Fountain of the Naiads, The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs and Villa Borghese gardens

Fountain of the Naiads - In Greek mythology, the Naiads were a type of nymph who presided over fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks.

(from google images)

(from google images) (from google images)

The fountain, located in the middle of the Piazza della Repubblica is where the baths of Diocletian were in ancient times. The Diocletian's Baths, built in 305 AD could accomodate over 3000 bathers and were the largest and most sumptuous of the imperial baths and remained in use until the aqueducts that fed them were cut by the Goths in 537.

On the right of this photo (from google images) you see the basilica we visited.

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs (Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri) is a titular basilica church in Rome (a titulus is one of a set number of Early Christian churches), built inside the frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian (a large cold pool to drop into after enjoying a hot Roman bath). In 1541, a Sicilian priest, Fr. Antonio Lo Duca, had a vision of angels in the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian. As a result, Pope Pius IV (1559-1565) ordered that a church be built within the Baths. The church was designed by Michelangelo. Standing next to an "Angel of Light".
Eight of the pillars are from the baths, while the others are imitations.
Also inside...
The beheaded John the Baptist.

Legs - including Elder Burt's

On the left side is the Meridian Line, a sundial laid down along the meridian that crosses through Rome, at latitude 15º. At true noon the sun casts its light on this line. Part of the cornice on the right side of the transept wall has been cut away to provide the effect. The markings were made by the astronomer, mathematician, archaeologist, historian and philosopher Francesco Bianchini. Exiting the basilica there is a small court yard.And nativity (from google images)

Typical sight - ancient walls next to modern walls. A walk past (and under) oleander shrubs on our way to Borghese.

We rented a pedal/motorized cart.
Views from our cart...

Pink, red and white oleander trees line the streets of Rome.

An update on our growing zucchini plant :)