Yesterday, I spent time walking the upper areas of Campo Marzio, the Roman district that “boasts ruins with some of the most famous monuments in the world”. The district was dedicated to Mars, the Roman God of War. Campo Marzio covers a large area, including Piazza Navona, Piazza di Spagna, and Trinita dei Monti.
During the age of ancient Rome, Campo Marzio was outside Rome’s “official city boundaries”. Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, Rome’s last king, turned the area into an enormous wheat field. Later it became a place of worship, and then an area for military practice and exercises. Located in “neutral territory,” it was a designated area for receiving foreign ambassadors.
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“Rome is a whole world, and it takes years if only to recognize themselves. Lucky those travelers who see and manage to leave.” W. Goethe
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The area explored doesn’t have as many tourists as other parts of Rome, but it includes abundant ruins and busts of Roman dignitaries. There are fantastic viewing point with panoramic vistas of Rome!
Later in the day I returned to Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo for a second visit. It’s near the Flamino metro station on the way back to my apartment. The Basilica’s exquisite art deserves more than one viewing. It fascinates me.
I’ve been to Saint Peter’s Square several times this trip and during a previous visit to Rome toured the Vatican and Sistine Chapel – so far, I’ve not braved the long tourist lines to revisit those places. There are works of art throughout in Rome!
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