Rome, Italy

The Colosseum

for more information go HERE (especially for tickets)

The Arch of Constantine - In A.D. 312 Emperor Constantine defeated his rival Maxentius (Battle of the Milvian Bridge).  Constantine's mother and sister were Christian and when he became the sole emperor he legalized Christianity. 

The view one sees while standing inside the Pantheon - I love the hustle and bustle of the crowds!
(for more information go HERE)

Trevi Fountain

(more information go HERE)

throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain and your wish to come back to Rome someday will come true!

Vatican Museum

I HIGHLY recommend getting tickets ahead of time - it probably saved us a good 2-3 hours of waiting in line and with 5 children that is priceless!  Go HERE to get them on-line, 19 Euro's each (15 Euro's for ticket and 4 Euro's for booking fee).

Above: Apollo Belvedere, by Leochares

The Greeks loved balance - he's moving but not out of control

when he was discovered it was considered the most perfect work of art in the world, displaying eternal youth, and godlikeness 

Below: Laocoon

(this is one of my personal favorites)

it was found buried in the ruins of Nero's Golden House near the Colosseum in 1506

unlike the balanced Apollo Laocoon is "powerful, emotional and gritty"

The story goes -- Laocoon, the high priest of Troy, warned his fellow Trojans: "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts."  The attacking Greeks had brought the Trojan Horse to the gates as a trick ... they wanted to get inside the city walls.  Laocoon tried to warn his people not to bring it inside.  The Gods, wanting the Greeks to win, sent huge snakes to crush Laocoon and his two sons to death.  The image is at the peak of their terror, when they realize that no matter how hard they fight they are still going to die, and their entire race is doomed.

Not pictured ... The Sistine Chapel, which was amazing BTW!

Above: St Peter's square (Bernini's statues line the tops of the columns and St. Peter's Basilica)
Below: Inside St. Peter's Basilica

There is a long line to get into the Basilica.  It's for security only and it moves rather quickly so don't be discouraged when you see it.

(for more information go HERE)

Above - the Arch of Titus (located inside the Roman Forum)

It represents the Roman victory over the province of Judaea (Israel) in A.D. 70

Below - an image inside the Roman Forum

the Cursia (Senate House) is the far left
the Arch of Septimius Severus in the center (the arch)
the Column of Phocas is the lone column on the right of the arch

For more information go HERE)