Rome - The Colosseum - 27.4.2011
The Vatican City - 28.4.2011
The Colosseum is very impresive. It was originally known as Flavian Amphitheater. It can seat an estimated 50,000 people and was used for human battle/fights, entertainment and execution.
The original structure of the Colloseum. This was obtained from the handy book ROME. My daughter bought it for Euro 10.
This book reconstruct the history and structure of ancient Rome in details.
Looks like an old abandon building, although impressive. | 
Must be staff dressed up like these. |
 The interior of the Colosseum |  Inside the Colosseum |
 |  The arch of Constantine |
We arrived in Rome in the afternoon. After we checked into the hotel, we decided to go to the Colosseum immediately as the next day we want to have more time to cover the Vatican City. Unfortunately we could not see much, especially the surrounding areas, because it rained while we were just inside the Colosseum and taking in the sight of the huge arena.
The Vatican City
28.4.2011
The Vatican City is a State within a State. It is within an enclosed area (surrounded by high wall) in Rome, Italy with an estimated area of .44sq km. The Vatican Museums are in the City State and are a very popular destination for tourists. The queue and waiting can be very long and it is advisable to purchase tickets through the net in advance. The tourists come come from all over the world.
The dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the background.
In the museum. There was a mummy when we were there.
The paintings on the ceiling are incredible.
St. Peter's Basilica. It is the most prominent building in the Vatican City. It's dome dominates the skyline of Rome.
 St. Peter's Basilica & Square |
 St.Peter's Square |
St. Peter's Square
After spending some time in the Vatican City we somehow found ourselves out of it and not knowing our exact location. Sometimes getting lost is a good thing.
We saw this huge ruin across this river. Actually this is the Tiber and the ruin is Hadrian's Tomb, now known as Castel Sant' Angelo.
 |  |
My wife saw these beautiful carvings/statues along the road.
Italy do have many attractions. After Venice, Colosseum and Vatican City, the next place of interest will definitely be Pisa.
