Day 18 - Last Day in Rome and Italy

May 08, 2025

Day 18 - Last Day In Rome and Italy

Well, our journey is about to end. But we have one more sight seeing day. A leisurely walk past some of Rome’s other famous spots that we didn’t get to yesterday.

Just a couple blocks from our hotel was the Basilica of Saint Sabina. She was a 2nd century noble woman who was martyred. The Basilica was built in honor of her in 430 AD. The building has been renovated over the years, but the original 5th century doors are still visible. Quite amazing.

We then out walked to the Mamertine Prison, a famous Roman era prison located just outside the Forum. Although there is limited historical evidence, tradition says that both Paul and Peter were held there. Like many early AD sites, that tradition caused a church to be built over the site, which ultimately preserved the prison cells. We were able to descend down below the church to the excavated jail cells. Again, even if this tradition isn't true, we know that in general Christians were imprisoned in similar cells through the Roman empire. It is very thought provoking.

Next up was the Trajan Column. It was built to celebrate his victories, in relief going up the column. At the top of the column is a statue of...St. Peter. The Renaissance strikes again. Yesterday in the Vatican museum every antiquity statue had the private parts covered with a 16th century leaf. Back to the column. Turns out the original bronze Trajan statue had been stolen and melted down. Not sure why it was replaced with St Peter instead of a replica of Trajan since the reliefs are about HIS battle.

In the same area was archeology dig going on with some 21st century restorations. I am sure it happens everywhere in Rome. We had a small group debate about how much restoration should be done. No conclusions, but an interesting thought experiment.

We then walked to the Victor Emanuel monument. New (comparatively). Big. Gaudy. Let's move on...

Julius Caesar. Probably THE most famous Roman and maybe his assignation THE most famous event. And it occurred away from the main city. The senate building near the Forum was being renovated and the senate was meeting in another area where he was assassinated. We visited the site and took pictures. The current location is named Largo di Torre Argentina, which is more recent name. The assassination place is mentioned on the sign but otherwise hardly noticeable. Beware the Ides of March. Plus beware of cats. They are everywhere in Rome. Turns out this spot is a cat sanctuary.

We then continued our walk to the Pantheon. The Pantheon was the Roman building where all the gods were worshiped, and became a Catholic Church in 609AD. Not sure what the original looked like inside, but is definitely Catholic church like. It contains the tomb of Raphael the painter, as well as Victor Emmanuel, builder of the previously mentioned monument.

We kept moving on. Next up we visited the Church of San Luigi Dei Francesi, which has several Caravaggio paintings, one of Florences famous painters and a favorite of the just deceased Pope Francis. Pictured below are paintings of St Matthew. We also wanted to visit the Church of St. Augustine, which has more Caravaggios and Raphael’s, but it was closed.

Lunch was a quick cafe stop where we enjoyed sandwiches and a quick break from the crowds.

Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps were next. We all have different tastes and likes. Randy was not terriblely enthusiastic about either. Alot of people taking selfies. But he sees why people would like them.

We then jumped on a metro train to head back towards our hotel. A last gelato stop on the walk back, and then sometime on the hotels patio just relaxing.

Just before we left for dinner we heard that white smoke had been sent up from the Sistine Chapel the signal that a new pope had been selected. While we were eating the waiter came and told us the new pope was an American. We looked up the name and discovered that Cardinal Robert Prevost had been born in Chicago. He will soon be Pope Leo XIV. The very first American pope. It was fun to be here and watch history happen.

Our last meal in Rome was very good. Here’s a few shots.