Piazza del Popolo

If you have recently watched the movie Angels and Demons, you would have no doubt saw the impressive Piazza (square)del Popolo. Many of the sceneries were shot there. I was here today and since it was Christmas, the square hosted a Christmas market.

The Christmas market tents at the square

Piazza del Popolo is one of the larger square in Rome.  If you continue from Via del Corso (great place to shop for high street brands and small botiques) you will be able to reach Piazza del Popolo.

The outstanding feature is centred in the middle of the square, the towering obelisk was brought over from Egypt, was struck by thunder and then reattached. From the centre follow your eyes to the 2 look-alike baroque churches, it was was designed by Rinaldi and the gate was worked on by Bernini on the 17th century – Santa Maria del Popolo houses two maginificent Caravaggio paintings (of St peter and St Paul).

Twin Churches - Santa Maria del Popolo

Up the hill is Pincio Hill – it is worth climbing up and strolling as Keats, Strauss,Ghandi and Mussolini liked strolling here as the view is magnificent.

The Pantheon

When visiting Rome, make sure you visit The Pantheon. The Pantheon has stood the test of time. The original temple was built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Emperor Augustus and dedicated to the planetary gods. You can see the name Agippa inscribed over the entrance.

The Pantheon - the most well preserved temple in Rome

The Pantheon - The layers of walls show the histories of different nations and ages of the temple

When you enter the Pantheon, the most amazing feature is the temple dome. It has an oculus in the middle to allow light and was built with concrete that becomes lighter in colour the coser it gets to the oculs, dispersig weight – it is an architecture genius up to this day. Inside the Pantheon, you will see lots of tombs. Those tombs blong to many Italian Kings including Raphael.

The Pantheon dome - an architectural marvel

Related posts:

1. Rome – Piazza Navona
2. Rome – Cafe Greco, Piazza di Spagna and Spanish Steps
3. Rome – Vatican City (St Peter’s Basilica and Square, Vatican Museums)
4. Rome – Trevi Fountain
5. Rome – Churches