Rome - Part 2

As we finished at Trevi Fountain, we next walked to the Pantheon.

Again, we walked through narrow streets and saw some very interesting sights as we walked.

At this point, we did not have a map of Rome and our tour guide had explained to us how to get to the Pantheon. I decided to start taking pictures of the street signs should we need to find our way back to the meeting point. This is what all the streets signs in the old part of Rome looked like. They were attached to the buildings and had at least two on different buildings showing the intersection.

As we round the corner, the Pantheon is there is all its glory.

As we walk up to the Pantheon, we found several people in costumes handing out fliers for the opera house.

At the entrance to the Pantheon, here is the sign about the building. The Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all the Gods in Ancient Rome. The original Pantheon was built in 31 B.C. and rebuilt by Hadrian around 126 A.D.

The columns at the entrance are amazing.

As we continue inside, it is surprising that this building still exists in the shape that it currently is in. Keep in mind, that it has gone through several different uses, including being converted into a church by the Pope.

Raphael was an Italian painter and an architect of the High Renaissance. Originally the architect of St. Peters, upon his death he was buried in the Pantheon.

On our way out, we took notice of the massive doors which escaped us when we entered.

Outside, we ran into some more people dressed up as Roman military. They wanted to take pictures with us and the family agreed. When finished, my son offered them 10 Euros and they demanded 20 Euros. He grudgingly agreed (keep in mind he is tight with his money) to pay this amount. Later, we were told that these people are protected by law and they can charge anything they want if not negotiated up front. Our guide said he has heard of them asking for 100 Euros and when the people refused, the local cops were called and the tourists were ordered to pay up or else. I guess 20 Euros was a good deal after all. This is another thing we will keep reminding my son whenever the needs arises.

I have to admit that it was pretty exciting to see Romans walking the streets. It just brought everything into focus.

Later...