6 Hour Tour of Rome

A big thanks to Joe Rampino who showed us the city like we've never seen it before. It was certainly a treat for Laura, but also for myself, having lived here for 9 months and done very little in the way of learning about the city.

He asked us how long of tour we felt up for. I said, "Bring it On. We can handle it."  So he led us on a 6 hour tour! It was amazing! We paid him in quiche.

I had never before seen the Basilica of St. Cecilia and now it's at the top of my list of favorite churches in Rome. On the outside it features a beautiful courtyard and a medieval bell tower.

The Basilica of St. Cecilia

Inside of the Basilica of St. Cecilia

Mosaic in the Apse of St. Cecilia

Gettin' the low down on church mosaics

Neat Fact: Square halo means he was alive during the construction.
He holds the church in his hand because he helped to make construction happen.

The cosmatti mosaic is one of my favorite designs in church architecture. But I particularly like it in twisted pillars and candle holders.

Cosmatti Tile Pillar

Next church stop was the church where St. Benedict stayed and prayed with a very unassuming exterior.

San Benedetto in Piscinula

Inside San Benedetto

I know our apartment is humongous by Roman standards, so it's basically a palace by Benedictine standards.

Room of St. Benedict, where he wrote the Rule

You probably didn't already notice this, but it's all pretty old, huh?

Door to Saint Benedict's monastic cell, on right

Laura needed lots of proof of her visiting Rome. So I insisted that she stand in front of everything that I wanted a picture of.

Tiber River

While our tour was mostly hitting some of the big Christian monuments, you can't help but pass by the ancient pagan temples on the way.

Strong peeps by Hercules' Temple

Skull of St. Valentine
*kiss kiss*

Old rich people's private church, back in the day

Very Famous Monument

Can't think of the name...

It was a riduculously hot day, but we stayed hydrated and lived to get another tour by Joe: The Pagan Day Tour. Stay tuned for more!

*I can't figure out why I didn't take more pictures of this day* It's our special present, I guess...no more for you!