Roma – Day 4

We had already seen most of the sites, so we decided today would be a relaxing day.  We had breakfast at the hotel and then headed to the metro.  We took the train to Barberini to see the macabre of skulls at Santa Maria della Concezione; however, they were closed and would not be open again until 3-6.  So, we headed north to see the oldest remaining portion of the original walls of Rome.  Behind the wall was a park that we explored a bit and eventually settled down to read.

It was enjoyable reading in the park. Eventually thunder started to rumble and we decided to walk a bit. We stopped for a capuccino in the park and the rain then began. By the time we finished, the rain had stopped again - great timing. I loved the rumbling thunder, and even better that I didn't get wet. We then returned to Santa Maria.

The cemetery at Santa Maria is a series of 4-5 rooms that are fully decorated with bones of capuchin monks. Arches of many skulls and hip bones, pieces of vertebrae in decorative patterns on the ceiling with forearms radiating out. A chandelier of bones. Some skeletons are standing or lying down in their brown robes. It is an amazing yet eerie sight to see. A couple of the skeletons still appear to have flesh on the face. About 4,000 Capuchins were utilized for this.

After the church we walked back past our favorite Trevi fountain. We decided to do some souvenier shopping. We then continue to the Pantheon and relaxed again and read a bit. Eventually we continued on to piazza Navona and again admired some of the art work.

At this point we attempted to meet up with the Lauers and returned to Barberini; however, we didn't hear back and eventually walked to piazza Spagna and then West. We then got a text and started to head back to Barberini, then got a text saying they would do their own thing. So, we went in search of food. We couldn't find a deal similar to Trastevere, so we eventually settled for a place near piazza Navona. It was a good last dinner topped off with an espresso.

After dinner we decided to take the bus back home. We had a metro/bus pass, but we had not yet been successful at riding a bus at will. So, we decided we should end by taking the intended bus back near our hotel. We did end up taking our 64 bus back to the hotel area. Nobody seems to swipe their card, so the bus system could probably be used for free by anyone...the metro is the main reason to have the card.

Once back at the hotel I took a few more night shots from the rooftop patio. The espresso counteracted the wine enough for me to write this, and now it is time for bed. I look forward to one last breakfast and lunch tomorrow before we return to Munich.