Monday - our second and last day in Rome

Because we had to fly out from Rome within two days after the end of our cruise, we had only two days in Rome, and Monday was our second and last day in Rome.

Our hotel, the Cosmopolita Hotel Rome, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Via di S. Eufemia, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Google Map Here), was in a good central location. We left our bags checked with them and headed out on Monday morning...

... within a half block, we came to Trajan's Column -- with the Altar of the Fatherland beyond it.

Trajan's column has a visual listing of all of his exploits, and it is located within (or beside?) the Imperial Forum.

Another shot of the Altar of the Fatherland.

I think this was Santa Maria di Loreto in the square in front of the Altar of the Fatherland.

More of the Imperial Forum.

As Carl said, "There are ruins and historic sites **everywhere**!!!"

Trajan's Market within the Imperial Forum

Forum of the Peace

The Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

Selfie with the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

Stealing a kiss at the Colosseum

Another view of the Colosseum

We stopped for croissants at a restaurant with sidewalk seating across the street from the Colosseum.

Along Via Sacra

Another view of the Arch of Constantine and the Colosseum

We walked to the Circus Maximus

They were prepared for Race for the Cure next Sunday

We decided to head back to St Peter's Basilica... yes, we were nearby it on Sunday, but thought the crowds were too large and we were too tired to try to see it then.

As we got near, we stopped for panini (sandwiches) and...

... dark chocolate gelato

I think he is enjoying it!

That looks like one satisfied man!

St Peter's square

In front of St Peter's Basilica

Fountain in St Peter's Square

I couldn't find a description associated with the statue but this looked like a statue to refugees in St Peter's Square -- when I looked online, I found that is indeed what it is - installed in 2019, "Angels Unawares" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_Unawares).

My dear Carl, willing to wait in another 1+hour long line, this time to enter St Peter's Basilica. He mentioned to me that he hasn't noticed people lining up for an hour to go into a Baptist church...

Looking out from St Peter's Basilica across the square

Inside the Basilica - wow! According to what I've read, "the largest church in the world by interior measure".

One of the ceilings

This was the main reason I wanted to go in, to see La Pieta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piet%C3%A0_(Michelangelo))

The central altar

The large central dome

The apse (the top of the cruciform shape of the basilica, beyond the high altar) with the Chair of St Peter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chair_of_Saint_Peter)

Beautiful stained glass dove above the apse

One of the organs

I think this was the left narthex (left arm of the cruciform shape).

I am constantly amazed how the artists can may marble look like cloth.

The steps down to the crypt in front of the main altar

Information sign at the steps

The confession of Peter

We didn't take pictures in the crypt, but it was surprising how much there was under the basilica in the crypt. Many popes are interred in the crypt.

It was raining pretty steadily by the time we left the basilica in the afternoon. We walked back to our hotel where we had left our luggage, stopping along the way for some snacks for the evening at a small grocery. When we got back to the hotel, we collected our luggage, and they called a car to transport us to the Hilton Garden Inn near the Rome Airport. The taxi taking us to the airport gave credence to every story you may have heard of wild drivers in Rome -- up to 60MPH on cobbled wet city streets with many other vehicles and pedestrians all around. Our flight on Tuesday was scheduled for 11am, and we had decided to stay near the airport so there would be no issue with getting to our flight.

What a wonderful two days in Rome we had!