Rome part 2-Colesseum, bike tour, aqueducts and more

Cobblestone roads and sidewalks were found everywhere we went

We loved the greenery as well as the arches.  This street is called Via Giulia.   It once was bordered by the 16th century homes of artists, like Raphael, Cellini, and Borromini, and the architect Sangallo.  

We were delighted to come across this open-air food market on the Piazza Campo de' Fiori.  During the 1500s this square was the geographic and cultural center of secular Rome, with inns and the occasional burning at the stake of religious heretics.  

It was cold and rainy our first day in Rome, and we had just landed, so we were a bit fuzzy.  We enjoyed lunch and "hot chocolate" at a restaurant on the Piazza de' Fiori.  We will never forget our hot chocolate, because it was so thick it resembled hot pudding!  We were surprised, but did not complain.  It was delicious.  

No one objected to the food in Rome.  Italian food is Matt's favorite.  He liked every meal!  This is the same open-air market.  You can see all the tarps covering the stalls because of the rain.  

Jessica was confused by the utensil that looked like a spoon, but was completely flat.  

Piazza Navona (I think) This was a beautiful square with fountains more beautiful architecture.  

Matt and Jess at the Pantheon.  

Keith and Janet at Pantheon

Our first view of St. Peter's Basillica from inside the Vatican walls.

Matt with his ear piece to hear our guide.  She was fabulous!  

Cool sculpture on Vatican courtyard

Vatican museum

One of many, many beautiful inlaid, marble floor  pieces of art.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

Our connection to the movie "Angels and Demons", this floor relief was actually on  St. Peter's  Square, just like in the movie.

Ponte Sant' Angelo
The trio of arches along the river near Castle Saint Angelo.