We present the sixth installment of "THE ROAD," a series of landscapes captured by photographer Hidenobu Kasahara during his tour of Italy. This installment features Rome (Part 2).
Rome, Italy's capital, is the eternal city, a storied example of human history, from the ancient Roman Empire to the Renaissance, Baroque, and modern times. The Vatican City (Citta' del Vaticano), the headquarters of Christianity and an independent state, is also located within Rome. Both the historic center of Rome and Vatican City are registered World Heritage Sites.
The Pantheon is a temple built in Mars Square in Rome. It was originally a pantheon dedicated to various Roman gods.
It is said to have first been built around 25-27 BC. It was later destroyed by fire and rebuilt to its current form between 115 and 118.
The building consists of a 43.2m diameter rotunda and hemispherical dome resting on a 4.5m deep Roman concrete foundation. The walls are 6m thick, but different materials are used depending on the height. The upper part of the dome is made of tuff and pumice, and is only 1.5m thick.
The hole in the Pantheon's ceiling is called the Eye of the Pantheon (Orcus). The hole is 9m in diameter and rain can get in.
Altar of the Pantheon
Side of the Pantheon
Piazza Navona is famous as one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
It was originally built as the "Collegiate Stadium of Domitian" in the 1st century during ancient Rome, and the field area is still used as a square today, so it has a very long history.
An obelisk (monument) stands in the center.
There are three fountains in Piazza Navona, but the one that stands out the most is the "Fountain of the Four Rivers" located in the center.
Sisters walking around the city
Spanish Square
A square located in the northern part of the old town of Rome, the capital of Italy. The square was named after the Spanish Embassy that was once located nearby.
Fontana di Barcaccia
As the main shopping zone in central Rome, it is visited daily not only by tourists but also by Romans. Starting with Via Condotti, where you can find many high-end brand stores that are hard to reach, and Via del Babuino and Via del Corso, where you can find many ordinary stores, the area is a great place to enjoy just window shopping. The Spanish Steps area is a mix of history and fashion, and is bustling with people during the day and has a calm atmosphere at night.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are famous as the setting for the movie "Roman Holiday."
These steps have an official name, Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti.
There are 135 steps to the top, but there is a wide landing halfway up, so you can take a short break and enjoy the view below. There is also a railing at the top that you can lean against to look down. The views from these locations are spectacular, especially seeing Rome at sunset will leave you with memories you will never forget.
Mobile food truck
Italian police motorcycle
Venezia Square
It was once used as the embassy of the Republic of Venice, hence the name "Palazzo Venezia." When originally built, Palazzo Venezia was larger than it is today, with another small palace connected to it toward the Campidoglio. This small palace was moved to the southwest of the square when the Monument was built. However, the name remained as it was the site of the vast Palazzo Venezia.
Horse-drawn tourist carriage
Church of Santa Maria di Loreto
Vittorio Emanuele II Memorial
The current "Piazza Venezia" was built between 1885 and 1911.
It was built by Umberto I, the son of Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II, who was revered as the "Father of the Nation," to commemorate the achievements of his father.
A flower shop in the city
A shop in the city
Castle Sant'Angelo
Atop the castle stands a 16th-century marble statue of the Archangel Michael by Raffaello da Montelupo. It is the only fortress in Rome and is within walking distance of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Originally begun in 135 by Roman Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the building was completed four years later in 139. It was later converted into a military facility, and around the 14th century, it came into use as a papal fortress and prison. In 1527, when Holy Roman Emperor Charles V invaded Rome, Pope Clement VII barricaded himself in this castle to resist. Also, the philosopher and astronomer Giordano Bruno (1548-1600), who advocated the heliocentric theory, was imprisoned here for seven years before being burned at the stake. Today, the castle is the Military Museum (National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo).
Next time, we'll continue with Vatican City!
Vatican City – St. Peter's Basilica
While the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly led to remote work in society, there are certainly some analog things that we must cherish, like casual conversations with someone or time spent admiring roadside flowers. "THE ROAD" is a story woven by roads, people, and towns where such feelings seem to intersect.
We would like to draw your attention to Hidenobu Kasahara's artistic photography, which captures a quiet and warm atmosphere. Our roads continue on, gazing at the past, present, and future.
"THE ROAD - in Roma (Part 2)"
https://hidenobu.com/the_road/
photo: Hidenobu Kasahara
The setting for this sixth installment is Rome, Italy.
Rome, Italy's capital, is the eternal city, a storied example of human history, from the ancient Roman Empire to the Renaissance, Baroque, and modern times. The Vatican City (Citta' del Vaticano), the headquarters of Christianity and an independent state, is also located within Rome. Both the historic center of Rome and Vatican City are registered World Heritage Sites.
The Pantheon is a temple built in Mars Square in Rome. It was originally a pantheon dedicated to various Roman gods.
It is said to have first been built around 25-27 BC. It was later destroyed by fire and rebuilt to its current form between 115 and 118.
The building consists of a 43.2m diameter rotunda and hemispherical dome resting on a 4.5m deep Roman concrete foundation. The walls are 6m thick, but different materials are used depending on the height. The upper part of the dome is made of tuff and pumice, and is only 1.5m thick.
The hole in the Pantheon's ceiling is called the Eye of the Pantheon (Orcus). The hole is 9m in diameter and rain can get in.
Altar of the PantheonSide of the PantheonPiazza Navona is famous as one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
It was originally built as the "Collegiate Stadium of Domitian" in the 1st century during ancient Rome, and the field area is still used as a square today, so it has a very long history.
An obelisk (monument) stands in the center.
There are three fountains in Piazza Navona, but the one that stands out the most is the "Fountain of the Four Rivers" located in the center.
Sisters walking around the citySpanish Square
A square located in the northern part of the old town of Rome, the capital of Italy. The square was named after the Spanish Embassy that was once located nearby.
Fontana di BarcacciaAs the main shopping zone in central Rome, it is visited daily not only by tourists but also by Romans. Starting with Via Condotti, where you can find many high-end brand stores that are hard to reach, and Via del Babuino and Via del Corso, where you can find many ordinary stores, the area is a great place to enjoy just window shopping. The Spanish Steps area is a mix of history and fashion, and is bustling with people during the day and has a calm atmosphere at night.
Spanish StepsThe Spanish Steps are famous as the setting for the movie "Roman Holiday."
These steps have an official name, Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti.
There are 135 steps to the top, but there is a wide landing halfway up, so you can take a short break and enjoy the view below. There is also a railing at the top that you can lean against to look down. The views from these locations are spectacular, especially seeing Rome at sunset will leave you with memories you will never forget.
Mobile food truckItalian police motorcycleVenezia Square
It was once used as the embassy of the Republic of Venice, hence the name "Palazzo Venezia." When originally built, Palazzo Venezia was larger than it is today, with another small palace connected to it toward the Campidoglio. This small palace was moved to the southwest of the square when the Monument was built. However, the name remained as it was the site of the vast Palazzo Venezia.
Horse-drawn tourist carriageChurch of Santa Maria di LoretoVittorio Emanuele II MemorialThe current "Piazza Venezia" was built between 1885 and 1911.
It was built by Umberto I, the son of Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II, who was revered as the "Father of the Nation," to commemorate the achievements of his father.
A flower shop in the cityA shop in the cityCastle Sant'Angelo
Atop the castle stands a 16th-century marble statue of the Archangel Michael by Raffaello da Montelupo. It is the only fortress in Rome and is within walking distance of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Originally begun in 135 by Roman Emperor Hadrian as his own mausoleum, the building was completed four years later in 139. It was later converted into a military facility, and around the 14th century, it came into use as a papal fortress and prison. In 1527, when Holy Roman Emperor Charles V invaded Rome, Pope Clement VII barricaded himself in this castle to resist. Also, the philosopher and astronomer Giordano Bruno (1548-1600), who advocated the heliocentric theory, was imprisoned here for seven years before being burned at the stake. Today, the castle is the Military Museum (National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo).
Next time, we'll continue with Vatican City!
Vatican City – St. Peter's BasilicaWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly led to remote work in society, there are certainly some analog things that we must cherish, like casual conversations with someone or time spent admiring roadside flowers. "THE ROAD" is a story woven by roads, people, and towns where such feelings seem to intersect.
We would like to draw your attention to Hidenobu Kasahara's artistic photography, which captures a quiet and warm atmosphere. Our roads continue on, gazing at the past, present, and future.
"THE ROAD - in Roma (Part 2)"
https://hidenobu.com/the_road/
photo: Hidenobu Kasahara
