There's no place like Rome

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This morning we said goodbye to Florence and hopped on a train to Rome. Once we arrived in Rome we checked into our hotel and then went on a walking tour to get more aquainted with the city. The first stop was Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome's oldest church, built in 432 A.D.

Inside the church was the crypt of the nativity which is said to contain actual wood from the manger.

Bernini's tomb was also found in this church. Bernini is famous for designing several fountains around Rome as well as many other sites in the city. The next stop was Trevi Fountain and on the way we passed the famous Spanish steps. The Trevi fountain was under construction and was completely drained, but some of us still threw the coin over our left shoulder in hopes that we will return to Rome someday. Afterwards we headed to the Pantheon, one of Rome's best preserved monuments.

The Pantheon was originally built to honor all of the Roman Gods in 27 B.C. The one that we saw today was built around 120 A.D. by the emperor Hadrian and the columns were actually taken from an Egyptian temple and brought to Rome. The inside of the Pantheon was an incredible sight with it's massive dome, open to the outside air, letting a stream of light through.

This Dome inspired numerous Domes throughout Europe, for example the Dome of Saint Peter and Brunelleschi's dome in Florence. Next we briefly visited one of Bernini's fountains and then took a break for lunch at the Rossocaffe. After lunch we walked to a part of the city with many ruins including Trajan's market and we quickly passed by the Coliseum since we will be going on a tour tomorrow. Finally we visited the Santa Maria Della Vittoria church which housed the famous swooning St. Teresa in Ectasy sculpture by Bernini.

The sculpture captures the moment when Teresa has been stabbed with God's arrow of fire and becomes one with God. Bernini captures the moment perfectly displaying the intense pain but also the sweetness of the moment. A stream of natural light also flows over the sculpture which gives the sculpture a heavenly appearance. Today was full of many sights and each of us got to know Rome a little better. We can't wait to explore and learn more about this amazing city!