Our ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, a charming port town just an hour and a half drive from Rome. With only a few hours to explore before our tour bus departed, we faced a delightful dilemma: toss a coin for the Trevi Fountain or make a beeline for the Vatican.
Opting for the grandeur of the Vatican, we embarked on a brisk two-mile walk. The journey itself was a treat, offering glimpses into the heart of this historic city. Arriving within sight of Vatican City, we were struck by its architectural splendor. However, the reality of a long queue snaking around St. Peter’s Basilica quickly set in – a line we simply wouldn’t have time for.
Undeterred, we chose to embrace the moment. We wandered the grounds, marveling at the intricate details and undeniable beauty of the Vatican’s architecture. While we may not have stepped inside the Basilica, the experience left us with a lasting impression of this awe-inspiring place
The Vatican, the world’s smallest country, is an independent city-state completely surrounded by Rome. Its history stretches back centuries, serving as the headquarters of the Catholic Church and the seat of the Pope. Though we couldn’t explore the opulent St. Peter’s Basilica or the vast museums, the sheer scale and intricate details of the Vatican’s exterior were awe-inspiring. We even imagined him standing on the balcony blessing the people below.
We captured photos of the towering dome of St. Peter’s, its design credited to Michelangelo himself. We snapped pictures of one of the Swiss Guards in his colorful uniform, standing proudly at his post. Even from outside, the Vatican exudes a sense of history and grandeur.
Our admiring came to a quick end as we had to get back to our bus. We tried to order an Uber but after 5-7 minutes they canceled. With all the crowds, I can imagine he found someone closer. So, we decided to make the trek back.
Before our exploration of the colosseum, Royal Caribbean treated us to lunch. This will be the last World Wonder included in our 9 month around the world cruise. I can’t believe it’s almost over!
Our lunch consisted of Italian entertainment inside a beautiful castle set with gladiators as guards. It was very interesting.
After lunch our bus added a new tour guide. She spoke very broken Italian English. It was so difficult to understand. We will try to make the best of it. Off to the iconic Colosseum we go!
This elliptical amphitheater, built between 70-80 AD, is a staggering testament to Roman engineering. There were multiple models displayed inside by engineers such as Lucangeli and Mussolini.
Our detailed tour unveiled layer upon layer of history. Imagine standing where gladiators once battled and wild beasts roamed. The Colosseum’s design boasted a network of underground passages, the hypogea. Here, gladiators, animals, and scenery were prepared before their dramatic ascent to the arena floor. We even learned about the elaborate system of trapdoors and elevators that kept the crowds on the edge of their seats!
The tour delved into the different levels of the Colosseum, each serving a specific purpose. The cavea, the seating area, could accommodate a staggering 50,000 spectators! We pictured the roar of the crowd as gladiatorial combats and wild animal hunts unfolded below.
The hypogea wasn’t just for human performers. Lions, tigers, bears – oh my! We learned about the network of cages that housed these ferocious beasts. Estimates suggest that over the course of the Colosseum’s use, a staggering 1 million animals met their demise in the arena, brought in from all corners of the empire to entertain the Roman populace.
The brutality of the Colosseum extended beyond the animals. While the exact number of gladiators who perished is unknown, historians estimate that as many as 400,000 people lost their lives within the Colosseum’s walls over its 350 years of operation. Gladiators were often slaves, criminals, or prisoners of war, forced to fight to the death for the amusement of the crowds.
Emerging from the Colosseum, our took us through the neighboring Roman Forum, a collection of ancient ruins that were once the heart of the Roman Empire. Stepping around these crumbling structures, remnants of temples, basilicas, and arches, transported us back in time. We marveled at the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch erected in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. The intricate carvings on the arch depicted scenes from the battle and offered a glimpse into the artistic style of the era.
Despite the lack of time to see the Vatican, our day in Rome turned into an unforgettable exploration of history. From the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church to the gladiatorial arena, we walked in the footsteps of emperors and citizens alike.
We left Rome with more insight into Roman history from the sanctity of the Vatican to the brutal spectacles of the Colosseum.
A very long day and our bodies are not happy but our minds have more knowledge!
A very short night before our trip to Florence in the morning!
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 