Rome - Piazza Popolo

After leaving the Vatican, we walked across town to the Piazza del Popolo. I found this lovely gate on the way.




This gate was the former main entrance to Rome. It is a baroque element placed next to medieval walls. The churches on the inside were remodeled at this time, as was the Piazza, the two churches at the far end, and the entire street system in Rome. We were here to watch how people use the piazza, and to make observations on light and other phenomenon.


Here we have people enjoying the fountain..I enjoyed the light on the water!


Every single bench in this piazza was occupied. Every possible sitting space in the sun was used.


Here the differentiation between active and passive space is clearly seen. It's about 4 at this point, and time for the Dolce Vita stroll by the Italians. We decided to get a bottle of wine and go up to the top terrace and watch the action. We took in the lovely statues on the way.






This woman represents spring. The four seasons statues are placed around the piazza, two at each edge of the double arcs which form the piazza.


Can you believe the color of the light and the blue sky? I have never seen skies as blue as the ones in Italy.


The top of the Piazza is a large city park. This fantastic hotel is just off to the side of the piazza overlooking Piazza del Popolo.




There is a great view across town to St. Peters. Here it's just lit up for the evening.


AMAZING sunset over St. Peter's


After this spectacle, we walked down to the Spanish steps, then had to head back home. We grabbed a pizza, salad, and cake and had a great picnic on the train ride home.