Cheryl, Dave and Ike have been enjoying a fascinating trip to Rome, on this day they saw the Circus Maximus, which is now a large public park where many local people walk their dogs. However, from early times of the Roman Republic, the area was developed into a chariot racing stadium, becoming the largest stadium in ancient Rome and accommodating an estimated 150,000 people.
Next, our adventurers visited the Mouth of Truth at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. According to legend, the Mouth of Truth will bite the hand of any liar foolish enough to place their hand within. The church is also the final resting place of St Valentine’s skull.
Ike, Cheryl and Dave contained their walk past the Temple of Portunus, originally built in the 4th or 3rd century BCE, and rebuilt around 120-180 BCE. It is said to be one of the best-preserved Greek Temples in Rome. There is a copy of this temple in the form of an 18th-century folly in the grounds of Halswell House, Somerset, UK, called the Temple of Harmony.
All this walking around gave Ike quite a thirst, but there are 2 500 nasoni, or water fountains, for the public to drink from in Rome:
The last point of interest for the day was the Pantheon, the temple of all the gods. When it was built, with its conventional portico frontage and large circular domed inner chamber, it was unique. Since then it has been copied many times, but remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Cheryl treated Ike to ice cream just outside:
How beautiful and interesting my beloved little Ike 💚💚💚
Rome never fails to be seen as a fabulous City Hope Ikes paws are too sore because walking boots order of the day when visiting Rome
I think one must visit Rome many times to truly see all it has to offer. “All Roads Lead to Rome” is a proverb of medieval origin referring to Roman roads, especially the Milliarium Aureum. Films and songs have been written about them.