Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, & Castel Sant'Angelo

I was unlucky with some of the famous sites in Rome. One of them was the Trevi Fountain because it was closed for restoration. I still went there to see it even though it was barricaded (so did 100 people) but I still saw the glimpse of it's beauty. I'm sure it is x1000 more beautiful once the water is flowing. 

I loved that they scrubbed it clean and it's pretty much blinding white when you see it in person. No stone was left untouched by the restoration.

15 Random Observations of Rome

It was my first time to visit Rome last year but it certainly won't be the last as this city has a lot to offer and I barely scratched the surface.

You can read about my random observations series here.

1. Tourists sites are so close to each other.
2. It's hard to distinguish the locals to the tourists.
3. Buses, trains, and streetcars are always packed.
4. It's better to walk.
5. No one "poops and scoops". Dog poop's are everywhere so always watch your step.
6. Cobblestone streets are deadly.
7. Never leave your belongings unattended. Pick pockets are everywhere.
8. Sirens are everywhere and it's blaring any time of day/night.
9. Breakfast is non-existent.
10. No shortage of churches.
11. Men are always well dressed.
12. Prepare to eat several courses for dinner.
13. Cacio e pepe is simply amazing!
14. Aperitivo is taken seriously (try aperol spritz!)
15. You need to validate your tickets when using public transportation.

The Roman Forum

It's easy to find all the tourists sites in Rome. They are pretty close together. Right after walking around Piazza Venezia, we found the Roman Forum. There is a lookout point to the site and you can just walk around it to see the ruins and take photos. It's really beautiful in person and I liked having the vantage point of being high up to take photos. 

I didn't see the point of paying for the entrance fee anymore so I just took my time looking at the ruins and snapping photos along the way. You can definitely buy the tickets to the Roman Forum and explore it together with the Colosseum. 

It's less crowded than the Colosseum but equally as stunning. And you keep walking around it, you will find the Colosseum in front.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery

This is my favourite gallery in Rome. I saw a picture of Mimi Thorrison on instagram visiting Doria Pamphilj and I knew I had to go there as well.

I like my galleries grandiose! The more dramatic, the better! The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a privately owned gallery by the Pamphilj family (super rich and famous!). 

The gallery contains medieval and Byzantine art including masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Velázquez.  I love the fact that this gallery is not crowded. It's not part of the tourist card so you won't have a big crowd bumping you while you browse the collections. I found it very peaceful amidst the sometimes chaotic Rome.

I took my time exploring each room. There is a lot to see. The only problem here is that most paintings do not have descriptions so I highly recommend getting the audio guide (it's free when you buy your ticket) to accompany you on your exploration inside the gallery. Prince Jonathan Doria Pamphilj narrates his family story on the audio guide. He narrates his family history and provides tidbits about the collection. 

The Gallery of Mirrors was designed by Gabriele Valvassori. This is my favourite part of the gallery. It is lined with mirrors, statues, and chandeliers. And not to mention the frescoes on the ceiling.

Wall to wall of paintings!

The gallery has gone through renovations as parts of the building has been damaged. This is one of the rooms that has been recently renovated.

Basilica of Santa Sabina

We found this medieval church right beside the Aventine Hill lookout - the Basilica of Santa Sabina. We just followed a couple of people walking in and found this very simple but lovely basilica. It's not the typical ornate and decorated church that we saw from previous churches we visited. 

I liked the minimalist interior of this church. The church is very peaceful and not as crowded as the other churches I visited in Rome.

In another note, it's officially summer now here in Toronto! I am loving the almost (crossing my fingers) sunny weather every day! I just can't believe. I just want to enjoy this summer as much as I can. I'm trying to be outside a lot by going to barbeque's, festivals, and exploring the different neighbourhood's in my city.

And I'm hoping to go camping this long weekend! So excited! And eating tons of ice cream in between!

What are your plans for the summer? 

Colosseum

One of famous and most visited site in Rome is the Colosseum. Everyone comes here to see the Colosseum and I was among them. It's always busy and packed with tourists. I came here twice to take photos. I didn't get a chance to go inside but walking around the outside parameter was enough for me.

I love the back of the Colosseum. It's less crowded and the structure looks more rustic (see last photo). It is always being restored but I really like this more rugged look of it. It looks much better than the front side.

I came back the second time here because my boyfriend found a street where we can take better photos. I always follow him because he is really awesome at navigating. He even found a gelato store for me before walking to the spot.

It's less busy here and you have a different vantage point.