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All roads lead to Rome - part 1

Palazzo Massimo, the Baths of Diocletien, Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, Sant’Andrea al Quirinale, Pantheon & Santa Maria Maddalena

By Emma-Jane Browne

August 25^th, 2018

I'd visited Rome several years ago and failed to fall in love. it made little sense, given my love for Italy, and for art, architecture, history and FOOD, but it was a missed moment. Looking back, I was probably there with the wrong frame of mind and the wrong person.

Rome still stuck in the back of my head, until I decided to return - alone - this spring. And WHOA. Rome hit me in the face, and well... I loved it. I only spent four days there and did my best to cram as much as possible in that short time. I was up early, in bed late, walked more than I thought possible (I realised I had bloody feet when I got home, although I blame my 4 hour trek on the via Appia), and ended up absolutely exhausted. But I didn't care.

Months later I still dream of Rome and look back at my photos, already planning to return.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Palazzo Massimo

Part of the National Roman Museum, the palazzo Massimo houses their ancient art. It is situated close to the Termini station, and a perfect start for my Roman Holiday.

The museum also houses a fantastic collection of frescos, many coming from the villa of Livia - wife of emperor Augustus.

Baths of Diocletian

Also part of the National Roman Museum, the remaining parts of the Baths of Diocletian - built between 298 and 306 - now houses many altars and funerary sculpture and inscriptions.

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

The basilica - dedicated to the Christian martyrs - was built in the ruined frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian, following original designs by Michelangelo Buonarroti.

Sant’Andrea al Quirinale

This small Baroque Jesuit church was designed by Bernini, who considered it to be one of his most perfect works.

Pantheon

This Roman temple dedicated to all the gods - now a the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs - is one of the best preserved Roman buildings, built in 113–125 AD, and world renowned for it's massive concrete concrete dome and signature occulus.