2007 - Italy

2009-01-29T22:42:54Z

IT'S HARD TO IGNORE ITALY - During our recent explorations of Greece, Egypt, and Jordan, we often encountered the cultural remnants of the ancient Roman empire. Similarly today we see Italy ...

2009-01-29T22:41:24Z

1000places
IT'S HARD TO IGNORE ITALY - During our recent explorations of Greece, Egypt, and Jordan, we often encountered the cultural remnants of the ancient Roman empire. Similarly today we see Italy ...

AN INTRODUCTORY TOUR - We would visit the most common sights seen by the nearly 6 million tourists who travel to Italy each year. The first week would be coordinated by the GATE 1 travel ag ...

2009-01-29T11:22:05Z

1000places
AN INTRODUCTORY TOUR - We would visit the most common sights seen by the nearly 6 million tourists who travel to Italy each year. The first week would be coordinated by the GATE 1 travel ag ...

OUR EXCELLENT HOSTS - For the Gate 1 portion of our trip, we were accompanied by Salvatore, our bus driver, and Francesca, our tour coordinator. Nineteen years ago, Francesca had decided sh ...

2009-01-29T11:27:10Z

1000places
OUR EXCELLENT HOSTS - For the Gate 1 portion of our trip, we were accompanied by Salvatore, our bus driver, and Francesca, our tour coordinator. Nineteen years ago, Francesca had decided sh ...

ANCIENT ROME - Appropriately, we began our visit in Rome where the city itself began - in the heart of "Ancient Rome" - the Forum.

2009-01-29T22:41:33Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Appropriately, we began our visit in Rome where the city itself began - in the heart of "Ancient Rome" - the Forum.

ANCIENT ROME - For our first walk through the Forum (Jeanne and I would return several times later on our own), our group had a local guide, Christina, one of the best we had ever encountere ...

2009-01-29T22:43:43Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - For our first walk through the Forum (Jeanne and I would return several times later on our own), our group had a local guide, Christina, one of the best we had ever encountere ...

ANCIENT ROME - To reach the Forum, we passed first alongside a row of massive columns - the ruins of a temple perhaps, or a colonnaded street.

2009-01-24T10:04:15Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - To reach the Forum, we passed first alongside a row of massive columns - the ruins of a temple perhaps, or a colonnaded street.

ANCIENT ROME - Here 2000 years ago, the masses would flock to meet and discuss politics, or the latest military campaign, or the price of grain.

2009-01-29T22:41:21Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Here 2000 years ago, the masses would flock to meet and discuss politics, or the latest military campaign, or the price of grain.

ANCIENT ROME - Today only jumbled ruins remain scattered across five or so acres - fragments of once great temples and monuments.

2009-01-29T22:43:03Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Today only jumbled ruins remain scattered across five or so acres - fragments of once great temples and monuments.

ANCIENT ROME - We began at the Arch of Titus. The Romans weren't the first to build arches, but they made them famous and ubiquitous. This one commemorates the conquest of Jerusalem by the ...

2009-01-29T22:42:45Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We began at the Arch of Titus. The Romans weren't the first to build arches, but they made them famous and ubiquitous. This one commemorates the conquest of Jerusalem by the ...

ANCIENT ROME - One of the marble panels on the Arch of Titus depicts the Romans carrying off a menorah and other loot from Jerusalem. The treasure gave emperor Vespasian the resources to bu ...

2009-01-29T22:29:02Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - One of the marble panels on the Arch of Titus depicts the Romans carrying off a menorah and other loot from Jerusalem. The treasure gave emperor Vespasian the resources to bu ...

ANCIENT ROME - On into the Forum we walked, along the Via Sacra, the "sacred road," on the same paving stones once trod by the Caesars.

2009-01-29T22:43:23Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - On into the Forum we walked, along the Via Sacra, the "sacred road," on the same paving stones once trod by the Caesars.

ANCIENT ROME - We passed this round, little temple. It is known as the Temple of Romulus - but this was not the Romulus who co-founded Rome. The "Romulus," in this case, was the young son ...

2009-01-29T11:25:57Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We passed this round, little temple. It is known as the Temple of Romulus - but this was not the Romulus who co-founded Rome. The "Romulus," in this case, was the young son ...

ANCIENT ROME - Dominating this portion of the Forum is the Temple of Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161) and his beloved wife Faustina. The 50-foot tall Corinthian columns mark the portico ...

2009-01-29T22:41:04Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Dominating this portion of the Forum is the Temple of Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161) and his beloved wife Faustina. The 50-foot tall Corinthian columns mark the portico ...

ANCIENT ROME - The remains of the Temple of Vesta: this was Rome's most sacred spot. Inside a fire burned, tended by priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins. If the fire went out, so the ...

2009-01-29T22:41:00Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The remains of the Temple of Vesta: this was Rome's most sacred spot. Inside a fire burned, tended by priestesses known as the Vestal Virgins. If the fire went out, so the ...

ANCIENT ROME - The Forum from behind the Temple of the Vesta. The Temple's internal cella was surrounded by 20 Corinthian columns built on a podium. Another round outer wall went along the ...

2009-01-29T22:42:53Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The Forum from behind the Temple of the Vesta. The Temple's internal cella was surrounded by 20 Corinthian columns built on a podium. Another round outer wall went along the ...

ANCIENT ROME - Speaking of fires, in 44 BC there was a big one at this spot. Here is where Julius Caesar was cremated, following his stabbing in the Senate by Brutus, et. al. Mourners, we ...

2009-01-29T22:43:50Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Speaking of fires, in 44 BC there was a big one at this spot. Here is where Julius Caesar was cremated, following his stabbing in the Senate by Brutus, et. al. Mourners, we ...

ANCIENT ROME - Today inside the ruins, there is a mound of dirt where presumably Caesar's body lay. Fresh flowers had been laid on top of it.

2009-01-29T22:43:12Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Today inside the ruins, there is a mound of dirt where presumably Caesar's body lay. Fresh flowers had been laid on top of it.

ANCIENT ROME - We continued our walk down the Via Sacra to this rather austere brick building. Architectually challenged, perhaps, but this was the most important political building in the ...

2009-01-29T22:43:24Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We continued our walk down the Via Sacra to this rather austere brick building. Architectually challenged, perhaps, but this was the most important political building in the ...

ANCIENT ROME - While the present Curia dates from AD 283, this was the site of Rome's official center of government from the birth of the republic (in 509 BC).

2009-01-29T22:41:40Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - While the present Curia dates from AD 283, this was the site of Rome's official center of government from the birth of the republic (in 509 BC).

ANCIENT ROME - Here, inside the Curia, 300 senators elected by the citizens of Rome, would meet to debate and create the laws of the land. Once there would have been three tiers of wooden s ...

2009-01-29T22:43:26Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Here, inside the Curia, 300 senators elected by the citizens of Rome, would meet to debate and create the laws of the land. Once there would have been three tiers of wooden s ...

ANCIENT ROME - Another of the grand arches that remain in the Forum (there are three). This one - the Arch of Septimius Severus - commemorates the African-born emperor's battles in Mesopota ...

2009-01-29T22:40:38Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Another of the grand arches that remain in the Forum (there are three). This one - the Arch of Septimius Severus - commemorates the African-born emperor's battles in Mesopota ...

ANCIENT ROME - Nonetheless, a carved relief on the Arch of Septimius Severus depicts soldiers marching captured barbarians back to Rome for a triumphal parade. But it wouldn't be long befor ...

2009-01-29T22:37:43Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Nonetheless, a carved relief on the Arch of Septimius Severus depicts soldiers marching captured barbarians back to Rome for a triumphal parade. But it wouldn't be long befor ...

ANCIENT ROME - Once a great column, perhaps part of a temple or political building, stood atop this intricately carved base dedicated by the Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD

2009-01-29T22:42:08Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Once a great column, perhaps part of a temple or political building, stood atop this intricately carved base dedicated by the Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD

ANCIENT ROME - Often overlooked by many who walk through the Forum, this squat, unassuming brick structure was the symbol of Roman freedom. This was the Rostrum (Rostra in Latin), the "Spea ...

2009-01-29T11:24:52Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Often overlooked by many who walk through the Forum, this squat, unassuming brick structure was the symbol of Roman freedom. This was the Rostrum (Rostra in Latin), the "Spea ...

ANCIENT ROME - The Temple of Saturn: these columns once framed the entrance to the Forum's oldest temple (497 BC). Inside, the story is told, was a wooden statue of the god Saturn, old and ...

2009-01-29T22:39:32Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The Temple of Saturn: these columns once framed the entrance to the Forum's oldest temple (497 BC). Inside, the story is told, was a wooden statue of the god Saturn, old and ...

ANCIENT ROME - Another view of the Temple of Saturn. Because of the link of Saturn with agriculture, the original source of Rome's wealth, the temple was the repository for the State treasu ...

2009-01-29T22:17:21Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Another view of the Temple of Saturn. Because of the link of Saturn with agriculture, the original source of Rome's wealth, the temple was the repository for the State treasu ...

A STUDY IN CONTRASTS - Jeanne and I returned to the Forum three times during our explorations of Rome. On our final day, we were struck by this contrast: near the south entrance to the For ...

2009-01-29T22:44:22Z

1000places
A STUDY IN CONTRASTS - Jeanne and I returned to the Forum three times during our explorations of Rome. On our final day, we were struck by this contrast: near the south entrance to the For ...

A STUDY IN CONTRASTS ....while at the far north end of the Forum stood this small, isolated column. This is the Column of Phocas - the Forum's last monument. Erected in AD 508, it was a "g ...

2009-01-29T22:41:31Z

1000places
A STUDY IN CONTRASTS ....while at the far north end of the Forum stood this small, isolated column. This is the Column of Phocas - the Forum's last monument. Erected in AD 508, it was a "g ...

ANCIENT ROME - Ultimately, the 1,000-year reign of the Roman republic/empire would come to an end at the hands of the Vandals and the Visigoths. And the once grand city center - the Forum - ...

2009-01-29T22:24:29Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Ultimately, the 1,000-year reign of the Roman republic/empire would come to an end at the hands of the Vandals and the Visigoths. And the once grand city center - the Forum - ...

ANCIENT ROME - On our third and final visit to the Roman Forum, we paused on our walk up one of the surrounding hillsides (one of Rome's famous 7 hills) for a self-portrait.

2009-01-29T22:44:19Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - On our third and final visit to the Roman Forum, we paused on our walk up one of the surrounding hillsides (one of Rome's famous 7 hills) for a self-portrait.

ANCIENT ROME - We also met this nice couple on our way out of the Forum. They were determined to use a photo of themselves in Rome for this year's Christmas cards, so we offered to help the ...

2009-01-29T22:18:55Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We also met this nice couple on our way out of the Forum. They were determined to use a photo of themselves in Rome for this year's Christmas cards, so we offered to help the ...

ANCIENT ROME - Fragments of the Forum remain scattered throughout - tantalizing evidence of what once was. Here Jeanne shot a photo of me looking for a better camera angle in the midst of t ...

2009-01-28T21:02:24Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Fragments of the Forum remain scattered throughout - tantalizing evidence of what once was. Here Jeanne shot a photo of me looking for a better camera angle in the midst of t ...

ANCIENT ROME - The largest of the three triumphal arches to survive in the Forum is the Arch of Constantine. It was erected in AD 315. Constantine only enjoyed his arch for 10 years; in AD ...

2009-01-29T13:54:12Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The largest of the three triumphal arches to survive in the Forum is the Arch of Constantine. It was erected in AD 315. Constantine only enjoyed his arch for 10 years; in AD ...

ANCIENT ROME - Here is where the Roman arch reached its zenith - the Colosseum, without question, the most magnificent of Rome's ancient structures.

2009-01-29T13:54:25Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Here is where the Roman arch reached its zenith - the Colosseum, without question, the most magnificent of Rome's ancient structures.

ANCIENT ROME - There are 240 arches in the Colosseum, the lower 80 of them used to funnel 50,000 spectators to their seats in as little as 15 minutes.

2009-01-29T13:52:54Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - There are 240 arches in the Colosseum, the lower 80 of them used to funnel 50,000 spectators to their seats in as little as 15 minutes.

ANCIENT ROME - Over some of the Colosseum's portals, the gate numbers could still be seen.

2009-01-29T13:51:38Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Over some of the Colosseum's portals, the gate numbers could still be seen.

ANCIENT ROME - Construction of the Colosseum was begun by the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and completed seven years later by his son. It was built over the former palatial estate of the depo ...

2009-01-29T13:55:51Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Construction of the Colosseum was begun by the Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and completed seven years later by his son. It was built over the former palatial estate of the depo ...

ANCIENT ROME - Thanks to our tour guides - Christina (here) and Francesca - we were able to enter through a special group-only gate, bypassing hundreds of tourists waiting in line to enter.

2009-01-29T13:57:00Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Thanks to our tour guides - Christina (here) and Francesca - we were able to enter through a special group-only gate, bypassing hundreds of tourists waiting in line to enter.

ANCIENT ROME - Today, the Colosseum is little more than a shell, parts of the building - including the marble facade - were used for the construction of later monuments, including St. Peter' ...

2009-01-29T13:54:00Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Today, the Colosseum is little more than a shell, parts of the building - including the marble facade - were used for the construction of later monuments, including St. Peter' ...

ANCIENT ROME - Certainly the Colosseum deserves to be on any "Wonders of the World" list - if for no other reason that it is still standing after virtually all the marble facing and iron bar ...

2009-01-29T13:55:29Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Certainly the Colosseum deserves to be on any "Wonders of the World" list - if for no other reason that it is still standing after virtually all the marble facing and iron bar ...

ANCIENT ROME - Then again, when we came upon one of the ancient Corinthian capitals that once capped one of the arena's giant columns, we got a better sense of the Colosseum's true scale.

2009-01-29T13:55:57Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Then again, when we came upon one of the ancient Corinthian capitals that once capped one of the arena's giant columns, we got a better sense of the Colosseum's true scale.

ANCIENT ROME - We couldn't leave the Colosseum without the requisite photos of ourselves with the stadium as a backdrop.

2009-01-29T13:56:14Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We couldn't leave the Colosseum without the requisite photos of ourselves with the stadium as a backdrop.

ANCIENT ROME - Jeanne's photo of me inside the Colosseum....

2009-01-28T21:05:27Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Jeanne's photo of me inside the Colosseum....

ANCIENT ROME - ...and one of both of us.

2009-01-29T09:35:55Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - ...and one of both of us.

ANCIENT ROME - One last photograph of Jeanne outside the walls of the Colosseum.

2009-01-29T13:55:40Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - One last photograph of Jeanne outside the walls of the Colosseum.

ANCIENT ROME - We found another remnant of ancient Rome just outside the Colosseum - one of the 11 aqueducts that once carried water into the city.

2009-01-29T22:42:59Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - We found another remnant of ancient Rome just outside the Colosseum - one of the 11 aqueducts that once carried water into the city.

ANCIENT ROME - A short distance away from the Colosseum, we came upon this very similar structure. Perhaps a Colosseum in miniature? Actually, it predates the Colosseum by nearly a century ...

2009-01-29T13:54:34Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - A short distance away from the Colosseum, we came upon this very similar structure. Perhaps a Colosseum in miniature? Actually, it predates the Colosseum by nearly a century ...

ANCIENT ROME - The Theater of Marcellus was located on a site that had been used since 179 BC for dramatic productions in front of a temple of Apollo - the remains of which can still be seen ...

2009-01-29T13:49:51Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The Theater of Marcellus was located on a site that had been used since 179 BC for dramatic productions in front of a temple of Apollo - the remains of which can still be seen ...

ANCIENT ROME - For many visitors, "ancient Rome" is the Forum and Colosseum. But there are other monuments throughout the city. The tall column near this church is Trajan's Column, erected ...

2009-01-29T13:51:18Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - For many visitors, "ancient Rome" is the Forum and Colosseum. But there are other monuments throughout the city. The tall column near this church is Trajan's Column, erected ...

ANCIENT ROME - At the top of Trajan's Column was originally an eagle but after the Emperor's death, it was replaced by a 20-foot tall statue of Trajan himself. His ashes and later those of ...

2009-01-29T22:43:57Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - At the top of Trajan's Column was originally an eagle but after the Emperor's death, it was replaced by a 20-foot tall statue of Trajan himself. His ashes and later those of ...

ANCIENT ROME - Trajan expanded Rome's commercial forums, building his own around AD 100.

2009-01-29T22:38:56Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Trajan expanded Rome's commercial forums, building his own around AD 100.

ANCIENT ROME - But unlike his predecessors whose marketplaces were comprised of small, individual shops, Emperor Trajan has his architect design the world's first shopping mall. Historians ...

2009-01-29T13:52:31Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - But unlike his predecessors whose marketplaces were comprised of small, individual shops, Emperor Trajan has his architect design the world's first shopping mall. Historians ...

ANCIENT ROME - Each Sunday, the Via Dei Fort Imperali - the wide street in front of Trajan's market - is closed to traffic, providing for a pleasant stroll to the Colosseum.

2009-01-29T22:41:18Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Each Sunday, the Via Dei Fort Imperali - the wide street in front of Trajan's market - is closed to traffic, providing for a pleasant stroll to the Colosseum.

ANCIENT ROME - The true center of ancient Rome was neither the Forum nor the Colosseum. It was this spacious expanse of green between Romulus' Palatine Hill and Remus' Aventine Hill. Lege ...

2009-01-29T22:43:46Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The true center of ancient Rome was neither the Forum nor the Colosseum. It was this spacious expanse of green between Romulus' Palatine Hill and Remus' Aventine Hill. Lege ...

ANCIENT ROME - Today joggers exercise where chariots once careened around an oval racetrack, now as then against a backdrop of the grand palaces of the Caesars.

2009-01-29T22:40:41Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Today joggers exercise where chariots once careened around an oval racetrack, now as then against a backdrop of the grand palaces of the Caesars.

ANCIENT ROME - These were perhaps the world's first "skyboxes" - the imperial palaces of ancient Rome where the Caesars could watch the chariot races from the comfort of their living rooms.

2009-01-29T22:40:07Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - These were perhaps the world's first "skyboxes" - the imperial palaces of ancient Rome where the Caesars could watch the chariot races from the comfort of their living rooms.

ANCIENT ROME - Another view of the imperial palaces on Palatine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus.

2009-01-29T22:41:43Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Another view of the imperial palaces on Palatine Hill overlooking the Circus Maximus.

ANCIENT ROME - The foundation and storerooms of the emperors' palaces on the opposite side of Palatine Hill.

2009-01-29T22:41:18Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The foundation and storerooms of the emperors' palaces on the opposite side of Palatine Hill.

ANCIENT ROME - Perhaps second only to the Colosseum, this is the grandest monument of the Roman Empire still standing today - the Pantheon. It is certainly the best preserved.

2009-01-29T13:47:42Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Perhaps second only to the Colosseum, this is the grandest monument of the Roman Empire still standing today - the Pantheon. It is certainly the best preserved.

ANCIENT ROME - Originally, the Pantheon was a small temple dedicated to all Roman gods. It was first built between 27 and 25 BC by Marcus Agrippa, Emperor Augustus's friend and general. Wh ...

2009-01-28T15:19:45Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Originally, the Pantheon was a small temple dedicated to all Roman gods. It was first built between 27 and 25 BC by Marcus Agrippa, Emperor Augustus's friend and general. Wh ...

ANCIENT ROME - The building's dome, more than 140 feet high, with its oculus, is its most impressive feature. It was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was ...

2009-01-29T13:58:11Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The building's dome, more than 140 feet high, with its oculus, is its most impressive feature. It was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was ...

ANCIENT ROME - The Pantheon is still an active church, its interior astonishingly ornate.

2009-01-29T13:58:55Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The Pantheon is still an active church, its interior astonishingly ornate.

ANCIENT ROME - The Pantheon also contains the burial vaults of such Roman luminaries as the artist Raphael (shown here) and Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy.

2009-01-29T13:44:42Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - The Pantheon also contains the burial vaults of such Roman luminaries as the artist Raphael (shown here) and Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a unified Italy.

ANCIENT ROME - During one of our free days in Rome, we came across this circular ruin near the Tiber River. Almost obscured by vines and brush -- and blocked by an excavation/construction s ...

2009-01-28T14:50:48Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - During one of our free days in Rome, we came across this circular ruin near the Tiber River. Almost obscured by vines and brush -- and blocked by an excavation/construction s ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - We had one other "must see" place on our list of ancient Roman wonders - Hadrian's Villa, located some 30 miles east of Rome near the ancient city of Tivoli.

2009-01-29T13:47:35Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - We had one other "must see" place on our list of ancient Roman wonders - Hadrian's Villa, located some 30 miles east of Rome near the ancient city of Tivoli.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Here, between AD 118 and 134, Emperor Hadrian built a 300-acre retreat to escape the Palentine palace he reputedly hated. Archaeologists believe that the Emperor's private ...

2009-01-29T13:46:09Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Here, between AD 118 and 134, Emperor Hadrian built a 300-acre retreat to escape the Palentine palace he reputedly hated. Archaeologists believe that the Emperor's private ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - We had signed on with a local tour company for the half-day visit to Hadrian's Villa. Led by our guide Domenic, we headed to the ruins just as the early morning sun was be ...

2009-01-29T13:44:52Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - We had signed on with a local tour company for the half-day visit to Hadrian's Villa. Led by our guide Domenic, we headed to the ruins just as the early morning sun was be ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Along the trail up to Hadrian's Villa, we passed some of the fall beauty of the hillsides outside of Rome.

2009-01-27T02:58:23Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Along the trail up to Hadrian's Villa, we passed some of the fall beauty of the hillsides outside of Rome.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Amidst the ruins of Hadrian's Villa is this Olympic-size swimming pool which was probably twice as deep as it currently is during the Emperor's time.

2009-01-29T13:50:19Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Amidst the ruins of Hadrian's Villa is this Olympic-size swimming pool which was probably twice as deep as it currently is during the Emperor's time.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Domes and barrel vaults were used extensively throughout the complex. Here the domes of the steam baths have circular holes on the apex to allow steam to escape. The dome ...

2009-01-29T13:49:08Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Domes and barrel vaults were used extensively throughout the complex. Here the domes of the steam baths have circular holes on the apex to allow steam to escape. The dome ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - In the 16th century Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este had much of the marble and statues in Hadrian's villa removed to decorate his own Villa d'Este located nearby. He apparentl ...

2009-01-29T13:46:30Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - In the 16th century Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este had much of the marble and statues in Hadrian's villa removed to decorate his own Villa d'Este located nearby. He apparentl ...

ANCIENT ROME - Another of the few remaining statues that were not removed from Hadrian's Villa.

2009-01-28T21:06:46Z

1000places
ANCIENT ROME - Another of the few remaining statues that were not removed from Hadrian's Villa.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Jeanne took this photo of one of the statues that still stands guard - although headlessly - around the garden pool at Hadrian's Villa. (Apparently Jeanne was focusing her ...

2009-01-28T21:06:03Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Jeanne took this photo of one of the statues that still stands guard - although headlessly - around the garden pool at Hadrian's Villa. (Apparently Jeanne was focusing her ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Hadrian's villa was a complex of over 30 buildings, many of which are still unexcavated. The site included palaces, a theater, temples, libraries, state rooms and quarters ...

2009-01-29T13:45:49Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Hadrian's villa was a complex of over 30 buildings, many of which are still unexcavated. The site included palaces, a theater, temples, libraries, state rooms and quarters ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - To serve the Emperor, Hadrian's Villa employed a "staff" of 20,000 or so. These ruins were probably a portion of the staff (or slave) quarters and storehouses.

2009-01-29T11:23:44Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - To serve the Emperor, Hadrian's Villa employed a "staff" of 20,000 or so. These ruins were probably a portion of the staff (or slave) quarters and storehouses.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - The Villa shows echoes of many different architectural orders, mostly Greek and Egyptian. Hadrian, perhaps the most well traveled of all the Roman emperors, borrowed these ...

2009-01-29T13:46:57Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - The Villa shows echoes of many different architectural orders, mostly Greek and Egyptian. Hadrian, perhaps the most well traveled of all the Roman emperors, borrowed these ...

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Jeanne discusses some of the architectural fine points with our local guide Domenic....

2009-01-29T13:47:46Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Jeanne discusses some of the architectural fine points with our local guide Domenic....

HADRIAN'S VILLA - ...such as the intricate patterns of brickwork that the Romans used in constructing the buildings, which they often would subsequently cover with marble.

2009-01-29T13:49:25Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - ...such as the intricate patterns of brickwork that the Romans used in constructing the buildings, which they often would subsequently cover with marble.

1000places' photo

2009-01-28T21:04:04Z

1000places

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Still visible in some of the buildings are the beautiful mosaic floors on which Hadrian once walked.

2009-01-29T13:46:21Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Still visible in some of the buildings are the beautiful mosaic floors on which Hadrian once walked.

HADRIAN'S VILLA - Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural and archaeological site. The Academy of the villa was placed on the 100 Most Endangered Sites 2006 li ...

2009-01-29T13:49:53Z

1000places
HADRIAN'S VILLA - Hadrian's Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural and archaeological site. The Academy of the villa was placed on the 100 Most Endangered Sites 2006 li ...

THE VATICAN - From "ancient Rome," we would move on to "religious Rome," signified most strikingly by St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (yes, I know that Vatican City is an independent sta ...

2009-01-29T13:58:29Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - From "ancient Rome," we would move on to "religious Rome," signified most strikingly by St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican (yes, I know that Vatican City is an independent sta ...

THE VATICAN - Jeanne in the Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square), perhaps the most famous of Rome’s many piazzas.

2009-01-29T14:01:36Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - Jeanne in the Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter’s Square), perhaps the most famous of Rome’s many piazzas.

THE VATICAN - Without question, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the world's great buildings. Until 1989, it was the largest church ever built (it has a capacity of over 60,000). It stands on ...

2009-01-29T13:50:35Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - Without question, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the world's great buildings. Until 1989, it was the largest church ever built (it has a capacity of over 60,000). It stands on ...

THE VATICAN - The Italian architect Donato Bramante was responsible for the immense central body of St. Peter's in the form of a Greek cross, but it was Michelangelo who designed the enormou ...

2009-01-29T11:15:17Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - The Italian architect Donato Bramante was responsible for the immense central body of St. Peter's in the form of a Greek cross, but it was Michelangelo who designed the enormou ...

THE VATICAN - Michelangelo also designed the uniforms for the 90-member Swiss Guard, recruited from Switzerland’s four Catholic cantons, that serve in the Vatican to protect the Pope. Man ...

2009-01-29T13:52:54Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - Michelangelo also designed the uniforms for the 90-member Swiss Guard, recruited from Switzerland’s four Catholic cantons, that serve in the Vatican to protect the Pope. Man ...

1000places' photo

2009-01-29T13:58:19Z

1000places

THE VATICAN - The giant red granite obelisk in the center of St. Peter's Square was removed from Heliopolis in Egypt by Caligula in 37 or 36 AD, and moved into the piazza in 1586 on orders o ...

2009-01-29T13:58:24Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - The giant red granite obelisk in the center of St. Peter's Square was removed from Heliopolis in Egypt by Caligula in 37 or 36 AD, and moved into the piazza in 1586 on orders o ...

THE VATICAN - A long line of people wind around the perimeter of St. Peter's Square waiting their turn to enter the Basilica. The piazza's colonnade was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to ...

2009-01-29T14:02:59Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - A long line of people wind around the perimeter of St. Peter's Square waiting their turn to enter the Basilica. The piazza's colonnade was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to ...

VATICAN CITY - A panoramic view of St. Peter's Square.

2009-01-24T10:18:35Z

1000places
VATICAN CITY - A panoramic view of St. Peter's Square.

THE VATICAN - One of the twin fountains designed by Bernini in St. Peter's Square. Gian Lorenzo Bernini had been put in charge of all the ongoing architectural works at St Peter's by Pope U ...

2009-01-29T13:57:29Z

1000places
THE VATICAN - One of the twin fountains designed by Bernini in St. Peter's Square. Gian Lorenzo Bernini had been put in charge of all the ongoing architectural works at St Peter's by Pope U ...

VATICAN CITY - We would have thought nuns would have a special "in" and wouldn't have to wait with the masses to enter St. Peter's Basilica. Seeing them standing patiently in the sinking su ...

2009-01-29T13:52:26Z

1000places
VATICAN CITY - We would have thought nuns would have a special "in" and wouldn't have to wait with the masses to enter St. Peter's Basilica. Seeing them standing patiently in the sinking su ...

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - It was 7:30 am when we arrived at the Vatican Museums . We would have to wait 30 minutes before the doors opened, but our early arrival ensured that we would be the fi ...

2009-01-29T13:54:14Z

1000places
THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - It was 7:30 am when we arrived at the Vatican Museums . We would have to wait 30 minutes before the doors opened, but our early arrival ensured that we would be the fi ...

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - Our wait was short compared to the hundreds of individual visitors that were already in line around the corner. Without an "official" tour group, they would have to wa ...

2009-01-29T13:56:20Z

1000places
THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - Our wait was short compared to the hundreds of individual visitors that were already in line around the corner. Without an "official" tour group, they would have to wa ...

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - Again our guide for the morning tour of the Vatican Museums was Christina - still as knowledgeable and witty as the day before.

2009-01-29T13:53:02Z

1000places
THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - Again our guide for the morning tour of the Vatican Museums was Christina - still as knowledgeable and witty as the day before.

THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - The museum galleries are the Vatican at its most overwhelming - every room itself an exhibit. The ceilings, in particular, were stunning.

2009-01-29T13:56:56Z

1000places
THE VATICAN MUSEUMS - The museum galleries are the Vatican at its most overwhelming - every room itself an exhibit. The ceilings, in particular, were stunning.

VATICAN MUSEUMS - The Vatican Museums originated as a group of sculptures collected by Pope Julius II (1503-1513). Today the Museum houses classical sculptures from virtually every corner a ...

2009-01-29T13:56:21Z

1000places
VATICAN MUSEUMS - The Vatican Museums originated as a group of sculptures collected by Pope Julius II (1503-1513). Today the Museum houses classical sculptures from virtually every corner a ...

VATICAN MUSEUMS - The Gallery of the Candelabra was the first room that we walked through. This room contains classical roman sculpture which dates from the 3rd century B.C. to the 3rd cent ...

2009-01-29T13:56:29Z

1000places
VATICAN MUSEUMS - The Gallery of the Candelabra was the first room that we walked through. This room contains classical roman sculpture which dates from the 3rd century B.C. to the 3rd cent ...

VATICAN MUSEUMS - Some of the sculptures displayed some "interesting" artistic features....

2009-01-29T13:56:30Z

1000places
VATICAN MUSEUMS - Some of the sculptures displayed some "interesting" artistic features....