Day 16: Tuesday, April 26, 2005, photos by Pat Tyler.
Streets of Rome On Foot
3000-Year-Old Egyptian Obelesque
Although it is now one of the most unified quares in Rome, Piazza del Popolo elvolved gradually over the centuries. In 1589 the great town-planning pope, Sixtus V, had the obelisk erected on the center of the circular plaza by Domenico Fontana. Over 3000 years old, the obelesk was brought to Rome by Augustus to adorn the Circus Maximus after the conquest of Egypt.
Porta del Popolo
The Via Flaminia, built in 220 BC to connect Rome with Italy's Adriatic coast, enters the city at Porta del Popolo, a grand 16th century gate built on the orders of Pope Pius IV Medici. The architect, Nanni di Baccio Bigio, modeled it on a Roman triumphal arch. The outer face has statues of St. Peter and St. Paul on either side and a huge Medici coat of arms above. A century later, Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to decorate the inner face to celebrate the arrival in Rome of Queen Christina of Sweden.
The Gate Of Pincio Gardens
A view from the Piazza del Popolo looking up towards the Pincio Gardens which were designed in the early 19th century by Giuseppe Valdier, who also designed the Piazza del Popolo.
It's too bad our guide, Nicola, didn't think enough of us and his job to tell us of these things.
These identifications came from a guide book as these pages were being constructed.
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