The 'B' sights

In the past visits to Rome we have concentrated on the 'A' list sights, the places each and every tourist needs to see and experience. Colloseum, done, Vatican, done, Pantheon done.

This time we have started on our 'B' list, the places that are must see for us, in the city we love so much. Today's sights included the Temple of Hercules Victor, The Mouth of Truth at Santa Maria in Cosmedin and close by the Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci).


The Temple of Hercules Victor is in a park that is showing the strains of the Italian fiscal issues. The weeds are starting to take over, some of the hedges are dying and the bins are overflowing.  Also the site is closed, but I believe for good reason.  With no money for staff the site is better behind bars for now to save it from vandalism and destruction, hopefully next time we can see the gardens restored and enter the temple.

Next, The Mouth of Truth which is a large piece of carved Pavonazzo Marble that was made famous in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday.  It is suggested that if one places their hand in the mouth and tells a lie it will clamp down and crush the hand.

We joined the queue and waited to take our turn.

Thankfully no hands were crushed. 

After walking up Aventine Hill we made our way into the Orange Garden (formally Parco Savello) this park contains a number of Citrus Orange trees hence its name. We could only find one tree with oranges.

The views from this park is what most come here for and they did not fail us like the Orange trees.

 

We hiked down the Aventine Hill and made our way past Circus Maximus, only stopping for a photograph as there isn't much there.

Lunch today was at Alvaro al Circo Massimo and even though only rated mid way of all restaurants in Rome, proved to be just what we needed.  Starting with our favorite Tomato Bruschetta and then moving on we both selected from the specials, Katie had Ravioli filled with Spinach and ricotta and I had Gnochhi. Both had a lovely tomato sauce.

Picking the waiters recommendations paid off for us, paired with a lovely red wine, it was easy to leave satisfied. 

Our next stop for the day was, "Altre to the Fatherland".  However not many use it's official name and it is recognised by many other names including, "National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II", The Wedding Cake, even The "Typewriter".

There isn't much to see in the Monument but we climbed the five flights of stairs, and then paid the 7 Euro each to get up to the seventh floor and the roof.

Many photographs were taken and we spent much time admiring the panorama of Rome. 

 

Today's final attraction for the day was not a 'B' site but actually one every Roman tourist visits, Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountian).  We love the atmosphere and excitement of this place and since its 2.2 Million Euro refurbishment (funded by Roman company Fendi) it looks better than ever. 

Plans are in place to head back before we depart and throw the coin in.

Tomorrow, follow the guide.