CJ Goes to Rome - Day 1
Here in Malta, we have here the so called “shutdown period” during December where in companies or any establishments temporarily shutdown their operations to celebrate Christmas and New Year. It normally lasts for one week beginning 25th December until 1st January and employees are forced to take their leave during this period.
OFWs normally take this as an opportunity to travel outside Malta since we don’t have our family here to spend holidays with. As for my case, I decided to go to Rome. Why Rome? It just so happened that the cheapest international flight I found is a flight to/from Rome. I was supposed to go with my flatmate but unfortunately, something happened and she couldn’t come with me. =(
I went to Rome last 26 December 2015. Italy is the first country I’ve visited from Malta and is also my very first solo travel abroad. My flight to Rome is via Ryan Air, a budget airline here in Malta. I stayed at a budget hotel called “Hotel Gordon” near Central Terminal. Cost per night is around €30. The place is pretty decent and the bed is comfortable.
The Pantheon
My first stop in Rome is the Pantheon. The Pantheon we see now is not the original Pantheon, but is the 3rd temple. The first Pantheon was built by Agrippa between 27-25 AD, but unfortunately it was destroyed by a fire in 80 AD. The second Pantheon was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, but it too was destroyed in year 110 AD when it is said it was struck by lightning and burned down. The final and the present Pantheon was entirely rebuilt in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian. The inscription in front of the building means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time”. In honor of its original builder Agrippa, Emperor Hadrian did not take credit for it by inscribing its own name on the building.
Piazza della Rotonda. Infront of Pantheon.
The Pantheon is considered to be the most preserved ancient monument to be in continuous use throughout its history since 127 AD.
Pantheon formerly functioned as a temple to all Roman Gods. It is converted into a church in around 7th century.
The church became the final resting place for several Italian kings including King Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and the artist Raphael who was buried here together with his fiancée.
Details inside the dome.
At the highest central point of the dome is an oculus, a circular opening, which serves as a source of light inside the dome.
After spending an ample amount of time in Pantheon, I went to my second destination, Victor Emmanuel Monument.
Victor Emmanuel Monument - the largest monument in Rome.
Inside the Victor Emmanuel Monument is the museum of Italian Unification.
Hello Rome! View on top of the Victor Emmanuel Monument.
Roman structures on my way to Colosseo.
Whats nice about Rome is that the major landmarks are just a short walking distance from one place to another.
The colosseo! I’M IN AWE!!!
I literally dropped my mouth wide open as soon as I saw the Colosseo from a far. I can still remember that I nearly cry as I go near this grand structure. It is truly a sight to behold!
The Colosseo is now a major tourist attraction in Rome with thousands of tourists each year paying to view the interior arena. It is the most recognizable and iconic monument of Rome.
This grand stadium was constructed by the Flavian emperors, which is why it is also known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”.
As I queue to go inside Colosseo, I heard one tourist guide said “As long as the Colosseo stands, Rome shall stand”. Fascinating!
The Colosseo was used for bull fights, gladiator fights, chariot races, official events and various public forms of entertainment. It can hold in an estimate of between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. Today the amphitheater is still the largest in the world.
Palatine Stadium
Just across the Colosseo is the entrance to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum. The ticket to go inside Colosseo can also be used as an admission ticket to Palatine Hill and Roman Forum if used within 2 consecutive days. I wasn’t initially planning to visit Palatine Hill and Roman Forum but since its admission ticket is inclusive with Colosseo, I decided to give these attractions a try.
The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the famous seven hills of Rome. You can see a great view of the city on top of it.
This is my last stop for day 1. Hopefully you enjoyed it. See you in my next post!
