Day 3 - Colosseum and Roman Forum

Day 3 of my Roman Holiday began with taking the metro down to the Colosseum. One thing I love about the Roman metro stations is how well their entrances are planned. You come right out of the Colosseum exit of the Roman metro and there it is, just right there, blocking out the morning sun, in all of its ruined glory. Thankfully, the group stopped so we could take some good pictures before walking across the street. We were supposed to have had a tour guide waiting for us at the Colosseum, however he/she was no where to be found so we made do with Professor Suckarieh and the Colosseum group. I took a moment to stop and take a few pictures of the outer concourse of the Colosseum before following the group up the stairs to the second tier. It reminded me so much of my previous ideas for our second PBL (the one where I was to create a new stadium for our new nation). If I could sum up the Colosseum in one phrase I believe I would call it 'calculated simplicity'. I say this because when the first thing you think when you see this giant stadium is "Wow"; you're in pure awe. The next thing you think of (well, at least I thought of), is how simple it all seems. It's basically arch after arch and the Romans are known for their arches so really, it should have been simple construction. However, then you really start to think about the construction and the math and architectural structures behind it (that is if you're an architect or architect major), and you realize how intricate it is, all of it. It's really calculated simplicity

(The Colosseum)

The group dissipated as we made our way around the Colosseum. I took some great photos, including some good panoramic ones.

(A panoramic of the interior)

The most interesting aspect of the Colosseum was the exposed catacombs. Historians and archaeologists alike still debate over aspects of the inner workings of the Colosseum, especially if it could actually flood itself. While the underbelly I saw couldn't answer any of my questions, it was impressive to see none the less.

(The catacombs of the Colosseum)

I also took several minutes to look at what recent actions have been taken to stabilize the Colosseum (aka the buttresses and the marble stones placed on top). Going back to what I said earlier about the calculations and math of the building, it was very nice to see that we could save and preserve this stadium by using simple construction methods.

After a walk (hike) to the Piazza de Navona and lunch we collected everyone outside the arc near the Colosseum before moving on to see the Roman Forum. Inside the Forum we were broken up into groups, with each group getting a member of the Forum PBL team. Our group ended up with Philip and he led us through the Forum. We saw the Basilica (which is the city seat, not a church), the temple of the Vestal Virgins, the Arc of Titus, and several other key areas. However, unlike the Colosseum or Baths of Caracalla, there isn't really anything left, so it is very hard for anyone to decipher what is what or if stuff is gone or not; basically, there is no definite blue print. However, the Forum was interesting none the less. The one thing I found the most interesting was the marker in the middle of the Forum that was the measuring point for all roads out of Rome.

(The temple of Romulus, founder of Rome)

(Arc of Titus)

(The basilica)

After the Forum we were done for the day. After heading back to the Hotel I joined a group that was headed to the Spanish steps to see the Christmas tree. We took the metro over. The tree was actual a bunch of electric lines made into a cone-like shape. Sometimes all the lines were the same color, but sometimes they alternated colors. It was very festive, even though it was very different.

(The Christmas tree at the Spanish steps)

It was nice to see the Spanish steps and the piazza, even though I'm not a shopper (I took some pictures of the Dior and Gucci windows for my sister who is a shop-a-holic). After grabbing some dinner we then rode the metro across the river to the Vatican to see their Christmas tree. It was huge, of Rockefeller-size proportions. Although it wasn't lit, it did have tiny glass bulbs on it that reflected the light of St. Peter's square and basilica. Also, it was slightly drizzling so the bulbs really sparkled in the rain, it was so pretty and very tranquil.

(St. Peter's Basilica)

After the Vatican we made our way back to the Hotel at which point I went to bed. So ended the third day.