4 October
In 1996 I had a three-month sabbatical in Rome. In addition to refresher courses in theology, the program also had a large segment devoted to the history and archeology of ancient Rome. We spent a lot of time learning about mosaics, statuary, and different styles of architecture, and were able to go crawling with flashlights in the excavations beneath some of the historic churches that are not open to the public. Now, nine years later, I had time to wander around some of those same spots.
Near the Maryknoll house by Villa Borghese is the Fontana del Tritone designed by Bernini in 1637. The fountain shows the god Triton blowing a conch shell.
I guess it is the high season for tourists but there are a lot more of them around now than I remember during my stay in Rome. But then in 1996 I was here between January and April. Tourists are everywhere in old Rome now! Surprising to me was the large number of Italian tourists coming to see their capital.
Although thousands of people now swarm daily around Trevi Fountain, it was relatively unknown until it featured in the films Three Coins in the Fountain and La Dolce Vita. Again it shows Triton as the god of the seas and rivers. It is a huge fountain in a small piazza (plaza) and that adds to its visual impact.
A Roman street leading away from the Trevi fountain toward a plundered Egyptian obelisk commemorating a victory of a Roman army. The streets resplendent with beautiful old buildings are narrow and full of cars and people.