Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Wordless Wednesday...We Start in Rome

I think I will have to give up on any pretense of wordlessness... 
Just returned from Italy, Rome, Florence and Venice, with a few side trips. Grab a glass of prosecco or some grappa and enjoy, as we start in... 


 


Our hotel in Rome, the Albergo del Senato, on the Piazza della Rotonda.
Beautiful, great staff, wonderful location, rooftop bar..excellent!


And right across the square, the Pantheon, built by the Emperor Hadrian in about 126 A.D.




The central opening , the oculus, is open to the sky. 
The Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome,
 




Then, just a few steps down the street, the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva. 
The Pulcino della Minerva, the famous elephant sculpture by Bernini
serving as a base for one of Rome's 11 Egyptian obelisks. 




Inside, the Carafa Chapel, with late 15th-century frescoes by Filippino Lippi



...and a sculpture by Michelangelo, Christ Carrying the Cross.
I believe the 'drape' is not original.
 


 

Dinner at a nice restaurant across the street, then some gelato.
 Late at night, the piazza is finally empty, or fairly so,
 as I view the Pantheon from the window of my room. 
Goodnight, for now..



...as always, for more Wordless Wednesday, 
check these out.


35 comments:

  1. Uh! I want to go to a rooftop bar! I want to go to the Pantheon! Hey, I've "helped" make enough models of this darned building with my kids, I deserve to see the real thing.

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    Replies
    1. i agree..and i have a great hotel recommendation for you.

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  2. Amazed to see you online, what with the havoc in your part of the world! Beautiful pics that really do bring across Italy's atmosphere.

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    1. food poisoning...hurricanes...and i am still here!

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  3. Wow, what a wonderful trip. I loved your photos. Thanks for sharing. I hope to see a lot more of your trip. Were you affected by the storm, if so I hope all is Ok now. Have a great day!

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    1. h, I have lots and lots of pictures, don't you worry...lol

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  4. they are nice pictures. if only the pictures would play me some italian music or give me a gelato....

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  5. It all looks so interesting. The elephant carrying they obelisk is very intriguing (why?) as is the unforced dome. Wow spectacular architecture.

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  6. I think I'm going to like this trip...

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  7. You just can't be wordless with such spectacular subjects. It sure isn't like anything you'll find on this side of the pond.

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  8. Thanks for the words! And awesome shots. I love traveling with you.

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    Replies
    1. so you will be paying part of the Visa bill? Thanks! lol

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  9. Such gorgeous shots. Love seeing your trip.

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  10. Gorgeous! My parents just came back from a similar trip. I haven't been in quite some time. I need to go back. I love Italy!

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  11. Wonderful shots, Caite! It always amazes me how talented the ancient Romans were. Love the dome shot!!

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  12. WOW! AWESOME photos! Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by! Happy WW!

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  13. Amazing photos! Thank you for sharing them with us :) Happy WW

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  14. looks like the beginning of wonderful trip

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  15. As always, your photos are great (it's like being accompanied by a professional photographer), but don't forget to give some credit to the trip planner who found the hotels, booked the various train connections and also arranged the Scavi, Dolomite and other tours.

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    1. hmmmm...yes, once again, I must thank the Bro who spent many hours online. doing research, planning the trip while I sat in a confused haze.

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  16. Awwwwwwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeeeesooooooooooooome! I love Italy, and I love your pics. Happy WW!

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  17. Glad to read that you got through the storm unscathed. Just back from Italy ourselves - Sorrento, Amalfi coast etc. Best wishes from Derryvillane!

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    Replies
    1. Made a day trip there...as we will see in future weeks.

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    2. WAIT! Derryvillane you say? Who is this anonymous person?

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    3. you need to log in with a name...or mention Derryvillane in every comment!

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  18. Great photos, as an Architect I really appreciate these pictures.

    If you have not done so yet, we would love to have you come share/link via our WWHop: http://www.craftyspices.com/hops/wwhop
    Happy Halloween!

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  19. Great pictures. Can you fit us in your suitcase next time you go?

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    1. Sorry, only if you weigh less than the 50lb. Bag limit..lol

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  20. What wonderful photos, this is our dream trip and we hope to get there someday. In the meantime I'll enjoy your photos :)

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  21. Beautiful photos. I loved Rome. So much to see and do and eat! And I have an excuse to go back... I messed up my film (old 35mm days) and lost all my photos.

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    Replies
    1. Oh no!! Well, then you simply must return!

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    ReplyDelete

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