What we have loved most about this Boxing Day is the centuries of history we are able to walk through in downtown Rome. What strikes you as you first begin your walkabouts from the central public transit drop-off point, in front of the monumental tribute to the Unification of Rome, is that all the ruins are right there, from BC to AD. Old with the new. History is in your face and it's really quite overwhelming to grasp the enormity of where you are walking.
I don't necessarily get a good feeling walking around this area of Rome, it's not about safety, it's about generations of violence that have gone on here. It's a feeling I am unable to shake for the rest of my time here. Marc, on the other hand, is inspired and enthralled by what he is witnessing, so much of what he's read, studied and dreamed about is right in front of him, his frame of reference at hand. It really is an incredible place to be.
Palatine Hill, where Remus and Romulus fought it out for where Rome would be founded.
The Colosseum, a chilling place. Marc has brought his Gladiator's rugby jersey with him from Canada for this day!
Massive, massive building blocks.
We're there as the sun is setting. The cross was erected in the 1700s and consecrated by the Pope, in honour of all the Christians who died here. The lower photos show the 13 corridors which would have been below the wooden floor, the tunnels and holding pens for both humans and animals.
From the info panels to explain how it would have worked and looked
From the Roman Forum grounds, I love the many centuries of architecture in this one view. From the BC brickwork, to the AD pillars, to the mid- centuries house, to the bronze flying horseman and chariot in the distance erected in the 1900s.
A really overwhelming day. 2 weeks later, I still can't shake it!
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