Rome Wasn't Built in a Day

We started off this beautiful day at the Roman Forum. Back in the day, the Forum was the center of political, commercial, and judicial life in ancient Rome. And emperors from many different eras erected arches to themselves throughout the forum. From where we stood, we had an amazing view of the Western Forum that was breath taking. Eight columns of the Temple of Saturn is still standing, and right next to it are the three remaining columns of the Temple of Vespasian, as seen in my picture.

Then, after class, we went to the Trevi Fountain, which I learned is considered a mostra which in direct translation means show or exhibit. But this fountain was built as a monument to mark the end of an aqueduct, the Acqua Vergine. Tradition is to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.

From the Trevi Fountain we went to the Spanish Steps which were built in the 17th century by the French owners of Trinita dei Monti to connect the church with Piazza di Spagna. Unfortunately, the azaleas weren't blooming for our visit, but the site was striking nonetheless.

*This picture was taken from http://www.fitzpat.com/kelly/europe_web/graph...

*Added information was from Publishing, DK. Rome (Eyewitness Travel Guides). New York: DK Travel, 2003.