Fontana dei Fiumi-Fountain of the Four Rivers

The Fontana dei Fiumi, or the Fountain of the Four Rivers, is the centerpiece of Romes largest piazza, Piazza Navona. Currently the fountain is under construction but you can still see it almost in its entirety through the glass wall around the fountain. The fountain was designed by Bernini and was erected in 1651. The fountain stands in front of the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and it sure is a sight to see! Roman fountains originally served many purposes such as brining water into town from the hills and also as being monuments to the Pope's that commissioned them. In the case of this fountain, it was sponsored by Pope Innocent X.
The name of fountain is meant to describe four great rivers on the four great continents of the world: The Nile in Africa, Ganges in Asia, Danube in Europe, and Rio de la Plata in America.
Most recently the fountain is one of the center points of the movie Angels and Demons, which is being filmed in Rome. Since the fountain is under construction, they are doing computer generated images of it and then recreating the whole piazza in a studio back in Hollywood. I hope it looks as good as it does in real life! Ciao!

Viale Di Trastevere

Throughout the summer we've been spending most of our time on Viale di Trastevere. It has become a main road for us to get to class every single day. Today, Thursday June 19th, we decided that instead of cooking for our meals (like we normally do) we would go out to eat. Dom, Brian, Cole, Kevin and myself found a nice little restaurant behind Santa Maria in Trastevere. They had an amazing special for lunch, so we couldn't pass it up. For a mere 10 Euro you got your choice of a drink (Coke, beer, wine, or water), bruchetta, pizza or pasta, and a cappuccino. It was a great meal! Speaking of Trastevere and food, the cafe next to our apartment is now under new ownership. The gentleman that owned it before did not seem to run it well, and it was rarely busy. Now, every time I go in there it is jammed with people all yelling for what they want to eat and drink. The food is just as good as the coffee! They know we're Americans (not sure how...just kidding) so they attempt to talk English to us. They asked us if we were from Texas because we had "Texas accents." We said no and asked why our accents sounded like that of Texas. They just said that they, unlike us, cannot tell the difference in American accents so they just named an accent they knew. It was quite funny. Also, I think it's great that we are in their country and we are trying to speak their language and they are trying to speak ours. It has led to a few mishaps. The most recent mishap we found is that if you order two drinks (one for you and one for a friend) and intend on splitting the bill at the cash register, they do not understand it. If you order them, you pay for them. It wasn't a huge deal as we explained to them that in America that is how it works. They said it was fine and split the mere 2 Euro bill for us. I am looking forward to going home next week, but it is the little things like this that I will miss. Trastevere sure has been good to me and my four roommates this summer!

3 Sites to Photograph While in Rome

Here is some more information on three sites to photograph while you're in Rome!
1.) The Colosseum: As you may have seen previously, I got to visit the Colosseum about two weeks ago. We ventured inside and I got the chance to shoot some amazing photos from inside one of the worlds most recognizable structures. The Colosseum is the site where thousands of Christian martyrs died. Originally the structure was called The Flavian Amphitheater. Today, the structure looks damaged to due earthquakes and stone robbers, from some time ago. Construction on this gigantic structure began in 70-72, taking a great many years to complete. Today, you are allowed to tour the inside and outside of the structure. Be sure to do both, as they both hold their positives and negatives. Also, be sure to check this place out at night seeing as one of my fellow students here in Rome saw ghosts one night while he was there with some friends.

2.) Santa Maris in Cosmedin: This church was built in the 6th century on top of ruins of an ancient temple, Templum Herculis Pompeiani, or the altar of Hercules. The most interesting thing about this church is one of the artifacts that you can find near this church, The Bocca della Verita. This structure is a giant concrete face in which you put your hand in his mouth, tell a lie, and if the lie is true then the statue bites your hand off. If you walk by this area on a typical summer weekend in Rome, the line will wrap around outside the building as tourists come to test the myth. There is talks that this face was originally just a drain cover, but no one is really sure.

3.) Tiber River Island: This island, which sits in close proximity to town, was originally used to throw those who got the plague. Today, the island is a popular hangout spot for young Romans and tourists alike. There is a myth that says that island formed when Tarquinius Superbus (a much hated ruler) was overthrown, that his body was thrown into the river and soot and dirt collected around his body, forming the island. Also the island was associated with healing and health, and to this day is the location of one of Rome's hospitals or clinics.

9 Days

9 days until we leave to go back to the States! So exciting!

Photography: A Guided Walk of Rome

-Click on the photo to make it larger-
For this walk we’ll be starting out at Piazza del Collegio Romano.
-Head southwest through the Piazza until you see Via della Gatta on your left
-Turn left on Via della Gatta and continue down this street until you get to Via del Plebiscito.
-Turn left on Via del Plebiscito
-Keep walking until you read Piazza Venezia, which will be on your right.
-This is a great place to snap photos. The monument is the Vittorio Emmanuel II monument and it is a massive marble structure. A 200mm lens would offer some great shots of the winged angels on chariots that are placed on top of each side of the monument.
-Keeping the giant monument on your right, catch Via dei Fori Imperiali and walk about ten minutes until you see the Colosseum.
-This whole road offers some great shots of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, which is on your right. The Forum is a great place to snap some shots of ancient Roman architecture and ruins.
-Once you are at the Colosseum, decide if you want to go inside or stick outside. Both choices can lead to great photos. From the inside, use the sky as a backdrop and switch into black and white. From the outside, use the busy streets surrounding the Colosseum as a backdrop and shoot away.
-Next, walk to the giant arch that is located behind the Colosseum, and in between the Forum and the Colosseum. This is the Arch of Constantine. If you are lucky you will find a wedding being conducted under the arch. This can allow you to take some great pictures! Once again, black and white might be the way to shoot here. But the choice is yours.
-Next, walk under the arch away from the Colosseum on Via de San Gregorio.
-Walk until you reach Piazza Porta Capena
-Turn right, and look to your left. This is Circus Maximus
-Circus Maximus is the location of the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium
-This is a great place to shoot on a sunny day. If you’re lucky (again), Romans will be picnicking and socializing in and around this huge park type area. Snap on a wide angle lens, just to make sure you get it all in there.
-Keep walking straight, keeping Circus Maximus on your left
-At the end of Circus Maximus is Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Take some pictures of this church. It’s a beautiful structure
-Cross the street towards the river, which is directly in front of you.
-You will see a fountain just before you reach the river. This is the Fountain of Triton.
-The fountain of Triton is a great place to sit and enjoy the noises of the city. Use sun to your advantage to get some shadow photos of the fountain.
-Walk behind the fountain and turn right onto Lungotevere dei Pierleoni
-Continue up Lungotevere dei Pierleoni until you read Ponte Fabricio, which is the walking bridge that leads to the Tiber River Island.
-Once on the bridge, be sure to take some photos of up-river and down-river.
-Cross onto the island and shoot from the island looking up at the bridges on both ends.
-Lastly, grab some gelato at one of cafes on the island and spend an afternoon sitting on the banks of the river, taking it all in. Of course, take some pictures at the same time.

The Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums are some of the most famous museums in Rome, and for good reason. Inside this museum you will access to some of the worlds best art that was commissioned by some of the most influential Popes of all time. The most famous of these is Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, which was commissioned by Pope Julius II and was completed between 1508 and 1512. The main panels on the ceiling depict both Old and New Testament events such as the creation of the world and the fall of man. Also in the Vatican museums is Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment, which was unveiled in 1993 after years of restoration. The painting shows the dead rising up to face God on judgment day. Pope Paul III Farnese chose this as a warning to Catholics to stick to their faith during the reformation. There is a charge to enter the Vatican museums, and it depends on what time of the year your visit occurs. During the summer months (the tourist season) the museum is open from 8:45am to 4:45pm. Check the times before you go. The museums are free on the last Sunday of each month. If you plan to go on the last Sunday arrive early as the line will go outside and snake its way through Saint Peter’s Square.

Gallery Doria Pamphilj

The Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is a beautiful Palazzo located in central Rome and is the location of the Doria Pamphilj Gallery. The building itself dates to around 1453 with various expansions happening from 1601 and 1647. The gallery charges an admission to gain access to over 400 paintings from the 15th to the 18th centuries. Among some of the art in the gallery you will find earlier Carravagio paintings such as Rest During the Flight into Egypt. Also inside the gallery is the private apartment that was once used by the family and it still contains furnishings and art that were originals during the periods when the family lived there. Outside the gallery is the Piazza del Collegio Romano, which is where we have class at everyday, right next to this gallery. The gallery itself was noted as one of Rome’s best galleries by DK’s Eyewitness Guide: Rome 2008. This is a must visit for anyone spending any time in Rome. The gallery is open 10am-5pm Monday-Wednesday.

All About Trevi

So throughout the summer I have been writing about The Trevi Fountain, but I never really explained what it is or how it came to be. So here we go! The Trevi Fountain is located about a 10 minutes walk from our school, here in Rome. The fountain itself is 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide and features a wide array of Baroque style architecture. Originally, the fountain was designed by Bernini but was torn down and replaced in 1762 with the current design, done by Nicola Salvi. He died in 1751 but work continued under the initial plans that were drawn up. In 1998 the fountain was refurbished and circulating pumps were installed, although a certain percentage of the water in the fountain still flows from the original source some 8 miles outside of the city. Interestingly enough, the name Trevi comes from the fact that the fountain is situated at the intersection of 3 roads (tre-vie) in a beautiful piazza. So, if you ever find yourself in Rome please visit the Trevi Fountain. Also, legend has it that if you throw a coin over your shoulder it will guarantee you a trip back to Rome. Give it a shot!

Viale Di Trastevere

I’ve been spending more and more time on Viale di Trastevere (and Trastevere itself), and for many good reasons. The weather has finally started to break here, and more and more people are coming into the city for the summer (the tourist season). Dom and I explored a new area the other day down by one of the bridges that crosses into Testachio, which is where our graduate assistants are living this summer. We picked up some gelato from the local gellateria and parked ourselves on a bench on the street corner and just watched people. I have noticed that Rome is a great place to people watch, and that Trastevere could be the “people watching capital” of Rome. There are no tourists here. I have heard from everyone (including locals) that the tourists tend to stick on the Rome side of the Tiber River, leaving Trastevere to the Roman natives. Anyways, we found a new favorite place to eat in Trastevere. It’s called Pizza Portese and it is fantastic! They have more than just pizza, they roast chickens, they sell bread, they have all types of lasagna, calzones, and many other items. The owners are great. They know that we’re American (we’ve been frequenting this place a lot lately) so they attempt to speak English as we attempt to speak Italian. In the end it all works out. After we get our pizza we go outside, lean against the wall and enjoy the authentic Roman taste as we watch hoards of Italians go about their daily, hectic lives.

Boys Town of Italy: Part II

On Friday June 13th we had the chance to visit Boys Town of Rome, which is a self-governing orphanage, located about ten miles from downtown Rome. I was so shocked at how welcoming and receptive they were to the arrival of 50+ Penn State students. At first I felt a little awkward walking around and looking at stuff, because I don’t think I would like people coming into my house and hanging out in my backyard just to witness something that, to the boys, is a part of everyday life. But this changed when we saw how excited the Mayor (a 16 year old from Morocco) of t he city was to have us in his town. They took us around the city and showed us everything from their winery to their bank to their assembly hall to their restaurant, all of which is governed and run by the boys (with adult supervision in some levels, as required by Italian law). Surprisingly their living quarters were very new looking and very comfortable. School was out for the summer but we got to tour their classrooms in which they learn computer programming, video editing, ceramics, auto mechanics, stained glass making, and many others. In the middle of our tour the boys hosted us for coffee, Coca-Cola, pastries, and other food items in their restaurant. This was a great chance to interact with the boys and learn about them and where they come. All in all this experience was extremely positive and I recommend visiting Boys Town if you ever find yourself in Rome. Ciao!