Pantheon

If you could take just one photo: Pantheon

Just around the corner from the Piazza della Rotonda, in the shadow of the Pantheon, you'll find a veritable feast for the senses. Bakeries and colorful gelaterias abound in this part of town, where the salty-sweet smell of fresh pastry mingles with the rich aroma of steamy cappuccino. Follow your nose to one of the many sweet shops nearby – try Della Palma or Cremeria Monteforte – and treat yourself to one of hundreds of flavors of creamy, ice-cold gelato. Lounge against the obelisk in the center of the piazza while you slurp your icy treat, and enjoy the simple pleasure of a perfect afternoon in Rome.

Add a Comment

Exhaling, you can almost see condensation from your breath linger in the humid climate. No matter. You’re not here to worry about the heat; you’re here to eat delicious gelato in the shade of the Pantheon. Surrounding you are travelers from all over, and despite the crowd, it is a peaceful place. They, too, are looking in awe at 2000 years of history in a massive domed building. As you lick your gelato—from Della Palma or San Crispino—you ponder the words on the façade: M•AGRIPPA•L•F•COS•TERTIVM•FECIT. Meaningless to those not versed in Latin, but you laugh as you already know it means: “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time, built this.” Even when the last lick of gelato is gone, hours can be spent people watching, listening to the gentle splashing of water from the fountain, and realizing that these moments in front of a Pantheon are only a blip compared to its long history.

Add a Comment