Italy Travel Part II: Rome
Italy Travel Part II: Rome(continued)
Day 3 Saturday, 4 November 2017
Map Showing the Location of Rome
Visiting Rome on Day 3: Saturday, 4 November 2017
Visiting Rome(continued)
In the morning we left Victoria Terma Hotel and went to visit two more places in Rome City before we left for Pisa and Florence in the north.
Trevi Fountain, Rome
The first iconic landmark we visited in the morning was a well-known Baroque fountain, Trevi Fountain. It was built in the 1752-1762 period by several sculptors with the facade of Poli Palace as its backdrop.
Trevi Fountain was built in the 1732-1762 period by a few sculptors
Trevi Fountain viewed from right
Trevi Fountain seen from the left
Coins in Fountain-Pool
Visitors believe that if they throw coins into the fountain-pool after making one, two or three wishes their wish or wishes may be granted. Everyday many visitors throw about 30oo euro worth of coins into the water. The money collected is for subsidizing a supermarket for the poor.
Coins thrown by visitors into the fountain pool are worth 3000 euros a day
Spanish Steps
Having spent a short time at Trevi Fountain, we left and took a long walk to another place of interest known as Spanish Steps.
The Spanish Steps has 135 steps from the Spanish Square below to a Roman Catholic church, Trinita dei Monti, on top of Pincia Hill. The steps were built to link the Bourbon Spanish Embassy below with the church on the hill.
Spanish Steps has 135 steps linking Spanish Square below and Church on top of Pincia Hill
Crowded Spanish Square
Spanish Square
In the Spanish Square there is a small fountain known as “Fountain of Ugly Boat”.
Fountain of Ugly Boat in Spanish Square
At about 11 a.m. we were lucky to hear a band on the Spanish Steps playing Italian music.
Band Playing Italian Music
Trinita dei Monti Church
The Roman Catholic church located on Pincia Hill is known as Trnita dei Monti Church. It was built to replace the old one that was constructed by King Louis XII in 1502 to celebrate his victory in the Battle of Naples. This church was consecrated in 1585.
Triniti dei Monti Church on Pincia Hill
Roman Obelisk
In front of the church is a Roman obelisk that was moved there in 1789.
Interior of Trinita dei Monti
Journey to Florence
Soon we left Rome for Florence in the north. On the way we stopped at two places. The first place was a shop, Autogrill Service Area in Val di Chiana, where we stopped to buy Italian food products for our loved ones back home(Malaysia).
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
At 3.30 p.m. we arrived at the shop, Autogrill. It was a pleasure to shop at this well-stocked place and the tour members were spoiled for choice. Besides, the shop-assistants were friendly and helpful.
Shopping for Italian foodstuffs at Autogrill, Val di Chiana, Italy
Shopping at Autogrill, Val di Chiana
Francesca, friendly shop-assistant
Many kinds of foodstuffs at the shop
Writer befriends a shop-assistant, Andra
After spending an hour at the shop, we moved on.
Pierotucci Leather Factory
In the evening we arrived at a leather factory known as Pierotucci Leather Factory near Florence City.
Established in 1972, it produces genuine leather bags, jackets and accessories. Besides producing its own designs, it also produces those of others such as Dunhill, Valentino, Bally, Fratelli Rossetti, Cole-Haan and Hugo Boss.
Pierotucci Leather Factory Workshop, Florence
Leather Craftsmen
When we arrived at the factory, we were led into a workshop where expert craftsmen worked. As the workers had left the factory, a lady explained how a craftsman made a handbag. Then we were led to a showroom where many kinds of leather goods were displayed for sale.
Tour group at Pierotucci Leather Factory, Florence, Italy
Genuine leather for making bags, jackets and accessories
Factory showroom of leather-products
Genuine leather handbags in showroom
Genuine leather jackets in showroom
Genuine leather belts in showroom
“Authentic Florentine Steak”
A few of us bought some items and then left for dinner at a L’ema restaurant nearby to savour the “Authentic Florentine Steak”. Unfortunately, I could not finish the meat as it was too “rubbery”.
Tour group having “Authentic Florentine Steak” for dinner at a L’ema restaurant
Photo Session
At the restaurant I took the opportunity to take photos of the happy tour members and myself for remembrance.
Tye Family
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Low, Penny and Fong Eng
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Lim
Mr. and Mrs. Look
Ai Lan and Mee Lan
Mr. and Mrs. Ho
Mr. and Mrs. Leow
Writer(Choo Chaw) and wife(Peng)
Hotel President, Prato
After the dinner we left and went to stay at a hotel, Hotel President, in Prato that is near Florence. We would be going to Pisa to see Leaning Tower of Pisa the following day.
Italy Travel Part I: Rome and Vatican City
Italy Travel Part II : Rome(continued)
Italy Travel Part III: Pisa and Florence
Italy Travel Part V(Final): Verona and Milan
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