Day 16: Ancient Rome, Palatine Hill & the Vatican Scavi Tour
The Ancient Roman ForumThe Forum was the political, religious and commercial center of Rome. Rome's important temples and halls of justice where here, and it was also the place for processions, political demonstrations, elections, important speeches and parades by conquering generals. Before that, in the 8th-9th century BC, this area was occupied by the cemeteries of various settlements in the area. As they began to merge together the inhabitants met here for economic transaction and social activities, and it gradually became the center of what became Ancient Rome. During the Republican period it gradually filled in with buildings which were eventually converted into churches before being sacked by the Visigoths and Vandals in the 5th century, being covered in vegetation, relegated to the edge of the city and turned to pasture.
|
Palatine HillAfter seeing the Forum we used the entrance by the Arch of Titus that connects the Forum to Palatine Hill to see the Imperial Palace. It was built by Emperor Domitian in 81 AD. It was the residence of emperors for three centuries and stands on the summit of the Palatine and extends to its slopes, occupying much of the hill. The palace is divided into three parts - a public area, private apartments, and a large area including the stadium. There isn't a huge amount left, but weddings, assassinations, births, deaths, and banquets took place within these walls and the thought of the history that went on here is thrilling to contemplate.
|
Vatican City, Scavi Tour and St. Peter's BasilicaWe had all been to the Vatican before, but I was able to get a Scavi tour, so we headed back just for that. I don't have any pictures of it as they aren't allowed. The tour of the Necropolis, or city of the dead, was fantastic and I highly recommend it. Even if you aren't religious, it was amazingly fascinating! It really is like a city for the dead with 'streets' and 'buildings' with what would have been an open sky above now covered by St. Peter's. We were able to see what is believed to be Peter's tomb. The traditional site of the tomb in this necropolis on Vatican Hill was sealed when Old St. Peter's was built on top of it in 326 AD. Peter was literally, as I was taught, the 'rock upon which I will build my church.' Meaning the altar of St. Peter's was built directly over his tomb.
|
The Vatican opened the necropolis for study in 1940 and bones were found that dated to the 1st century of a robust man who died in old age and was wrapped in expensive cloth. There is also graffiti near the tomb dated to the 3rd century AD that says 'Peter is here,' so early visitors must have thought he was buried here. After the tour we were let out into the grottos and had time to look around the Basilica before heading out.
Pro-Tip: If you want to do the recommended Scavi tour make sure you e-mail with 2-3 months notice and give them the days for your trip that will work best for you. I gave them 2 different dates that I had flexibility with and they sent me a date and time. It was take it or leave it. I took it. To get to your tour you will need to face the basilica and go behind the colonnade that is to your left. You'll see barricades back there with guards by the metal detector and bag scanner. That is what you need to get through to get to the office further within Vatican City where you pick up your tickets, meet your guide and start your tour.
Our Final Dinner ~ La Bottega RistoranteYou'll maybe have noticed we ate at this restaurant three times during our week in Rome. Why? Well, it was only a 10 minute walk from our hotel and it was just so nice to have a short walk back to our hotel after dinner. We also all really enjoyed the food, the wine, and the serving staff. All three of us had a really great and relaxing evening each and every time we ate there. We always started by sharing a caprese salad. It was such a fresh way to start our meal. Deb and Brett tried different dishes each time we went, below I believe is a lasagna, but I had the same seafood with garlic and butter pasta every time. It was that incredibly good. I have even made my own version at home with mussels and shrimp, which is pretty good, though not nearly as good as theirs. And of course dessert, cheesecake and Creme Brule, to end our night.
|