The first photo: as we walked from Trastevere into Rome, I saw that rustic brown, antique style tenement---in the fashion of an ancient insula?
Churches, churches everywhere; each with its own character, history, treasures, statues and even the remains of incorruptable bodies of centuries old Saints.
And, of course, there is Bernini. He owns the place, I think. This David will Kill the Giant, etc.
Not only the Spanish Steps: even more dramatic stepped-hillsides all over town.
Famous monuments lurking about from unexpected places! Drama!
Random, amazing art at every turn!
And the ghost of the "Facist Era" in the air, at all times. There is a story to these stones which will be revealed.
The ruins within ruins discovered while excavating other ruins!
The volcanic rock, mixed with ancient stones, piled up and overgrown with weeds. All over town.
Whimsical paint jobs on what would be dull, Fascist Era apartment blocks..... and of course, coffee houses, bars, restaurants and gelato shops.
Besides ravens, crows, sparrows and one rat, this was all the wild life we saw. In Viterbo, sunning itself on a rock ledge.
Just about the only damn tree in Trastevere! And the wonderful water fountains that we used freely.
And one more glorious Bernini: Ecstasy of Saint Therese (this version in Trastevere) in a quiet church, off the beaten path---and under guard. This was our last "sight-seeing" opportunity. We had to come home the next morning. But I know how to go back. Correction: This is not Saint Therese, this is Ludovica Albertoni and she can be found in the Church of San Francisco a Ripa in Trastevere. Bernini was in his mid-70's when he made this sculpture.
