What can I say about Rome. One of the most visually striking and memorable cities in Europe that I have visited. There is an energy to the city that’s hard to describe, heightened by the lingering warmth and activity of late summer.
After arriving from Salerno and finding our hostel, we dropped our bags and headed straight out to explore. Our first stop was a ride on the metro to the Colosseum. Walking the short distance from the station and seeing this iconic structure rise ahead was one of those travel moments that really stayed with me. Built nearly two thousand years ago, the Colosseum remains an imposing reminder of Rome’s ancient past. Spending time wandering around the site made it easy to imagine the scale and significance it once held. From there, we continued on foot, exploring the surrounding streets and gradually making our way back toward the hostel.
The following morning, we headed toward the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. Being a Sunday, the streets leading into the small independent state were filled with people moving toward St Peter’s Square. Curiosity drew us in, and it soon became clear why. The Pope appeared on the balcony overlooking the square, addressing the crowd gathered below. Plans shifted naturally, and afterward we made our way into St Peter’s Basilica. Standing beneath its vast dome was a powerful experience, both overwhelming and quietly reflective, given the history and significance of the space.
Beyond the Vatican, Rome continued to impress. Visits to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and countless streets and piazzas in between filled our days. The Pantheon, with its perfectly proportioned dome and open oculus, stood out as a reminder of the city’s architectural brilliance. Everywhere we walked, ancient history and everyday life seemed to exist side by side. After three nights in Rome, we boarded a flight bound for Valencia, ready for the next chapter of the journey and the chaos of La Tomatina.
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