60 Days in Europe: Day 5 / June 3

June 3, 2014. Rome – Vatican City.

When it comes to museums, sometimes photos were allowed, often they were not. When they were permitted, usually getting a decent photo of a painting or something in a case was not possible because of low lighting or reflections. I took them anyway, because I wanted to remember what I saw.

From my journal: Late start. Breakfast down the street. Metro to Vatican City. Got into the Museum w/o standing in line, and 2 1/2 hours early.

Scuola Romana, “Il Profeta Mose,” 1120-30.

Melozzo da Forli, “Group of Angel Musicians, Groups of Cherubs and Apostles.”

Il Guercino, “S. Giovanni Battista.”

Carravaggio, “Deposition.”

Detail, Carravaggio, “Deposition.”

Wenzel Peter, “Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.”

Statuette of Asklepios, God of Medicine, 3rd Cent. Roman Copy.

Hall of Statuary, The Vatican Museum.

The Belvedere Apollo, 2nd Century.

Laocoon.

Sala Rotunda.

Sarcophagus of St. Helena (Mother of Constantine).

Raphael, “Deliverance of St. Peter.”

The Gallery of Maps.

Sistine Chapel awed me. The hair was standing up on my arms. (No photos permitted.)

Then direct to St. Peter’s.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Swiss Guard, Vatican.

St. Peter’s Square

We started toward Castel Sant’Angelo, at a few blocks before. Nice walk along the Tiber under shade trees, to Campo de Fiore – Bruno statue, Piazza Farnese.

Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge, and Castel Sant’Angelo.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Campo de Fiore – Bruno statue

Campo de Fiore

Campo de Fiore – Bruno statue

Visited Forno bakery to get biscotti for morning. Coffee and tiramisu at Cucina Romana.

7:30 Piazza Navona – my favorite (piazza) so far! Lively and festive. Musicians, singers, beautiful building overlooking – fantastic! – See the video below.

Piazza Navona

Patheon – walked three quarters of the way around.

Pantheon

Pantheon, in the back where the kids hang out.

Fontana di Trevi – very crowded, stayed only briefly.

Fontana di Trevi

On to Gelato Day 4. Wonderful spot off the Fontana. My choice: Amaretto. Sweet old lady topped it off with something else – probably sweet almond. Best yet!