Rome Day 3: Into the Heart of Ancient Rome

On the third day, we walked through the heart of Rome, exploring the essence of ancient Rome. We started at the Colosseum. No matter how many photos you've seen, seeing it in person leaves you in awe. It's hard to believe that this massive amphitheater still stands tall and proud after 2,000 years. We took an interior tour, and seeing the arena where gladiators fought and the underground structures made it easy to imagine the intensity and excitement of those times.

Next, we moved to the Roman Forum right next door. The ruins of columns and structures seemed to tell the story of this place as the political and religious center of ancient Rome. It’s a place that carries the weight of time, and walking through it made me feel like a citizen of ancient Rome.

Following the path, we came across Trajan's Column. If you look closely, you'll see intricate reliefs carved along the column, depicting the Roman-Dacian Wars like a chronological narrative. It felt like Roman 'propaganda' elevated to the level of art.

We then headed to the Altar of the Fatherland (Vittorio Emanuele II Monument). The massive white marble structure was so overwhelming that it’s easy to see why it earned the nickname 'Typewriter.' From the observation deck, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Rome.

Our final stop was the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. As one of the four major basilicas in Rome, its gold-adorned ceiling and ancient mosaics were particularly impressive. It was the perfect place to slowly reflect on the day's journey and bring it to a peaceful close.

Post by momozzang | Jul 31, 2025