When in Rome...

We have been fortunate to introduce our girls to many places throughout Europe, but there was one more destination that we felt they should experience while living here, Rome. 

Rome is a beautiful city, but with kids it can also be overwhelming.  I ordered a book from Amazon, which I highly recommend to anyone traveling to Rome with kids, Mission Rome: Top Secret Scavenger Hunt Adventure.  The girls enjoyed being "secret agents" and finding the answers to the clues in the books at the various sites, and we all learned a lot from the information in the book.  They also have books for other countries, so if planning a family trip, I would highly recommend.     
We arrived early Wednesday morning and immediately headed to the Vatican since the Pope was doing mass outside.  We arrived at the end of the mass, but we were able to see him from a distance.  The rest of the day we spent wandering the streets and getting a glimpse of the sights. 

Can you spy the Pope??

The next morning, we hired a tour guide, which our friends had recommended, that took us to the Spanish Steps, Pantheon and Colosseum.  He was able to share his knowledge of Rome with unique stories detailing the lives of Romans during the early years and present. 

So much to learn!

Adalyn learning the correct way to drink from one of the many fountains around the city-

Inside the Pantheon:

The tombs of King Umberto and Queen Margherita rest inside -

Italians named a pizza after the queen, the "Margherita Pizza" which has the toppings basil, mozzarella and tomato sauce, the colors of the Italian flag. 

The Colosseum:

The girls were captivated by the stories of the gladiators fighting against each other

and against lions, tigers and bears. 

After our morning tour, we spent some time at the Trevi Fountain.  The fountain was built as a Roman tradition, which was to have a beautiful fountain at the endpoint of an aqueduct.  The water travels eight miles from a spring outside of Rome through a 2,000 year old aqueduct, then comes gushing out of the Trevi sculptures.  

Legend says that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you are destined to return to Rome. 

The girls are hoping the legend is true! 

Around $4000 is thrown into the fountain daily.  Above is a picture of them vacuuming up the coins, which are donated to a charity. 

The next day, we spent the majority of our time in the Vatican City.  There was a very long line to get into the Vatican Museum, but thankfully we discovered that if you have a stroller, you skip the line!  Eliza was not happy about being called a "baby" but it saved us a ton of time.  Unfortunately, you can't take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel, but the girls were mesmerized by the artwork done by Michelangelo on the ceiling. 

Outside of the Sistine Chapel walking through the beautifully decorated hallways of the museum. 

Unfortunately, Saint Peter's Basilica did not have the same "stroller skip the line" policy, so we were not able to tour inside since the line was about two hours long.

The Swiss Guards:

The guards protect the Pope and Vatican City.  You must meet special requirements to join the Apostolic Swiss guard: single Catholic man, 30 years old or younger, at least 5'8"

and have some type of higher education. 

                                              

Colonna Dell'Immacolata

Located near the Spanish Steps is a large column with a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary at the top.  Every year, on December 8, the Pope does a ceremony near the statue and the wreath that Mary is holding is replaced. 

We are happy that we decided to take the girls to Rome.  We were able to see so much in the three days, walking a total of 30 miles, but still so much more to see and visit.  Here's to hoping they return someday! 

Arrivederci Roma!