I wish my morning had started with me humming the legendary Frank Sinatra Academy Award winning song “Three Coins In The Fountain.” But it was more likely “These shoes were made for walking.” I hoped these feet of mine would get the message 😂.

Everywhere you read tells you that the Trevi Fountain should be avoided during peak times at all costs. The best time to visit is apparently at 2.00am in the morning, noting I am sure that my mum once said nothing good ever happens after midnight Fiona.

We had a date with the Pantheon and walked right past the fountain and took a chance. The Trevi Fountain was built in the 1700’s. It sits on the site of an ancient Roman water source, makes a lot of sense. It is made of the same material as the Colosseum. Sadly, the original architect died before it was completed. It did take a lot longer than the Colosseum to build, about 19 years.

The Trevi Fountain makes an appearance in many movies over the years including the wonderful “Three Coins in the Fountain”. Here’s the first two verses to get you in the mood.

“Three coins in the fountain
Each one seeking happiness
Thrown by three hopeful lovers
Which one will the fountain bless?

“Three coins in the fountain
Each heart longing for its home
There they lie in the fountain
Somewhere in the heart of Rome.”

None of us were in the mood for a quick dip – saving ourselves the local tariff of EUR450.

From one masterpiece to another – just around the corner is the wonderful Pantheon. Built by Agrippa between 25 and 27 BC it was originally built as a temple dedicated to twelve gods. Now of course it is a Christian Church and has been for ages. It is really impressive and is the single largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world.

A tip for those coming to visit here. There was a very long queue when we arrived. We had been unable to buy skip the line tickets on the app. We assumed we’d need to join said queue on the left. Ah no, the third and most right queue is for on the spot and pay by card. We were straight through. It did mean that we didn’t have the full hour. That was okay. I was able to absorb the fabulous story in the 30 minutes I had before our ticket expired. I’m not sure how they would have policed this anyway, this was EUR5.00 well spent.

From here we stroll to yet another Roman masterpiece the Castel Sant’Angelo also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian. It’s entirely fascinating. Depending upon your source, it can be described as a monument, an archaeological site or a museum. Perhaps it’s all three.

This structure was initially built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 139. Yes the guy responsible for Hadrian’s Wall in the UK. His ashes along with those of his wife Sabina and son Lucius are all here.

Along with other magnificent places throughout Europe its ownership has changed multiple times in its history, almost always by force.

Whilst there is a lot of bloodshed associated with the Castel, there are some good guys, one Emporer Antonius Pius was described as mild mannered and capable. He was the fourth of the so called “five good emperors”. He guided the Roman Empire for an extraordinary 84 years . Chosen and adopted by Hadrian he was declared as Hadrian’s designated successor. When his wife died in late 140 Antonius founded in her memory the Puellae Faustinianae which is a charitable institution for the daughters of the poor. Nice !

One of the most significant and fascinating stories (I think) of the Castel happened in 590 AD when a serious plague overtook Rome killing thousands and thousands of people. Looking for ways to bring the plague to an end Pope Gregory I arranged a procession across the Hellium Bridge (a gorgeous bridge which was sadly under scaffolding on our visit) during the procession he saw the Archangel Michael on top of the Castel. Michael had his sword sheathed which was a sign that the plague was over. Unfortunately, the statue of Michael was destroyed multiple times. The current bronze statue was put in place in 1753.

As I walked through the Castel I found myself transported to scenes from Dan Browns “Angels and Demons”, like many parts of Rome this place is the perfect set for a Hollywood blockbuster.

This place has seen some horrors including many executions. With one man alone executing 516 people by hanging, cleaver or guillotine..

A busy day in Rome wouldn’t be complete without a quick trip to the Vatican. Isaac and I gave it a miss this time. The group had pre purchased tickets which takes the sting out of the crazy crowds !

Another lovely restaurant to end another wonderful day in this fab city ! Tomorrow we head to Florence