Rome: Photographic journey to the capital

For some time we have been thinking of organizing a trip to the capital, so taking advantage of an available weekend we have left. From Lamezia Terme, there are no low-cost airlines to Rome. The train, you know how to make a last-minute reservation costs a lot, so this time we chose the bus to move us. We found a good offer with Flixbus for the outward journey and an offer from the La Valle Autolinee bus company for the return, spending € 40.00 per person.

We started from Cosenza in the early afternoon of Friday to arrive at the bus station of Roma Tiburtina in the evening. From the bus station we took the metro that took us to the Castro Pretorio station. At about 300 meters we had booked a room at the Sol Levante hotel. We purchased a 48-hour ticket for € 12.50 per person (automatic ticket machines are present in all stations) with which you can use the metro, tram or bus. There are different types of tickets, more information on the official website.

Discovering Rome.

After check-in at the hotel we went out to visit and take pictures of Rome at night. It was not the first time that we visited it so being passionate about night photography we went to the most beautiful places to take some pictures. So, from Castro Pretorio by metro we arrived at the Colosseum stop located just below the Colosseum. Obviously at that time the entrance was closed, but having already seen it on other occasions it was not of our interest to go and visit it. Instead, for those wishing to visit it on the official website there are timetables and costs. We went to the bridge that connects Fagutale street with Vittorino da Feltre street to take some pictures.

Imperial Forums.

Continuing along Imperial Forums  street we arrived to the Campidoglio. The view along this road is spectacular in fact you can admire the Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva and Trajan. If you have an adequate camera and a small tripod, you can take breathtaking photos.

Arriving near the Forum of Caesar, we climbed from San Pietro in Carcere street and arrived at Campidoglio square.

Here, we admired the majestic square, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, the Palazzo Nuovo, the Fontana della Dea Roma and the Palazzo Senatorio. The Palazzo dei Conservatori is the seat of the Capitoline Museums, information on timetables and costs on the official website. Continuing along Campidoglio street, behind Palazzo Senatorio for about 150 meters we arrived at a sort of panoramic terrace from where you can admire the most beautiful part of the Roman Forum. From this point it is possible to take beautiful photos and selfies especially in the evening / night, but I have also seen beautiful photos taken at dawn.

After this brief stop we returned to Campidoglio square and after passing the Capitoline cordon we arrived in front of the Vittoriano in Venezia square. After taking some photos, we resumed our walk and arrived at one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Rome: Piazza Navona. I tried to take some photos but as the time was not late in the square there were still many people so I didn’t find the ideal spot. From Piazza Navona we continued to the famous Trevi Fountain. After a brief stop we went to Piazza di Spagna where we took the metro back to Castro Pretorio.

Piramide and Garbatella.

On Saturday morning we started our tour by going to the Pyramid of Caius Cestius. It is the only pyramid-shaped funerary monument in Rome, built between 18 and 12 BC as a tomb for Caius Cestius Epulon a member of the Septemviri Epulones.

Later we went to the Garbatella district, Marilisa followed the Cesaroni and wanted to see the bar where the TV series was filmed …

From the Garbatella station we went to the Circo Massimo stop. We went first to the Church of San Gregorio al Celio and then to the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo and finally to the Arch of Constantine. Resumed then the metro at the Colosseum stop we went to the Tuscolana area for a brief visit to relatives.

Orange tree Garden.

In the afternoon from Numinio Quadrato always with the metro we headed to the Piramide station to then continue on foot to the Orange Garden. We had never been to this place, it is a rather hidden place located on the Aventine hill next to the Basilica of Santa Sabina. The name derives from the presence of many bitter orange trees that decorate the garden. There is also a panoramic terrace where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Rome. Admission is free.

After taking photographs we visited the Basilica of Santa Sabina. About 300 meters further on is the keyhole of the Villa del Priorato of Malta which has become an important tourist attraction. From this lock you can see the dome of Basilica di San Pietro. As you can see from the picture the line was endless.

We went to the Mouth of Truth, the ancient marble mask located in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, but even here the line was very long.

Gianicolo and Tiber Island.

Through bus 44 we went to the Gianicolo hill to admire the night view since in the meantime we had reached sunset. After a few photos from the Gianicolo terrace we headed towards the Tiber Island, the only urban island on the Tevere. The first section up to Piazza Della Rovere we made on foot the second stretch with the 280 bus which took us about 100 meters from the Cestio bridge, one of the two bridges that connects the Tiberina island with Trastevere. We took a quick tour of the island and crossed the Fabricio bridge (the second connecting bridge) to get to the other side of the Tevere.

Castel Sant’Angelo and piazza San Pietro.

Walking along the Tevere we arrived at Castel Sant’Angelo, another of the many monuments of Rome to photograph. Finally as the last stop of the day we visited San Pietro square and after taking some pictures we returned to the hotel.

San Pietro square and Angelus.

The next morning, Sunday, early we went to San Pietro Square to visit the Basilica. We arrived around 9.30am so there were still few people, in fact we lost about 5 minutes to perform security checks on metal detectors. To climb to the top of the dome, follow the signs in the Basilica and buy the ticket. Walking the 551 steps, the ticket costs € 8.00. Instead, with the ticket for € 10.00 you can go up to the terrace in the elevator, and then walk the remaining 320 steps. On the official website more information on visiting hours. We had already visited it so this time we did not go up, but we visited all the “visitable” inside the Basilica. Once we went outside, we awaited the celebration of the Angelus by Pope Francesco.

In the afternoon we spent it in the various shops between Tritone street and Condotti street. At sunset we went back to the keyhole, which was deserted at that time and we finally saw the view of the dome.

Finally we went to the Tiburtina bus station to return home.

Even if we had been to Rome several times, even for several days, it’s always nice to come back. Surely there are still many things to see, but time is our enemy so we’ll be back soon. High resolution photos are visible on my 500px profile.