Sunday 11 March 2012

Hidden Rome on a Sunday afternoon


One of the walks I enjoy on a Sunday afternoon (before I settle down to Italian language homework) takes me to the far side of the Forum, around the Circus Maximus and up to the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Sabina (near the headquarters of the Knights of Malta.)



First, I walk down my street and turn left when it dead-ends at Trajan's market. The top two photos were taken at the end of my street.

Then, I pass behind the Forum and get a different perspective on the site.

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From there, I climb alongside the  Circus Maximus with its views of the Palatine Hill to the east.


Then, I continue up to the Basilica of Santa Sabina.



The church, dating from 422, is fairly bare inside with a bit of interesting art and grave markers.




Outside, is a lovely garden filled with orange trees that taunt me because, tall though I am, I can't quite reach the fruit!!!!

But I can get a drink of water from this friendly fountain.

14 comments:

Trekcapri said...

Hi Sandra, how lovely to take this Sunday afternoon walk with you. Love your photos and the sights along your walk. Your apartment is near so much history. What a great place to be.

Thank you so much for sharing your afternoon walk with us. Have a wonderful Sunday evening. The day is just getting started here.

Ciao Girl said...

That sounds like an absolutely wonderful walk! Something new to add to my list of meanders for May. Approximately how long does this walk take?

Ciao!
Heidi, who really does know how to spell "Salute"...

Jane said...

Oh, Sandra, I love the walk we just took! Thanks for inviting me

sandrac said...

Thanks, Kathy! I really am in a wonderful location. Hope you had a great weekend with a good week ahead.

Heidi, from Trajan's Forum/markets, it is only about a 30 minute walk over the Capitoline Hill, around the far side of the Forum, up the Circus Maximus to Santa Sabina. It's a really interesting stroll through some parts of Rome that are a bit off the beaten path. Perhaps we can get together in May and I'll show you on the map!

(And I definitely saw the word salute :)

Jane, I'm so glad you could join me!

Susie L said...

How amazing to be able to say "The top two photos were taken at the end of my street".

Grazie for the wonderful walk!

barb cabot said...

I am loving your blog so much and thinking of you often. You are just amazing. Thanks so much for the beautiful photos daily and your insight into the city and people. I rarely leave comments but please know there are so many of us out here that are listening and watching with keen ears and eyes to all that you are experiencing. Oh and PS I admire you so for your taking the language class. It's always a challenge to me and I just go once a week. I think this is an experience of a lifetime. You are living such a wonderful dream. Enjoy and keep us all with you please.

sandrac said...

My pleasure, Susie! Thanks for reminding me to marvel a bit more at what I have.

Barb, your kind words have come at the perfect time. I've been struggling a bit this week -- Italian class is tough just now, fees are due again, and I'm almost wondering if it's worth it! (I know it is; it's just the mood I've been in.) Thanks for reminding me to focus on the bigger picture!

Kathryn said...

Nice walk, quite different than the one I took today. What is the meaning of "Labels: qiue" for this post? Should we send money?

Ciao Girl said...

Sorry to hear this has been a difficult time Sandra. I hope my suggestion of checking out Katie Parla's candid re-evaluation post and her experience with Natl' Geographic didn't color your week...

Ciao!
Heidi

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

The first time I saw the forum... we were lost in your little neighborhood. I wandered to the end of the street and saw a gate.
My son and I will NEVER forget that sight.
Awesome.
In such a Rome kind of way.

Liz said...

Hi Sandra, as usual enjoying your blog from far away here in Aust. Your writing is giving some real insights into the difference between being a tourist in Rome, and getting down to serious language study. There's an appreciable time commitment between the formal classes and the daily revision, very clearly. Please know that you're providing some real inspiration to those of us who hanker after similar experiences.
I can't think of any better affirmation for what you're doing than taking this walk (and others like it) through Rome.
Looking forward to reading more in the coming weeks!

sandrac said...

Kathryn, donations are always appreciated! I don't know what caused the label, but I think I've eliminated it.

Not to worry, Heidi -- I've just been having one of those weeks!

Sandi, it's so true that sometimes the unexpected can be the most magical!

girasoli said...

I think it is amazing that you live right in the middle of all of this history!

I am sorry you have had a rough week. The Italian language sure can boggle your mind at times. Don't give up.

Thanks for the great tour. Loved the photos!

sandrac said...

Thanks Liz! It does take an extraordinary amount of time and effort to learn a new language. I have studied French for years, and learned the most when I sent myself to northern Quebec for immersion programs. There's nothing like living in the language.

Thanks, Girasoli -- it's great to hear from you! I think of you often and wonder how my classes would compare with those you've taken in different cities, especially the private lessons in Bologna. Any chance you're coming back to Italy this summer?