Vatican and Colosseum- Wonders of Rome

Our decision to spend two days in Rome didn’t come easily.  We could have easily spent our last two days in Sorrento, or found another beach town to disappear into.  But we were in Italy, the first time for the both of us, so we would be remiss if we didn’t visit Rome.  And since we would spending two days in Rome, we would be that much more remiss if we didn’t visit the Vatican and the Colosseum.  The Vatican came first.  It is massive, almost overwhelmingly so.  I overheard one tour guide say you could spend an entire week in the Vatican and truly see it all.  Its remarkable artistry and architecture are unparalleled, and both managed to inspire a wonder and awe of every visitor that ushered through the hallowed halls to the courtyard, tapestry wing, and Sistine Chapel.

The Colosseum, while not as immense as the Vatican, is just as impactful.  While the Vatican is still a thriving, functioning institution that works as a bridge between Rome’s past and its future, the Colosseum is rather a relic of an unimaginable time.  Serving both as a testament to the brilliance of Roman engineering, as well as a sad reminder of its dark, nefarious history, the Colosseum manages to elicit both admiration and horror in a single breath.  Looking down upon the chambers where countless slaves, criminals, gladiators, and animals were sent to their ghastly deaths is terrifying, but at the same time, having the ability to still witness this history, rather just read about it in a book, speaks to the value Italians place on legacy and posterity, of which we are all the beneficiaries. 

Just click the Play Button.  Also, it can be enlarged to fit the whole screen.

Patrick Edmonds is a co-founder, editor, and writer for/of The Lunch Break.  His passions include Food, Arts & Entertainment, and Educational News.  You can follow Patrick Edmonds on facebook and on Twitter @patrickedmonds1.