We're Dazzled by the Borghese

The Borghese Gallery is a great museum, in a great setting, one of the largest green spaces and gardens in Rome.  It was created by Cardinal Borghese in the late 1500's, and is full of sculptures by Bernini, paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian, and hundreds of others, not to mention the elegant villa itself.  Our friends Ted and Kathleen Seal had arranged for a private guide for us.  He was a teacher  of art and history, and was hugely enthusiastic about all the work and its importance.  It was a treat to listen to him; never was a tip better earned!

Only two hours is permitted in the gallery (two days would not have been enough), so we moved on the the Piazza del Popolo, the huge oval plaza at what was formerly the northern gate to ancient Rome.  It was so - Roman!   A huge plaza, architecture and remains from  at least four periods of history, and much going on, including an obelisk, several fountains, and three churches (with yet more Caravaggios!)

After stopping for (gasp!) five Euro cups of coffee (no Starbucks here) at the Piazza, we kept walking, past the elaborately designed Palace of Justice, and around the infamous Castel San Angelo, of Tosca (and, of course, other historical) fame.  We both wanted to go in, but serious walking was required, and we weren't up to it any longer.  We saved it for tomorrow, and, after another, cheaper, cup of coffee, walked the several miles home, just taking it all in.

Have I mentioned that our B & B has a rooftop garden, with a view of the Vatican and several of the hills of  Rome?  We spent the remains of the afternoon there with a lovely bottle of local white wine, and then reconnected with friend Ted (Kathleen being indisposed) for a local dinner.

Altogether, a wonderdul day.