The Piazzas, Museums and Fountains of Rome

14 June 202524 May 2025

Using my Omnia Roma Pass for the second day, I boarded the Hop On Hop Off bus to visit some of the highlights of the Roman neighborhoods. The Vatican Museum was not yet open, so I started touring the north end of Rome. I had a few hours before heading towards the Port of Civitavecchia for a seven day Mediterranean cruise.

A short walk from the Piazza del Popolo, I arrived at the Spanish Steps where I took a seat on a step to review my map. I found myself distracted by the people around me, but it was a great spot to check out the tourists in the piazza.

The Spanish Steps are popular with both locals and tourists alike. They were designed in the 17^th century to connect the Trinita dei Monti to the Piazza di Spagna below. Francesco de Sanctis was commissioned to design the steps that would one day become one of the most recognized landmarks in Rome. The platforms along the staircase provide great views of Via Condotti in the shopping district. The obelisk of red granite Sallustian stands 43 feet high in front of the church from one of these platforms as well. For a more spectacular view of Rome, tour books highly recommend a climb up the bell tower inside of the Trinita del Monti.

The ruins of Rome are a perfect outdoor museum in itself, but I have always wanted to view the art and archaeological items within the Vatican Museum. Displaying artifacts from over hundreds of years, the inventory was overwhelming and extraordinary. At minimum, I knew I was going to need at least a couple of hours to spend here.

The crowd was thick, pushing me from room to room until I reached the grand finale, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel!

After having spent about three hours at the Vatican Museum with my thoughts on the Sistine Chapel, I knew it was time for lunch. Since Rome is a maze of unique squares that have a personality of their own, I was looking forward to finding the Campo di Fiore. Translated as the “field of flowers”, this piazza is one of the most colorful squares of Rome and was once a meadow where merchants sold their products. Since the Medieval Period, the Campo di Fiori remains to this day a lively market and meeting place.

Several restaurants border the Campo di Fiori and offer several options for a light lunch. I ordered a glass of Prosecco and the Margarita pizza. I found myself daydreaming and was caught unaware when my meal arrived so quickly. I couldn’t wait to try a slice!

Throughout Rome are souvenir stalls which sell local maps, bus and train tickets, snacks, postcards and tourist information. In contrast to the ancient ruins, it is a modern day necessity.

Back on the bus, I am quickly transported back in time to the entrance of the Roman Forum. This area of Rome was at its peak during the Roman Republic when Julius Caesar was emperor. A set of stairs leads to the Arch of Titus, erected to commemorate the Roman victory over Judea in AD 66. The Forum is the core of the Roman Empire, where decisions were made, deals were struck and death was an everyday occurrence.

To the left of the Arch of Titus is the famous Arch of Constantine which leads into Palatine Hill. The Hill was Rome’s first settlement and was the home of Rome’s founders Romulus and Remus.

The arch’s portico tells the story of Constantine’s Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. Constantine claimed that he had a vision from God which led to his victory. He swore to legalize Christianity and give his support to Christians.

Another important site in Rome is the Flavian Amphitheater, more commonly known as the Colosseum. After the brutal reign of Nero, it was Vespasian who commissioned the amphitheater as a gift to the Romans. This massive structure could hold up to 55,000 spectators and was built with 80 entrances to allow attendees to find their seats in a record time of 15 minutes.

With only a couple of hours before hailing a taxi to the port, I strolled over towards the Roman Forum for a closer view of the Basilica of Constantine and Maxentius. The three arches are all that remain of the largest building on display in the Forum. The basilica was the central location where the government’s legal and administrative duties were performed.

One final ride on the bus and I have arrived at the Trevi Fountain before taking the subway back to the hotel. This fountain is Rome’s largest and most famous. I took my first glimpse of Neptune rising out of the water with two Tritons and their sea horses and I could not look away. The sculpture is larger than life and the intricate detail and scale of this monolith is nothing less than awesome. I completed my day in Rome by throwing a coin in the fountain, and if the tradition is true, I will one day return to this magnificent place!

Have you ever visited a place that was so exciting but you just couldn’t find the time to see all of the sites? Let me know in the comments section below about your experience and how you handled it! I would also love to hear about your adventures in Rome, any recommendations or suggestions for my next visit! Many thanks for reading about my weekend in Rome and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Trinita dei Monti
Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 3, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 679 4179

Admission Fee: There is no fee to enter the church, but a small offering is suggested.
Hours: The church is open from 10AM to 8PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; open from noon to 8PM on Wednesday and from 9AM to 8PM on Saturday.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are provided on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5PM. Reservation is required and there is a fee associated with the tour: Adults are 12 Euro, Students and Children ages 12 – 18 are 6 Euros and Children under the age of 11 are free of charge.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of the plaza and the Via Condotti from the top of the steps leading up to the church.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: There are several steps (the Spanish Steps lead up to the church, so wear comfortable shoes. Dress appropriately covering your shoulders and knees as you may be denied entrance if not covered up. A small offering may be requested so be prepared.

Vatican Museum
00120 Vatican City
Telephone: +390669881022

Admission Fee: 17 Euros to visit the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel independently. For additional types of tours, visit the website directly.
Hours: The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 6PM (final entry at 4PM); Every last Sunday of the month, the museum is open from 9AM to 2PM.
Guided Tours: A long list of guided tours are available and can be researched on the website listed above.
Scenic View: Beautiful views of Rome from the various balconies; amazing artifacts and ancient relics as well as artwork in the Sistine Chapel.
Length of Visit: 5 – 6 hours
Tips for Your Visit: If visiting the museum independently, purchase your tickets in advance. Be aware that the museum is very crowded when the cruise ships are in port.

Roman Forum
Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone; +39 06 0608

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum.
Bus/Train Information: Buses 40, 44, 84, 780 and 810; Metro Station – Colosseo, line B- (blue)
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Roman Forum’s website: https://turisimoroma.it/cosa-fare/fori
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge)
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: Your ticket to the Roman Forum includes The Colosseum and Palatine Hill. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but may be screened by metal detectors. Bags may also be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains.

Colosseum/Flavian Amphitheater
Piazza del Colosseo, 1
00184 Roma RM, Italy

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Additional fee for a guided tour of the underground. All guests are FREE the first Sunday of the month.
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Colosseum’s website: www.the-colosseum.net/around/visit.htm
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge), bookstore
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total (another hour for the underground tour)
Tips for Your Visit: The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Rome. While the ticket line may be long, you may want to consider purchasing your ticket at the Palatine Hill as your ticket also includes entrance into the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, located next door. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but must be screened by metal detectors. Bags will be opened and visually inspected by security. Due to new security measures it is necessary to arrive at least 30 minutes before collecting your reservation at the ticket counter. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle where you can fill it with water.

Palatine Hill
Via di San Gregorio, 30
00184, Roma, RM, Italy

Admission Fee: 12 Euros per adult, children under the age of 17 are free; The Admission Fee includes entrance into the Roman Forum and the Colosseum.
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM (closed January 1^st and December 25^th) The ticket counter closes one hour before closing time. Confirm with the Colosseum’s website: https://www.romaexperience.com/palatine-hill/
Amenities: audio headsets, tour guides (additional charge), bookstore
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Audio guides are available for a nominal fee.
Length of the Tour: 2 – 3 hours total
Tips for Your Visit: The Colosseum is the most visited attraction in Rome. Your ticket also includes entrance into the Palatine Hill, located next door. For security reasons, it is strictly forbidden to enter the attraction with backpacks, camping equipment, bulky bags, luggage or trolley. Medium and small-sized backpacks are permitted, but must be screened by metal detectors. Bags will be opened and visually inspected by security. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your water bottle to refill at the drinking fountains and think about bringing a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

Hop On/Hop Off Bus

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Rome Central Park
Via Giuseppe Mosacti 7
Rome 01168 Italy
Telephone: +39 06 355741

Where to Eat:

Antico Caffe del Teatro di Marcelo
Via del Teatro de Marcelo, 42 00186
Rome, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 678 5451

I ordered a margarita panini and it was fabulous! Check out their facebook page!

What to Eat:

Artichokes: steamed or fried
Cacio e Pepe: Cacio is a type of cheese from Rome’s countryside made from sheep’s milk. The dish is served over pasta and seasoned by black pepper.
Carbonara: creamy white pasta served with pancetta and noodles
Gelato: You have not had gelato until you have had it in Rome!
Maritozzi is a popular breakfast pastry with chocolate chips served with espresso. Some maritozzi are filled with cream as well.
Pecorino Romano cheese
Pizza al Taglio is Rome’s answer to pizza with red sauce, meats, vegetables and cheeses. I also love the Italian margarita pizza with red sauce, mozzarella cheese and topped with basil.
Porcetta: Pork wrapped around herbs and roasted on a spit
Saltimbocca is a dish made with veal and sage wrapped in prosciutto, cooked in white wine and butter.
Suppli is considered an Italian snack made of rice and meat with tomato sauce and filled with mozzarella cheese and then deep-fried. It reminds me of arancini in the US.

Where to Drink:

Il Goccetto (for wine)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14
00186, Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 9944 8583

Terrazza Borromini
Via di Santa Maria dell’Anima, 30A
00186 Roma RM, Italy
Telephone: +39 06 6821 5459

While the drinks are pricey, it will be worth the cost for the fabulous views.

What to Read:

Imperium, by Robert Harris
Roma, by Steven Saylor
SPQR, by Mary Beard
The Twelve Caesars, by Robert Grave

Photo Guide for Rome:

Campo de’ Fiori for photos of the market
The Colosseum
Monti for upscale boutiques, restaurants and vintage stores
The Pincio Terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo in northern Rome
The top of St. Peter’s Basilica
Trastevere neighborhood for scenic alleyways, artisan workshops, the piazza at sunset, and tiny boutiques. Find the corner of Vicolo delle Torro off of Via della Lungaretta for photo-worthy pics.
Trevi Fountain

Faces & Stories Exhibit of Jimi Jones, Cincinnati Artist

14 May 201615 September 2024

Supporting local Ohio artists, the Springfield Art Museum hosted an exhibit of works by Cincinnati painter Jimi Jones. I caught a glimpse of his artwork during the Jason Morgan show and could not wait for the Grand Opening of “Faces & Stories”.

The first images I notice as I walk into the large exhibit hall are a quartet of paintings that immediately capture my attention. I am fascinated with the symmetry, graphic artistry and attention to detail represented in Jones’ artwork. The bright colors against the dark backgrounds allow my eyes to focus on the central images that are depicted in the art as I study each of the subjects’ facial expressions.

The painting titled You’re Fired, features images of Donald Trump and Jesus Christ, who are figures of extreme contrast. Mistakenly, I thought that this painting would have been one of the most recent works of Jones, but in fact, this piece of artwork was painted in 2102, long before Trump’s political run for the presidential race. There is a strong relationship of opposites when one compares the lives of Jesus and Donald. Jesus, the compassionate spiritual man who represents grace, forgiveness and a life of humility is what many would say is the complete opposite of Donald Trump, who is wealthy powerful and self-absorbed. The sharp lines that appear in the background give an image of shouting and aggression while these same lines above the head of Christ, represent holiness and spiritual divination. What kind of contrasts do you see in this painting?

The Monster Movie Aurora was painted by Jimi Jones in 2014. The figure on the left represents James Eagan Holmes who was convicted on 24 counts of murder and multiple accounts of attempted murder, when he entered a movie theater on July 20, 2012 and openly fired upon movie-goers. There seems to be an evil aura that dominates the top half of the painting, while innocent, unaware, families have not yet become aware of what is going to happen. The blue figure is obviously the shooter, while explosive-like objects seem to suggest some events have already occurred. Maybe the family members have not yet discerned the noise of the actual events to the action in the movie that is playing.

From John Wayne to Lil Wayne is one of the masterpiece paintings of Jones that represents two public figures from different eras and cultures. Painted in 2014, there are several graphic elements that include a hologram as well as cowboy clippings inserted into the artwork. What fascinates me is the stark difference between the two figures. John Wayne, known largely for his role as a cowboy in several movies in the 20^th century and Lil Wayne, an American hip hop recording artist are featured in this painting. I love that it may spark an intrigue by the viewer to further understand the person that represents the culture outside of his own. I knew very little about Lil Wayne, except that I liked a couple of his songs, so this painting led me to learn more about the rapper’s life and career. Has there ever been a painting that has left you wanting to know more?

Up Close View of John Wayne

Movies and pop culture seem to be a recurring theme in Jones’ artwork. What is Beauty? is one of Jones’ most recent paintings which he completed in 2016. I love the attention to detail In Cleopatra’s hair and makeup, the reflections from King Tut’s mask and the physique of Tarzan. From its inception, the movie industry has manipulated the thoughts and minds of the general population by dictating what makes someone beautiful. Beauty continues to evolve through each generation.

Many of Jimi Jones’ portraits are of African-American celebrities that also have a passion for the Neo-Ancestral movement. Born of Cherokee and African American descent, Jones grew up to become a founding member of the Neo-Ancestralist Art Collective in Cincinnati.

The portrait of Edith Mararo was painted by Jones in 2015. Mararo is a fellow portraiture artist from the Cincinnati area who specializes in painting children. With the use of pastels, oils, acrylic, graphite, watercolor and charcoal, she has made a living as a local, talented artist.

Jones’ strong graphic design background is evident in his 2008 painting titled Martyrs. The antique composition surrounds the colorful death of Jesus in the center, drawing my eyes directly to Christ’s post-crucifixion body. Jesus is surrounded by US political figures that also gave their lives for their beliefs such as John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King, Jr. The multi-dimensional King depiction seems to under-shadow the other victims, but takes up more of the page.

According to the placard, Jones states “Lincoln, Kennedy and Dr. King lost their lives because they dared to stand against slavery, injustice, and inequality. Much of the great art of all time has been dedicated to reminding people of those sacrifices”, Jones said. “I feel honored that as an artist I can carry on this tradition.”

Having had the opportunity to see the Pieta in Rome, I enjoyed this homage to Michelangelo’s sculpture. With a harsh Picasso-like graphics approach, Jones is able to pull off his use of strong lines yet softens them in a way that gives this painting a soft, humble tone.

Why These Cultures, painted by Jones in 2008, showcases his talent for detail. The color, shapes and intricate facets of this art piece bring out a story within a story and layers of artistry all in one painting. The graphics components are incorporated more into the design of the actual figures which draws the eye to the images that seem distant and secondary. In fact, they become more interesting and center stage the more I gaze upon the masterpiece. Again, there is the use of antique coloring, but it does not dominate the piece.

The amazing detail of Why These Cultures 2008

As I approach the Mad Tea Party, I have to admit that this painting intrigues me because I am not quite sure which players are represented here. I assume that Alice is on the far left at the head of the table and I recognize Johnny Depp’s character, but I am at a loss in identifying the other party attendees gathered around. Once again, the detail in the surrounding objects such as the chandelier and the shadows are very well thought out and executed. So who do YOU think these invitees represent?

As I approach the center of the room, there are an additional three portraitures that Jones has completed in 2014 as well. They are life-like with perfect attention to detail, outlining wrinkles, shadowing and bringing out the subject’s personality.

I am mesmerized by the amazing artistry of Jimi Jones’ paintings. They are provocative and encourage insightful questions and thoughts about humanity from various perspectives, political or otherwise. There were more portraitures that I had not discussed, and additional masterpieces. It is a wonderful experience to broaden one’s outlook on various cultures and beliefs and to focus on many of the major ideals that we, as humans, have in common.

Have you had the opportunity to review the artwork of Jimi Jones? I would love to know your thoughts and interpretation if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many Thanks and Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Springfield Museum of Art
107 Cliff Park Road
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 325 4673

Admission Fee: Adults for $5, Students with Valid ID for $3; Seniors 65+ for $3; Children 17 and under are Free and Wittenberg students are Free. Special exhibitions may incur an additional cost, so check the website prior to visiting
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9AM to 5PM; Sunday: 12:30PM to 4:30PM; Closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and the Sunday after Art Ball.
Amenities: Partnership with the Smithsonian, Exhibitions as well as Workshops and Classes
Length of Visit: 1 to 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: Check the website to confirm any additional fees for special exhibits.

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield Downtown
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone: 937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Mike & Rosie’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45504
Telephone: 937 390 3511

This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Schuler’s Donuts: Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
Simon Kenton Inn: This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue. With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
Guerra’s Krazy Tacos: One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
Salato Deli: I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
Le Torte Dolci Bakery; Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.