Rome is somehow more charming at night. The ancient city is lively during the day, but at night, it’s both romantic and mysterious and super vibrant! My sisters and I went to the city to visit my aunt for four cold December days in 2013, and it was a trip to remember. It gave real pleasure to admire the beautiful architecture, the landmarks I only saw on magazines and books before, finally, in real life.
After enjoying a delicious Filipino dinner, courtesy of our hosts, we started walking along the Tiber River, the third longest river in Italy with 406 kms in length. We passed by several sights, a nice Christmas bazaar, fountains and parks. The wonderful thing was that we didn’t really have a destination. So we just walked and fully enjoyed Rome by night.
After a while, we reached the city center, and only then did I realize that I actually missed one of the important landmarks of the city during the walking day tour. The Pantheon is a Roman temple turned church, built from 118-128 AD. Millions of people visit the site, which is also informally known as “Santa Maria Rotonda”.
Not far from the Pantheon is Piazza Navona, a beautiful piazza surrounded by Baroque Roman architecture and art. It has been a favorite public space and market by many since the 1600s. I was awed by the magnificent fountains found in the piazza, like the Fountain of the Four Rivers built in 1651, featuring an obelisk in the center. There’s also the Fontana del Moro and the Fountain of Neptune, built in 1575 and 1574 respectively. Facing the piazza is the Palazzo Pamphilj, also built in the 1600s. The palace houses the Brazilian Embassy in Rome.
Of course, the best part of the piazza were the night markets! One couldn’t help but love the beautiful stuff they sell there, and the aroma of Italian delicacies and treats. In December, they also put up rides and other amusement and entertainment facilities.
I would love to visit the city again. I wished for something in the Trevi Fountain, so hopefully, it would come true and the legend of coming back to Rome happens as well.
A little sidenote: I love this lappy I’m using right now, c/o my thoughtful bf. It makes blogging more fun and easy! After two wonderful years, the notebook I have been using for all my digital needs has started malfunctioning. Carl noticed it and loaned me one of his laptops.
This is all for now. Cheers! Salut! ❤
PinayOdyssey 
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