I found myself in a park on a narrow path bordered by tall shrubs and felt like I was in the countryside. But no sooner, the park grounds opened up, and there to my left was another ancient aqueduct. Much lower in height than what I usually envisaged, it seemed to have a bulkier shape. While the arches were also shorter, the brickwork between them was much wider. I walked beside the aqueduct until I exited the park into a narrow street. From there, I walked through Rome's suburbs amongst low-rise apartment blocks.
I stopped to take in the interiors of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. As one of four papal basilicas, the church is also the largest in Rome dedicated to Mary. The church is splendid, with the most incredible gilded ceiling that was apparently built with gold that Christopher Columbus brought back from the Americas. Detailed paintings, marble carvings, and intricate mosaics furnish the interiors. One day in the middle of summer, a blanket of snow appeared on the hill where the church was located. In commemoration of the day, white flower petals are dropped from the ceiling every year.
One of the most bustling roundabouts is at Piazza della Republica, near Termini, Rome's main railway station, In the middle of the circular plaza is the Fountain of the Naiads, with four bronze statues of nymphs and a central sculpture of a sea god holding a dolphin spouting water. On one side of the roundabout, two imposing semi-circular buildings give way to Via Nazionale, which leads into the historic centre. On the other side is the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri. Though it doesn't look like much from the outside, the moment I stepped inside, I was blown away by its grandeur and stunning interiors. The church was built on the former site of a Roman-era public bath. A fascinating feature inside is the 147ft (45) long meridian line made in bronze with yellow-white marble edging, An oculus, a small hole in the ceiling, allows light to filter onto the meridian line.
I continued past the church to finish the day in Villa Borghese, an extensive landscaped garden and public park developed on a former vineyard. In 1605, Cardinal Scipione Borghese commissioned the garden and a villa of the same name to house his extensive art collection. Today the park contains several villas converted into museums, as well as pavilions, a lake, and sculptures. The Galleria Borghese holds a significant part of the Cardinal's art collection, including works from Bernini, Rubens, and Raphael, to name a few.
Southwest of the park is Passeggiata del Pincio, a promenade featuring more than 200 busts of prominent figures. The paths, wonderfully shaded by tree canopies, led to a large open terrace overlooking the city and the landmark square Piazza del Popolo, where I will head next.
Today was the perfect Sunday. Exercise, connection, and chillaxing watching TV and crocheting. My body, heart, mind, and soul have been nourished and refuelled.
