Kevin and I took the train from Florence to Rome and were so excited since it was both of our first times visiting.  We wanted to take in Rome slowly, so we gave ourselves a few extra days to explore.  We stayed in an adorable Airbnb located near the Spanish Steps that put us in walking distance to all of the sights, which worked out perfectly (minus the 90 degree heat and humidity)!

Every city in Italy is so unique, but Rome is truly one of a kind.  We read in one of our travel guides that Rome is where the past and the present converge in perfect harmony.   We couldn’t find this to be more true!  I can’t think of anywhere else in the world where so much original architecture still stands in such a busy city.  We started our journey at the Colosseum and worked our way to the Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, St.Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.

 Street view of The Colosseum

A peek into the underground portion of the Colosseum (think Russell Crowe in Gladiator)!

A view from inside of the Colosseum, looking out onto the Arch of Constantine

Kevin’s favorite building in Rome (top right), the Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele.  Immediately behind him is a portion of the Roman Forum.

 The front of the Altare della Patria

View from the top of the the Altare della Patria.  One of the best views in the city- a must see if you visit!

The beautiful Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) in Piazza Navona

When in Rome…

The Pantheon is the most preserved building of ancient Rome.  It’s breathtaking, and absolutely magical at night.  Kevin and I would come here after dinner and listen to bands play as people danced around the square.  One of my favorite memories in Rome!

The Trevi Fountain was under construction while we were there so this was as close as we were able to get.  Luckily, we were still able to toss in a coin for good luck.  Legend has it that if you toss a coin in the fountain it ensures a return visit back.

The Spanish Steps

The Tiber River

St.Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City

Writing out a few postcards from inside Vatican City to send home

Oh you know, just using the same post office that the Pope uses…

We ended our second day in Rome at La Prosciutteria.  They serve some of the best charcuterie we have ever had.  We went twice during our stay, and if it wasn’t for the need to try other restaurants we would have gone a few more times.  If you go to Rome and enjoy a good meat and cheese spread, do yourself a favor and stop by here.  Hopefully our Trevi coin toss works and we’ll be back.  Cin cin!