Florence and Rome

Left, Brunellischi's dome on the Santa Maria del Flore Cathedral. The dome was planned and raised between 1420 and 1434.

Below, the Baptistery of San Giovanni.

Below, the east doors or Gates of Paradise on the Baptisery. They are one set of three bronze doors (North, South and East) and were done by Ghiberti. They were commissioned by the Arte dei Mercanti in 1425.

This is the facade of the Duomo on the Maria del Flore Cathedral shown above.

Giotto's Campanile. This is the bell tower, begun in 1334 by Giotto, who was the overseer for the construction of the Duomo. Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti finished the Campanile between 1350 and 1359 after Giotto's death.

Above, the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio bridge. It was built on the site of a Roman bridge. It is characterized by small houses and shops that line each side.

Right, the bust of Cellini on the middle of the bridge

Below, looking off the bridge to shops on the street.

Left, the Palazzo Vecchio. It is located on the Piazza Della Signoria, one of the more scenic squares in Italy.

Below, is the equestrian statue of Cosimo I dei Medici, a Florentine nobleman. It was done by Giambologna in 1594.

Below, the Basilica of Santa Croce. Attributed to Arnolfo di Cambio, it was started in 1294 and consecrated in 1443.

Below, the Neptune Fountain. It was done by Bartolomeo Ammannati and collaborators, between 1563 and 1575. Because of the enormous white mass of the sea god set in the center, it became known as "il Biancone" - the white giant.

Above, this picture was taken from the Piazzale Michelangelo, where one has a good view of the city.

Right, A group of bronze figures sits on the Piazzale overlooking the city. The figures of David and the other figures were cast from the original sculptures.

Next Stop, Rome

Below, downtown government building

Below, The Fontana di Trevi, which was made famous in the movie (and song), "Three coins in a fountain"

It was completed in 1762 and has been periodically refurbished. You can find it's interesting history on Wikipedia.

One coin toss is for luck, two for love or marriage, and three for divorce.

I think Elizabeth threw

two coins

Below, we are entering Imperial Rome. First we see the Arch of Septimius Severus. This Arch was completed in 203 AD.

Below, the temple of Saturn

in the area of the Roman

Formum

Below, the temple of Vespasian

also in the vicinity of the Roman

Forum

Below, looking back at the arch of Septimius Severus

On the right is the Temple of Vesta, originally constructed during the reign of the Kings. Here the vestal virgins guarded the sacred flame, which was a symbol of the life of the Urbs. Virgins took the vow of chastity for 30 years and if they broke it, they were condemned to be buried alive.

Below, the Temple of Antonius and Faustina. In the middle ages it was transformed into the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda.

Below, a view of the side of the Palatine Hills.

This was the high rent district and it dates back to the Iron Age.

Right, the Arch of Titus built in 81 AD to celebrate his victory over the Judeans and the conquest of Jerusalem.

Below, one of the relieves showing Titus in his chariot preceded by his lictors.

The Coliseum

The Arch of Constantine decreed by the Senate and the people of Rome after the General's victory over the Emperor Maxentius in 312 AD.

It is the largest and best preserved of the arches of Rome.

Below, while leaving "Imperial Rome" we can clearly see the Tomb of Hadrian from the bus. It was built between 130 and 139 AD, completed one year after Hdrian's death.