My journey to Pompei started with a guided tour from the city of Rome. It was around 4 hour journey with a with stop in Naples, the city famed for its pizza in Southern Italy.
Pompei was an ancient city that was buried in a volcano eruption from Mt Vesuvius nearly 2000 years ago. It was only discovered not long ago in the 16th century.
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| The Ancient City of Pompei |
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| Walkway |
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| Our guide leading the way |
Upon reaching Pompei, I could feel the timeline of travel back in time. Our guide lead us through the walkways made of bricks nearly 2000 years ago which still stand strong. We entered some ruined houses from the volcano eruption. I was in awe as the painting on a floor of a house was still clearly visible. I could imagine the lives of people back then, living luxuriously as we do now. One of the interesting highlights was the existence of brothel even 2000 years ago as our guide showed us the signpost of a private part made of stone pointing to a direction, supposedly to the brothel. Visiting Pompei reminds me of how civilisation of human existence occurred long long time ago with a modernisation.
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| Painting of nearly 2000 years old |
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| This painted wall remained buried for centuries under volcano ash |
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| Wonder what paint was used for its lasting effect |
Rome is a city of the past, as there are still remains of Roman empire to be treasured. The whole city is filled with historical buildings that proof the strength of past human architecture. The most impressive icons are The Colosseum and The Pantheon. The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater. Just outside The Colosseum lie the Roman Forum, an ancient hub of political and social activity involving religious and public life. The Pantheon is a unique cylindrical building with columns at the entrance. Both were built nearly 2000 years ago. I truly adore the Roman architecture with the round columns around.
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| Colosseum - the battle ground of Gladiators |
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| Roman Forum |
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| The hub of ancient activity |
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| The Pantheon - a Roman temple turned into Catholic Church. Can you see the dome structure? |
Vatican City, as the smallest country in the world and the headquarters for Roman Catholic Church, is located within Rome City. The giant oil paintings from well known painters created from 14th to 16th century in the Vatican Museum are truly impressive. Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City reveals the master art piece of the great painter, Michelangelo on the ceiling.
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| St Peter's Basilica at Vatican City |
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| Visitors adore the curved Roman columns adjunt to the Vatican Palace behind |
Besides the historical sites, many tourists flock to Trevi Fountain to throw in coins and nearby Spanish Steps to remind oneself of stepping into the city of Rome. In fact, the whole city can be explored on foot if you are adventurous to discover and snap pictures of every beguiling site of the city.
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| Trevi Fountain |
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| The Spanish Steps |
Pompei and Rome remind me of how great the past civilisation was and make me realise how small I am.
