Rome Sightseeing--Day 1

This was my fifth trip to Rome so I had already seen the major tourist sites. This time, I just wanted to walk the neighborhoods. I planned my eating spots then went sightseeing along the way.

After Campo de' Fiori, we walked to the Piazza Farnese. The Farnese was a nouveau riche family who hired Michelangelo to help them make a statement with their palace. The French Embassy now occupies the palace. The fountains in the piazza are made of stone baths from the ancient Baths of Caracalla.

What I love about Rome is the beautiful architecture around every corner. This arch was near the Piazza Farnese. 

We came across the Fontana del Mascherone (Big Mask Fountain). The fountain was designed in 1626 and was built into a wall of the Farnese Palace. The story goes that the fountain used to spout wine, a gift from the Farnese family during festival days.

Next stop was the Teatro di Marcello, which predates and inspired the design of the Colosseum. It was one of 3 major theaters in ancient times and could hold 10,000 spectators.

Tempio di Portuno is a well preserved Roman temple in a nondescript field surrounded only by a fence. You can walk around the temple but couldn't go inside unless you have prior arrangements.

Nearby is the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. You can see the Bocca della Verita through the gate or wait in a long line to put your hand in the opening. If you're not telling the truth, your hand will be gobbled up.

The Circus Maximus is an oblong track where charioteers once raced. It could seat 250,000 spectators. It was used from 300BC until 549AD and then again for a Rolling Stones concert in 2014.

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