Rome to Krakow

1 January 2011 – Rome

Happy New Year!

Very little is open in Rome on New Year’s Day, so it was a perfect day for strolling and exploring new districts. Interestingly, lots of other people had the same idea so the atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed.

We chose to visit Trastevere – a beautiful area across the Tiber from the historical centre of Rome. First stop was the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere – built in 1138. The 12^th-century gold mosaics that line parts of the ceiling are absolutely magnificent.

Basilica di Santa Maria - the exterior...

...and the beautiful interior

Next stop was made partly for the purpose of admiring a beautiful structure and partly for some kind of divine intervention. The Basilica di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere is the last resting place of St Cecilia – the patron saint of music. We live in hope that Louise’s guitar playing improves as a result of this visit!

Basilica di Santa Cecilia

Inside - we were treated to beautiful hymn singing

Wandered back across the Tiber via Isola Tiberina (a tiny island in the middle of the river) and through the beautiful Jewish part of Rome. Apparently Rome’s Jewish community is the longest surviving in Europe – consequently this is a wonderfully authentic district.

Looking across the Tiber to Isola Tiberina

Right in the middle of the Jewish district is the Teatro di Marcello – a beautiful ruined theatre originally planned by Julius Caesar and then completed by Augustus in 17 BC. Right beside that is the Portico d’Ottavia – built by Octavius in 146 BC and then rebuilt by Augustus in 23 BC. It’s simply amazing wandering the streets and stumbling across these wonders – and it seems that they’re everywhere in Rome.

Teatro di Marcello

Portico d'Ottavia

Finished the excursion with a visit to St Peter’s Basilica. This fantastic structure never ceases to amaze. To see the works of Raphael, Michelangelo and Bernini is an absolute treat.

Capped off the evening at Bar Parione (aka Louie’s). This is a great little spot we found last January and visited again in June. It’s owned by Ivano - a fascinating man (and poet) in his late 80’s who has led an amazing life. It is also known for serving the best Mojitos in Rome. We’re not really Mojito drinkers, but it’s worth visiting this place for the atmosphere and a chat with Ivano.

2 January 2010 – Rome

Up early for Sunday morning mass at St Peter’s. Can you believe it? Mass at the Vatican (when in Rome…). This was a real experience – such beautiful surroundings – sitting with nuns. Attending mass in another language can be a challenge so we made sure we sat far enough to the front to be able to see the proceedings, but far enough back to have some role models so we knew when to stand, sit and kneel. It’s amazing how much comes back to you, though – we even knew when to do ‘peace be with you’ and made some new friends!

After mass

Bernini's beautiful piazza

Looking across to the Castel Sant'Angelo and Ponte Sant'Angelo (built by Hadrian in 136 and improved by Bernini in the 17th century)

Spent the rest of the day wandering through the historical centre of Rome – oh and we also did some shopping…

Enjoying a coffee outside the Pantheon

Inside the Pantheon - the amazing structure built 2000 years ago

Capped off a great day with a last visit to Louie’s (not open on a Monday).

Enjoying the evening with Ivano

3 January 2011 – Rome

These few days in Rome were always designated ‘relaxation days’ and we continued in this vein today. It’s so lovely to just wander. Our philosophy in Rome is ‘you just can’t make a wrong turn’ – because no matter where you go, it’s simply amazing.

As well as finding some new little laneways and interesting areas, we also visited some old favourites.

The Spanish Steps

The Trevi Fountain - ensuring a return visit!

Finished the day exploring a completely new district across the Tiber. We could happily stay here for weeks!

Piazza del Popolo

4 January 2011 – Rome to Krakow

Our journey from Rome to Katowice with Wizz Air was very easy, as was the subsequent 100 km bus trip from Katowice to Krakow – our home for the next three nights.

Krakow is absolutely beautiful. Our accommodation is right on Rynek Glowny (Main Market Square) – the largest medieval town square in Europe.

Spent the afternoon exploring the square and surrounding laneways and enjoyed a visit to the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady (aka St Mary’s Basilica) – built between the end of the 13^th century and the beginning of the 15^th century. This is one of the most remarkable churches we’ve ever seen. The interior is simply magnificent – the highlight being a beautiful altarpiece (a pentaptych) which is opened out every day at 11:50am and closed at 6pm. It’s about 13m high and 11m wide and is made of beautifully carved, painted and gilded wood. Everything inside this basilica is stunning. Apparently Picasso described the high altar as the eighth wonder of the world.

The beautiful altarpiece

The detail...

Also managed to fit in another couple of visits to beautiful little churches that surround the town square. In an embarrassing moment, Louise sat down on an available seat just inside the door of one church to read the guidebook and then realised she was in the queue for confession!

We’re really looking forward to exploring more of this beautiful city over the next couple of days!