Italy
Rome’s largest and most famous fountain, Trevi Fountain, was completed in 1762. The center figure is Neptune and he his flanked by two Tritons. The fountain is massive and very beautiful. It serves as a central meeting place in the center of Rome.
The Colosseum, Rome's greatest amphitheater was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD. Deadly gladiator combats and wild animal fights were staged by emperors and wealthy citizens. The Colosseum could hold up to 55,000 people, who were seated by rank.
Inside the Colosseum.
The Vatican, although located in Rome, is a separate country unto itself (actually a sovereign state) with its own postal system, money, police, etc. We visited the amazing Basilica of St Peter’s within the Vatican walls. The dome of St. Peter’s is 448 feet high and was designed by Michelangelo. The whole church is 610 feet long, the largest in the world and includes the crypt where St. Peter is buried. The Pope’s apartment is attached to the church and can be accessed directly through his private elevator. As our luck would have it, we had another bit of misfortune at the Vatican. We arrived too late and the wait to get into the Sistine Chapel was more than three hours. As it was we just didn’t have enough time to explore all that the city had to offer, three hours in line did not figure into our plans.
The Pope's apartment.
The Pope's private elevator from his apartment into St. Peter's chapel.