30 000 steps around Rome

We started our Roman walk today with the underground catacombs as our final destination. Though we got there, we decided not to go in, but we did see a load of cool things on the journey. Here they are:

Stop 1: St. Peter in Chains:

This church is said to hold the actual chains that held St. Peter, as well as Michaelangelo's statue of Moses.

The inside of the church

St. Peter's chains

Michaelangelo's Moses

Stop 2: the Basilica of St Clemente

Mentioned by St. Jerome in the 4th century, this basilica was basically destroyed by a fire in the 12 century, but the new one was rebuilt ontop.

inside

remnants of the 1st church.

Stop 3: the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran
The Lateran was the residency of the Popes until 1309 when it was moved to France. This Basilica is the world's first Cathedral (the Cathedral of Rome), founded by Constantine as the Basilica of the Saviour. Like all Basilicas, this one has a bronze door (called the holy door) that only gets opened during holy years (every 25 years).

The obelisk standing infront of the basilica

the front facade

the floor inside the basilica

inside

Stop 4: old Roman aqueduct/wall

Stop 5: filling up on the spring water from the local fountain

Stop 6: travelling via Appia Antica (the Appian Way)

This road was called 'the queen of all roads'. This road was lined by tombs for members of very important families.

Port San Sebastiano is the gate that opens up to via Appia Antica

Stop 7: the ruins of Villa of Maxentius

Built in the 4th century, it was an imperial residence and now houses the tomb of Romulus (one of the founders of Rome).

Stop 8: The Tomb of Cecilia Metella

Stop 9: The Supermarket

interesting broccoli. It's pointy.

very expensive Peanut Butter. $7

Stop 10: St. Paul's Outside the Walls (Basilica)

Built by Constantine over St. Paul's Tomb.

The outside

filled with 150 colums

the chains that held St. Paul and his tomb (beneath)

Stop 11: The Pyramid of Caius Cestius.

That was our 30,000 steps.