Year 5, Day 164 “Living the Dream”. Saturday, 10/11/2025 – Day 5 of 30 day trip to Rome, Italy with a Mediterranean cruise and a transatlantic cruise back to Bayonne, NJ. Today we decided to just roam around Rome. I found three free things to see and we started out. They were the Trevi Fountain, the Piazzo Navona, and the Napoleonic Museum. We headed into Rome by the express train. We took the metro A Battistini line subway. We rode from the main train station to the Barberini – Fontana di Trevi stop. It is amazing how quickly we learned this metro system. Fast, easy, and we feel safe. Although they do keep announcing that you should watch your stuff there are pick pockets around. We got out of the metro and walked to the Trevi Fountain. I just couldn’t stop taking pictures. This city is amazing and beautiful.
The Trevi Fountain is the terminal point of the Virgo aqueduct. This aqueduct is the only ancient one in continuous use to this day. It is the most famous of the Roman fountains. If we come back to Rome, I would like to explore beneath the Trevi Fountain. There is an underground archaeological site called Vicus Caprarius. This site is known as the “City of Water”. Also there is a preserved section of the Roman aqueduct that still delivers water to that fountain today.
From there we continued walking to our next destination the Piazza Navona.
On our way we came upon the Montecitorio the House of Italian Parliament. Palazzo Montecitorio is a historic palace in Rome. It was designed by Carlo Fontana. It is the location where the Italian Parliament’s lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, has met since 1871. How cool is this and the Carabinieri insisted on a picture. The carabinieri are members of the Italian nation police force. They are organized as a military unit. Their duties include maintaining public security and order. They also assist local police.
Novona is an Ancient Roman stadium built during Emperor Domitian’s rule. This piazza has a curved shape since in its past life it was a sports stadium for 30,000 people. There we saw Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers).
We decided to wander into the church in this Piazza called Chiesa di Sant’Agnes in Agone. There were rough steps into it with no line. Hey let’s just take a look. Oh my gosh, it is stunning inside. There is no entrance fee. There is no line at all. There are also no crowds, just a short line. It was like walking into heaven. The overwhelming feeling of peace, quiet, and serenity. The feelings brought tears to my eyes. You have to go in this church. It is something I will never forget. It’s right on Piazza Navona, so while the square outside buzzes with noise, inside time stands still.
I am overwhelmed with the beauty of this city. I can see why it is sometimes referred to as the city of love. I could spend days here wandering the streets. The cobblestone streets and the architecture have made me love this city. The little outside eateries and the nuns walking around singing add to its charm. The churches, the views, and the atmosphere contribute to the city’s allure.
The past two days I have felt like why would anyone want to come to Rome. But today just meandering the streets all day has really changed my mind. Did you know that Rome has over 2,000 fountains. The free Napoleonic Museum was interesting, but very small.
We proceeded to wander down some streets with very high end stores. We found ourselves in the Piazza di Spagna, where the Fontana della Barcaccia fountain is located.
We climbed the 135 Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti steps or as they are sometimes called the Spanish Steps. The view from the top was magnificent. On the top sits the church of the Trinity of the Mounts. This church overlooks the Spanish square and is recognizable by its two bell towers in in the Roman landscape. The church was consecrated in 1594.
From there we went into the metro. We actually had to take an elevator down. Then we went about five flights of stairs lower into the metro boarding area.
We returned to the Termini train station for an early dinner late lunch in the Mercato Centrale. Amazing enough this place is filled with locals. We happened to find this place yesterday and had to return today. Walk to the farthest end of the Termini Station. Just past the rental car counters, you will find an old dining hall. It was once used by railroad workers. Here we had some great Italian coffee, draft beer, and the best smash burgers ever. I am not a burger person, but these burgers are juicy and delicious. I don’t think I will ever find a better burger. The sauce they put on is wonderful. No need for ketchup. The Great thing is the tables are really close and everyone just talks to everyone. Love this place.
Here’s a detailed video of our Hotel room 606 in the Hilton Garden Inn Rome Airport.
Then a little last night in Rome pizza at the hotel bar.
Things to ponder today! Have to leave you thinking.
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