Following on from my post the other day @nicklewis/that-time-in-vatican-city for #monomad I found some more black and white images in my archives from the same trip.
This time the selection spans the entire city. We stayed for a few days in Rome and we could have done with more to be honest, as there is so much to see. I would encourage you all to just throw away your guidebooks sometimes because we found some fascinating places.
I've got plenty more photos to share and will schedule those in for another time.
The first of my images is of one of the most famous buildings, the imposing Colosseum that must have struck the fear of god into those poor mortals who faced gladatorial combat here. Nowadays as a tourist you have to do battle with a combination of selfie-stick sellers and tour guides all touting for business. Time it just right, you can avoid them and we found the extreme ends of the day were good for a quieter stroll around here.
My second location is another well known destination which you can enter for free. The Pantheon and it is one of the oldest in Rome, though not the original, as that was even older. Inside the oculus in the rooftop lets in a beam of light that gradually revolves around it's interior.
My third image was taken on the same day. We had just left the Pantheon, crossed the Piazza, turned down a side street and found this beautiful church, St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica which we explored and I came away with two really good images.
I was especially pleased with the light for this next one, it was just coming through the windows at the right angle. The Basilica was beautiful, a real gem, that I don't think was in the guide book. Not the one we had anyway.
Near the station, people are coming and going, plus there is a large African community in this part of the town. Along the street where we were walking there were stalls selling leather goods and wooden ornaments.
The Spanish Steps are another famous spot. The first time we visited, it was crowded, packed with people, so taking photos like this just weren't possible in the slightest. We had to think of a way we could time it for a better opportunity.
We had to set our alarm for about 5am one morning and take the Metro from our hotel directly to "Spagna". I was using my tripod too so it was with great delight
we found the place was practically empty save for a bride and groom running through some ideas with their photographer (or were they modelling?).
We ended up at Terrazza del Pincio which is on the edge of Parcheggio Villa Borghese
The view from this high point I am sure you'll agree was spectacular
