The last thing to do before leaving Florence is to see Michelangelo’s David, the original, which resides at Galleria dell’ Academia. As we stood before this Masterpiece, it was difficult to look away. It was as if this magnificent piece of marble were alive. We regret so much not having more time to sit and look at this wonder. We also regret not being allowed a photo, although it certainly wouldn’t do it justice.
We catch a train to Rome and get checked into our hotel. It is early afternoon so we are ready to start exploring, but first we stop for lunch at a pizzeria recommended by the hotel owner. This is the best pizza we ever had and we’ll definitely be back. First thing along our route, just a few blocks from the hotel, are Baths of Diocletian. Built in 298-306 the baths were the most extensive in Rome and could accommodate up to 3,000 bathers at a time.
Parts of the ruined baths provided building material and setting for church Sant Maria degli Angeli, originally constructed by Michelangelo in 1563.
A meridian line, a sort of sundial, is built within the basilica.
The church faces Piazza della Republica with fountain (Fontana delle Naiadi) in the center.
We continued on to Triton Fountain (Fountana del Tritone) by Bernini on Piazza Barberini
From there we headed to Trevi Fountain where we saw our first gladiator.
Trevi Fountain is the largest (standing 85 feet high and 65 feet wide) and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome. It is located at the juncture of three roads (tre vie) and marks the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo (in Italian: Acqua Vergine), one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to Rome.
The central figure is Neptune flanked by two Tritons.
Our last stop of the day was Piazza di Spagna with the famous Spanish Steps.
At the foot of the steps is Fontana della Barcaccia (fountain of the "useless" boat).
We climbed to the top of Spanish Steps for a view.
