Friday, January 9, 2015

St. Peter's Basilica Dome Tour


While visiting St. Peter's Basilica is an excellent experience, going on the dome tour makes it ten times better. Yes, it costs some money (7 Euros) and you'll need to climb over 300 steps. However, the view at the top inside the basilica, as well as outside the basilica is well worth it. You'll get a great view of Vatican City and Rome from this vantage point that you can't get anywhere else.

Be aware, if you have health issues climbing stairs though, this is not something to do.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

The Tramyard Cafe




We stumbled across the Tramyard Cafe in Dalkey, just south of Dublin. We were looking for a place for coffee and tea before heading back after a day of touring the countryside. The Tramyard Cafe is a very large cafe with many rooms inside and outside, and many, many tables alongside the pedestrian only walkway.

We ordered four desserts from the dessert case, as well as coffees and teas. Our waiter was very friendly and everything was brought out promptly. All of the desserts were delicious and a good size to share.

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Capitoline Museums


The Capitoline Museums are an excellent collection of artwork in the center of Rome. If you're a fan of artwork, especially sculptures, this is the place to visit in Rome.

The collection includes a number of famous works, including the She Wolf sculpture, which is the symbol of Rome; as well as the bust of Medusa, to name a few. Definitely take some time to walk through this museum and enjoy the works.

In addition, in the Tabularium portion, you get an amazing view of the Forum Ruins that you won't find anywhere else, which in itself makes it very worthwhile. The Tabularium is a portion of the ruins that you can only access from the museums, and you get to stand in a portion of Caesar-era building. From the Tabularium, you get beautiful, sweeping views of the ruins in front of you.

Monday, January 5, 2015

Victor Emmanuel Monument


Also known as the "Wedding Cake" because of its shape, the Victor Emmanuel Monument is grandiose in the center of Rome. The building itself is quite a sight to see from the outside. However, the highlight is taking the glass elevator for 7 Euros (per person) in the back  of the building to the top. This offers excellent views over all of Rome, including the Forum Ruins and Colosseum in the back. Definitely plan to make a visit here during your trip to Rome.