year.
Ours are grown, but would love to go back again and take them.
Rome is so amazing, the food, the people, the history. We got to see the Pope when we were there last time. It was moving.
I agree! The Pope! That’s so awesome!!
Beautiful! Great photos! Maybe I’ll get there one day!
Thanks Cathy! Hope so!
We went to Rome in August and we about died. I would like to go back in better weather and enjoy it more.
Good to know not to go in August!! Thanks Lisa!
Your pictures brought me back! I looooved Rome. I lived there for about 6 months and would go back an inordinate number of times if I could.
What an awesome place to live, Michelle!!
Beautiful pictures! I’ve been to Italy but not to these places – hope to one day!
Hope you can too, Monica!
Wow! The art work is mind boggling! Your photos really convey a sense of history.
It really is! Thanks Linda!
Beautiful post and pictures! I always have wanted to visit.. I have family that I have never met!
Oh you must go Holly! They will show you all of the local treasures I bet.
I want to go to Rome. This will have to do now and just look over your photos but I do want to see all of this in person!
I hope you get to go soon!
How awesome! Looks like you had a great trip and perfect timing before all the craziness…great pics!
I agree!! Thanks!
This looks like an amazing trip! great pictures!
Thanks Leeandra!
Awesome pics!! Loved Rome! My favourite spot to sit is Trevi fountain!
Can’t wait til we can take the kiddos.
Yes! Hope it’s not as crowded.
Just awesome pics! If I only get to visit one other country in my lifetime, it’s Italy!
Good choice!
I love all the photos. They are amazing. I would love to get there some day.
Thank you! Hope you do!
What a great trip. I cant wait to start traveling again!
I like seeing the real life photos!
I agree Shannon!
I loved studying Roman Architecture in college. It’s such a fascinating and beautiful place. Someday I’ll get there…. so Thanks for sharing it with us.
What an interesting study, Susan. That must have been incredible!
My husband and I were just talking about Rome and the Coliseum, which is on my must-see bucket list in life. Sounds like you had an amazing trip!!
We did! Hope you get to go soon! Take tours!! It makes for such a great experience.
Oh, I love Rome…it’s the best! Looks like. you had a great time!
Wow, what an amazing trip that must have been! I can’t imagine being able to take in all of that history! The pictures are all beautiful!
Thank you! We got a good overview. Would love to go back and explore more.
So many iconic sites to visit. Your pics allowed for a brief virtual visit…thank you!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I get a little picture happy sometimes! Lol
Italy is amazing! We loved it and can’t wait to make it back there.
I agree! I want to go back too!
Your pictures are amazing and it looks like you had an incredible visit.
Thank you! We had a wonderful time!!
It looks so incredible. Still on my bucket list!
Hope you can check it off soon!!
Rome is a really cool city! There are some really neat tours too!
Yes! Doing tours is the way to go!!
What a wonderful trip! Saving this for when I plan mine!
Have a fabulous time!!
Rome and the Vatican City look like amazing places to visit. Those tall pillars are awesome.
Yes amazing!! So are the pillars!
Looks like a superb trip. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the read! Thank you!
gorgeous! I hope i get to see it one day in person
I hope you do too!!
Gorgeous photos -they themselves show how beautiful traveling to Italy/Rome/Vatican City is.
Thanks so much Judeanj!
I would love to visit here!
It’s amazing!
We love Rome and the Vatican is so beautiful! Great photos!
Thank you Candy! We loved it too!
I am tripping and falling so frequently my family calls me Gracie! I will definitely pay attention to uneven sidewalks. Love all of your pictures, and I can’t wait to get to Italy someday!
Haha Malia! I’m glad I’m not the only one. Glad you enjoyed the pics. Hope you can go soon!
Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience and all those lovely photos! You are right: There are no words for the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I can only imagine being there in person. Even through your photos, I am floored by all the intricate beauty. I would absolutely LOVE to go there someday!
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the pics. I hope you get to go Ramae!
I would love to do a trip just like this! Wonderful photos!!
Thank you! I hope you get to soon!
So cool!!
It was fascinating!
So beautiful. Sigh. Someday.
I hope so!!
Rome is one of my absolute favorite places!
Yes it’s amazing!
Italy is definitely on my short list of places I want to visit. I want to see all the same sights you did. Looks like an amazing trip!
Thank you! It really was!