July 11 - Vicus Caprius, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica and Square

 July 11 - Vicus Caprius, Trevi Fountain, Castel Sant Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica and Square

For our last day in Rome, we hit some of the sites in Rome still on our to-do list. We started out by getting some gelato near the Trevi Fountain. 

Next, we visited the Vicus Caprius. In 1999, developers bought some land with the intent to turn it into a movie theater. However, when they began excavating, they discovered (as one will when digging anywhere in Rome) and underwater city of water, containing a large reservoir from the Virgin Aqueduct (which still provides water to the city’s fountains, such as Trevi Fountain and the Four Rivers fountain by Bernini). In addition, they found a wealthy house from around 100 CE, along with an ancient apartment complex from 200-300 BCE. They excavated in a way that you could see both layers. 

Although just a small portion was visible, it was really cool to see - also, it was nice and cool to go underground in the middle of Rome! 

Next, we took a quick swing by Trevi Fountain and snagged the obligatory photo. 

Next we decided to check out Castel Sant’ Angelo. This was an “only if we have time” attraction, but because of its proximity to Vatican City, we decided to throw it in. 

So glad we did! Excellent art work and frescos, but in much smaller doses, and it was not over crowded. Plus, the view from the top was breathtaking! 

Castel Sant’ Angelo started out as a mausoleum built by Emporer Hadrian for himself and his family. In the Middle Ages, it was fortified, and the Passetto Borgo - a secret passage connecting the Castel to Vatican City, was built. This was designed as an escape route for popes, as well as a way to smuggle secret things into Vatican City. The passage was actually used in 1527 to save the life of Pope Clemont during the siege of Rome. 

Later, medieval and renaissance popes styled apartments here, incorporating lavish frescos and art work. 

A lot of pop culture takes place here as well, including Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons as well as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (video game). 

The view from the top was amazing! 

Next, we went to Vatican City. We went into St. Peter’s basilica with no wait besides the shuffle through security. The basilica was amazing. Busy but not insanely crowded, we had plenty of space and time to marvel at the domes, check out the art, and listen to the choir sing as mass was held. We also went down to the papal grottos, where many popes are interred, just under the main floor of the Vatican. You can also get a glimpse from here into the back side of the tomb where St. Peter’s bones are buried. 

Back up on the main floor, we also saw the tomb of Pope Johns Paul II, whose tomb was moved back upstairs after he became a saint. 

After our time in the basilica, we headed out to St. Peter’s square. It’s a mob of barricades and chairs set up for Jubilee events, but we had a chance to snap some shots near the obelisk, as well as find the wind marker from Angels and Demons. 

After dinner in a yummy Italian restaurant ear by, we went back to the hotel to pack up and get ready to check out on Saturday morning. 

From Geoffrey:

Yesterday was one of my favorite days in Rome. The area near the Trevi Fountain and just across the river from the Vatican is my favorite in the city because it feels very built-up and there is something to see around every corner. The fountain and underground ruins were both very cool to see. My favorite thing was Castel Sant’Angelo. This castle was even better than I imagined. Not only did I recognize areas from the video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, but the museums and the view from the top were all highly enjoyable.

Furthermore, St. Peter’s Basilica was one of the most impressive buildings I have ever been in—because it was so tall and huge on the interior, and everywhere you looked there was sculpting or art.

From Katelyn:

 

Yesterday, we walked around Rome and saw lots of amazing things. We saw the huge, grand Trevi Fountain, which was so cool to see. We also went to St. Peter’s Basilica, a beautiful church that had gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and even real bodies of dead popes! We also saw an underground city called Vicus Caprarius, with an aqueduct that’s still functioning and lots of other amazing ancient ruins—and even some artifacts, like these fancy pots that were used to hold liquids like wine and water. We also walked around the inside of the Castel Sant’Angelo, which had more pretty art.

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As always, check here for more photos:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/55QWXN37TNcuSfKM9