An outing in Roma Centro

We enjoyed a Saturday in downtown Rome. After getting off the bus we stopped to get our bearings and then headed toward...
Campo de' Fiori
"Piazza Campo de' Fiori owes its name to the "field of flowers" which existed before the current palazzi were built in the 15th century. The palazzi encircle a very large square with inns, shops, and the famous colourful market still held every morning except Sunday."

We wanted to see the statue of...

"Giordano Bruno, a philosopher who advocated the separation between the political and religious power of the Church, was condemned and burnt alive by the Inquisition in 1600, right in the place where his statue stands today. The statue was built by the patriots who fought for the reunion of Italy, which brought to the separation between the political and spiritual power of the popes." Scenes from the market....

Piazza Navona - Four Rivers Fountain
Mimes
Opera singer setting up to entertain.

Obelisk and fountain in front of the Pantheon

Pantheon

San Luigi dei Francesi - The Church of St. Louis of the French
A view of the organ

We went into this church to see three Caravaggio paintings on permanent display. St. Matthew and the Angel and the Martyrdom of St. Matthew (above)

The Calling of Saint Matthew (below)

"Note the extraordinary use of light. Jesus (extreme right) calls upon Matthew (behind the table in the middle) to join him. Matthew is a publican, collecting taxes for the Romans. Everyone is astonished. There is light on Matthew's face. Jesus' finger is reminiscent of Michelangelo's spark of life for Adam in the Sistine Chapel."

Ancient Roman Columns

Dolls representing the regions of Italy.

A gelateria made famous with a little help from Julia Roberts.

Trevi fountain close up.

Our favorite artist in Piazza Navona - Remo.

All in all - a fun day in Rome.