Forums and Capitoline Hill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b14aPJZulSU

Day 2 started with breakfast at the hotel and a few minutes relaxing on our patio. Then, we thought we'd jump right into Rome's big stuff and head to the Colosseum, the Forum, and Palatine Hill. Turns out you have to plan ahead--due to COVID-19, tickets can only be purchased online, and you must have a ticketed, timed entrance. We ended up reserving space on a walking tour later in the week to see those archaeological sites.

Instead, we spent the morning touring through the less-visited and older Roman Forums, including Trajan's Forum and Market, the Forum of Augustus, Caesar's Forum, and the Forum of Nerva. These were all built right next to each other by successive emperors, leaving their mark on Rome. They served as places to do business, hold markets, and administer justice. They were huge marble, column-lined squares, usually containing a temple and many statues. Trajan's Forum includes the famous Trajan's Column, a marble column with an intricately carved military march.

In the afternoon, we climbed up Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, where Michelangelo designed the 3-part Capitoline Museum. It is a major collection of Roman artifacts and Renaissance art, as can be seen in our photos below. The museum overlooks the most recent and largest Roman Forum (more photos later when we tour it). Afterward, we snacked on prosciutto and caprese salad, mmmmm.

The day ended with another nap and dinner at Taverna Rossini in Piazza Ungheria, the neighborhood where our hotel was.

The Day's Stats:

2 buses, 2 museums, and 4 miles walked.

The Day's Tips:

If you're looking to see Rome's big sites and museums, book at least several weeks in advance, regardless of whether you do a guided tour or individual ticket.

The Day's Favorites:

Cal's favorite: the bronze statue of equestrian Marcus Aurelius at the Capitoline Museum

Val's favorite: Bernini's Medusa, also at the Capitoline Museum