Everyone has that place in the world where, when they first set eyes on it, it feels as if they have lived there their entire life! It quite simply feels like “home”. For me, that place is Roma. I love everything about it! From the cats that roam the streets, keeping them a bit more rodent free, to the people, the history, art, and yes, even the chaos that might seem a bit overwhelming to some. I love it all!
Growing up in a Catholic household, Roma was a part of my upbringing. As children, we were taught about the Pope, and the Vatican. St. Peters was a place that, when we went to sleep, we would dream of someday visiting. Now, the fact that I get to spend so much time in this wondrous place is a blessing – one that I do not take for granted.
The Flaminio Obelisk is one of thirteen ancient pillars in Roma today. It was built by the Pharaoh Ramesses II, and brought to the city of Roma by the emperor, Augustus. At that time, it was placed in the Circus Maximus. Time then took over and with it, the Obelisk was lost. It wasn’t until 1587 that the Obelisk was found again – in pieces. It was restored and erected in its present location in Piazza del Popolo in 1589.
The Basilica dei SS Ambrogio e Carlo can be found on Via del Corso. Dedicated to Saint Ambrose and Saint Charles Borromeo, it was built in 1610. The heart of Saint Charles is actually kept in a reliquary, in the ambulatory behind the sanctuary. 
A monument, outside of the Grand Hotel Plaza, pays tribute to the Italian composer Pietro Mascagni, best known for his work titled “Cavalleria Rusticana”. Mascagni died in the hotel in 1945.
Located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, the Keats-Shelly House Museum provides the visitor with a step back in time. 
The apartment that you walk through was the last home of John Keats, who died here, at the age of 25, in 1821. His bedroom has been left intact, as a sort of shrine to him. The other rooms contain artifacts, books, letters, and other memorabilia. 
The All Saints Anglican Church holds concerts most evenings, and tickets can be purchased online, or at the box office, at the church entrance.
Next up: more of the Eternal City!
Note: this blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any translations which may appear.