Rome Certainly Wasn't Built in a Day!

Today is such a beautiful day and we started off by visiting the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggione. It's the fourth largest church in Rome and the largest dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and apart from some decoration, is the only basilica which still retains it's original shape and character. The Romanesque campanile (bell-tower) is also the tallest in Rome.

The second grand sight was the Colosseo (colosseum). We decided not to pay the 10 euros to go inside and settled for a walk around the exterior instead taking pictures from every conceivable angle. As we walked further through the ruins of ancient Rome I was amazed at the amount of beautiful buildings I could see in the distance around me. Rome has so much to see and do. Ancient ruin after ruin. Church after church. Piazza after Piazza. Each deserving at least an hour or so of your attention. We have been sneakily following tours so that we can get explanations and fascinating stories about what we're looking at.

Sitting among the ruins of the great forum, not too far from Ceaser's final resting place, I look around thinking about what it must have looked like in perfect condition. I try and fit all the pieces together in my head and imagine how it would have functioned over 1900 years ago.

Sun is blazing and need more water.

No other city have I ever walked through so many different periods of architecture. After visiting the ancient ruins we were immediately drawn to the Piazza Venezia - a grand renaissance period building that has been built high up to offer incredible views of Rome. Security within this piazza is very strict as somebody has just been whistled at for sitting on the stairs leading up to the building. Ali just got told off by a guard for getting too close to the monument. I'm going to leave her now.

Just been bitten on the nipple by some horrible insect.

Never seen so many columns in my life.

Lost Ali again. Must remember to buy a leash.