Thanks, Rome!

Going to Rome was really an extraordinary experience for me. I’d never been to Europe before, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to go! Some of my favorite sites were of course the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and also the catacombs of St. Sebastian. Rome really is the eternal city – it was incredible to see things older than I can really comprehend.

While everything was stunning, a few of my other favorites were all of the lovely fountains Rome had, and going to Mediterranean! I’ve always loved water, I really find a certain beauty in it, and it was great to see art paired with it as well.

This fountain below, by Bernini, known as the Fountain of Four Rivers, or Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi, is located is Piazza Navona, and was unveiled on June 12, 1651. This piazza also happens to be the site of the ancient stadium of Domitian! The obelisk in the center was dedicated the pope of that time, soon after the fountain itself was constructed. The fountain represents four of the greatest rivers in the world: the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe, and the Río de la Plata in America.

The Trevi fountain, below, with traditions of tossing coins in for good luck in love, was a huge and majestic creation! Built in 1730 for the glorification of three popes, by Nicola Salvi, it exemplifies the ocean and some of its creatures.

The Neptune fountain below, or the Fontana del Nettuno was built in 1576 by Giacomo della Porta, and the statues were added in 1878 by Antonio della Bitta who added the central piece of Neptune fighting an Octopus, and Gregorio Zappala who designed the rest.

Finally, a fun picture of me at the Mediterranean! What an experience.

 

Thanks, Rome! ❤