Back Date: 8 Nov 08 ~ Rome

Here we go.. exploring the most important city of Italy since the ancient empire --- ROME.... the first thing you will get "impressed" is their "street art" aka vendalism.. OMG.. what a negative impression.... but then you'll get amazed by their ancient buildings... especially those were built during the ancient empire... the Italian gov really preserve these buildings and do not let them demolished.....

first place we visit is the Vatican City aka "The Holy See".. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world which is dominated by the Pope... Although it's the smallest country but there lies the largest cathedral in world in Vatican City -- St Peter's Basilica.... This is the most beautiful cathedral i ever seen... took alot of photos there.... :p

Layout


St Peter's Basilica


See the queue to enter to basilica?

Pinnacles surrounding St Peter's Square





Getting into the Basilica is FOC.. but we need to queue to get thru the security check....

Swiss guard in traditional uniform


The cathedral from near..


nearer


Holy Door - only open for the Holy Years such as the Jubilee Years.. (every 25 years).. the last open was at year 2000


Floor


Inside St Peter's Basilica


Baptistry


Angels' Bless


Wedding Chapel




The Alter



Statue of St Peter


Dome & the Alter


Saint Helena (pronounce as Elena)


Saint Longinus


Cattedra Petri


"The Pieta" sculpted by Michelangelo - Santa Maria holding Jesus Christ in her hand


Behind the Holy Door -- need to be demolished every 25 year


Others







We then proceed for Rome city tour

Rome High Court



Rome city centre Piazza Venezia


Rome Ancient buildings


Roman Palace Fort (Palatino-Foro Romano) ancient Roman Palace




Arco de Constantino


Arco de Triumph Roma


Roman Forum


Colosseum






Originally named as Amphitheatrum Flavium


Trevi Fountain






Famous Gelato yummm




Piazza di Spagna (pronounce as Spanya)


Spanish Steps & Trinita Dei Monti



Boat Fountain


Via dei Condotti the branded street... very crowded



The first McDonald's in Italy... every McD in Italy is devided into 2 type of counter.. McCafe - selling pastry and coffee.. McDonald's - selling normal fastfood burger