This is a Baroque fountain in the Piazza Navone, a very interesting piazza near the location of the Italian legislature.

The Church of St. Agnes in Agony at the Piazza Navone.  Inside are some gorgeous altar carvings and a reliquary containing the skull of St. Agnes.  I don't have a picture of it, unfortunately.  St. Agnes is Mary Fran's patron saint.

Another view of the Piazza Navone with cafes and art sellers all around.  We weren't able to get back in the evening, but this would be a great place to visit at night.

This is the Piazza Sapienza near the Piazza Navone, supposedly, the best Piazza in Rome.

Colosseum

Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. It remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. Mike took the tour and these great pictures.

Pope Benedict and the Vatican

The papal visit. We arrived 2 hours early and were rewarded with 12th row seats. Pope Benedict spoke in several languages and welcomed groups in attendance. He did not, however, mention the group "celebrating Anne's 58th birthday"

Churches

There must be thousands of churches in Rome.  We visited maybe half a dozen.  Here are a few pictures.  If you want to see more churches send an email and fill your inbox with pictures/

Statue of Pope Clement in Santa Maria Maggiore.  The pope is venerating the relic of the Manger Christ was born in.

Mary Franin the piazza outside of the church of St. Agnes in Agony.  This is Mary Fran's patron saint.

Inside of St. Agnes.  You can literally see inside of St. Agnes because her skull (which I didn't get a picture of) is displayed in a reliquery.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica.

The Bernini Canopy over the altar in St. Peter's.

Anne and Mike's Restaurant

Anne and Mike discovered a restaurant called Vin e Pane--Wine and Bread--that had some great, unusual dishes and terrific wine.

This is where we discovered Grappe and the world's greatest dessert--a mound of ricotta cheese in a saucer of espresso.  Hint: pour a couple pack of sugar over it.

Some night shots

The Trevi fountain at night.

Anne, Mom and Mary Fran in front of a store near the Trevi.

A street near the Trevi with art work for sale and restaurant tables.

Mom and Mary Fran in the square designed by Michelangelo on the Capitoline Hill.

A fountain in the piazza outside a restaurant discovered by Anne and Mike in the Jewish quarter of Rome.

More on Piazza del Popolo

The fountains around the obelisk in the piazza are supposed to be very calming if you dip your hands in them.  Here's Mary Fran getting calm.

Apparently it also works if you dip your feet, as these Italian girls are doing.