Rome, Italy (Arrivederci!)

28 May 2024 - Rome, Italy (Arrivederci!)

We leave Rome tomorrow, after 35 days of exploring as much as we can. We spent the last day doing a bit of a wander around in the area between the Vatican and the Tiber river, spending time walking around the Castel Sant’Angelo. Did one last viewing of St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica and had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant recommended for Roman and Tuscan food. Rome is unlike any city I have visited - ancient ruins mixed in with modern buildings, crowds, the size of which I’ve not experienced anywhere else, and kind, considerate people everywhere. The pasta and pizza were delicious, the meat dishes not so much (very tough meat), and the gelato was amazing.

Castel Sant’Angelo in the background. Formerly, Hadrian’s Mausoleum, popes used it as a castle and fort (and getaway spot from the Vatican apartments since there is a tunnel between the two). It is now a museum that was closed the day we visited.

Rome’s ancient city walls.

The moat area is now a park for sports and family picnics.

View from across the river Tiber.

Bridge that crosses from Rome into the Castel Sant’Angelo.

On the opposite side of the river Tiber, Rome’s streets head toward the city center. On the left is a beautiful Baroque style church. A church has stood there since the 12th century. This version was finished in the 1700s.

The restaurant, Dal Toscano, specializes in Tuscan steaks. I have not been impressed with Roman steaks or meat for that matter, but this restaurant had delicious, tender steak.