Rome in January is almost devoid of tourists (and this was still before the virus). All the more reason to go there for a weekend and dive into the rich history of the city. Arriving in the early evening we got a cab/minibus from the airport which was just slightly more expensive than by train and so much more convenient. The hawkers at the airport really only sell that, so you can’t miss it.
this is the closest we got to St Peter’s Basilica on this trip @Rome
We had booked ourselves into the Boutique Hotel Campo de’ Fiori which is located next to my favourite place in Rome, the Campo de’ Fiori. The name Campo de ‘ Fiori translates into field of flowers so of course you see vendors there day and night. But we didn’t get a room in the hotel, but rather an apartment right across from it. It’s booked through the hotel though.
flower vendor at Campo de’ Fiori @Rome
During the day the Campo looks totally different, especially on Sunday when it’s market day. Lots of stalls with either craft or food products. Of course I didn’t buy anything but loved checking out the goods.
the Campo de’ Fiori during the day @Rome
From the Campo we started with out city tour and walked to the Piazza Navona. The main feature on the Piazza is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) by Bernini which has on top an obelisk.
Piazza Navona with the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the back @Rome
a detail of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi on the Piazza Navona, Rome
From the Piazza Navona the Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon is basically just around the corner. This former Roman temple turned into a church is quite impressive, but more on that later. The Piazza in front has another fountain, the Fontana del Pantheon, again with an obelisk. Almost inflationary the obelisks in Rome (I just learned there are five obelisks in Rome).
Piazza della Rotonda @Rome
the Pantheon and the Piazza della Rotonda @Rome
I think all the tourist which were in Rome that weekend met at the Fontana di Trevi. Droves of people stood around the fountain and police made sure that no one waded into the water. Same goes for the Spanish Steps, also with police presence to assure they are kept free of people’s butts.
Fontana di Trevi @Rome
you can’t see the water because of all the people @Fontana di Trevi
empty Spanish Steps and another obelisk @Rome
Rome in January was a great idea. And not just because we saw it before all the craziness happened. The city is relaxed, there are just a couple of tourists and not the usual masses, and the weather was gorgeous. What more do you want from the eternal city? Yours, Pollybert
