Lux in Arcana
Photos were not allowed, but this exhibit of a selection of the Vatican Secret Archives was very interesting. The main takeaway was the Church's need to be at the center of power in Europe over the centuries. It seems that once the Vatican was established as its own City State that that desire to rule over all slowly began to subside. There were documents on Galileo and Copernicus, King Henry XIII and all his women, Marie Antoinette, the Inquisition of Knights Templar, and letters from various government heads approving of and supporting the Pope. If you like history, this was a great exhibit. Bryan and I both have commented on wanting to learn more about the role of Christianity on Roman history since being here.
Rome Alive
Something truly fantastic happened today, totally by chance. I finished the museum exhibit and found Bryan sitting by a terrace waiting for me. We both thought this would be great vantage point for pictures, high above the city landscape. Suddenly, a few minutes after we got outside, a church bell started to ring, followed by about 5 others. It was 12:00 PM, and I wondered if this always occurred or if it was because that's when the Pope gives his blessing when he's at the Vatican.
Piazza Navona
I loved this spot! Backdropped by a beautiful old palace, the piazza is surrounded by dozens of outdoor cafes and filled with local artists selling photos and paintings.
Fountains at the Piazza
The southern view when walking into the piazza
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
Campo de' FioreBecause I wanted fruit and to experience an Italian market, we went to Campo de' Fiori to check things out. The palazzo it's located in is small but there were vendors with clothing, spices, oils, meats, sweets, and fresh produce. I absolutely love that you can walk down many streets here and find specialty cheese, wine and bakery shoppes, plus there are fresh flower vendors everywhere.
Trastevere
Bryan and I have hit a lot in a short period and we had time in the afternoon, so I thought it might be nice to head across the river into Trastevere. While not as touristy, there are still the quaint little back alleys with ristorantes set up and people milling about.
One view of the interior ceiling.
After all this walking, though, we were both exhausted and it was a difficult journey back to the hostel! Bryan has so many blisters and my legs and feet are constantly sore. So, back we came for a quick nap that turned into over three hours!
Last night we went across the street to a cheap pasta restaurant, altogether with two pastas, a small bottle of wine (another new favorite offering), and a very large bottle of Heineken cost us €24, plus tip. Not bad considering other prices. We both had no energy but a good meal changed that and we wandered around in the hostel area, just taking a different direction.
About a block from us is this glorious church that, unfortunately, never seems to open its doors to the public. It's huge and looks magnificent from the front, and apparently Bernini, a famous sculptor and artist is buried there.
And we stopped for a few drinks at another nice sidewalk bar/restaurant last night as well. They give out little sandwiches and peanuts with your drinks, and if you stay longer, they hand out olives and chips! Quite nice!
On some restaurants, there are the words, "Tavola Calda", which translates literally to "Hot Table". This means buffet to them, and I also learned that tavola means 'a set table' while tavolo is not set for eating.
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