Once inside we get an even better idea of its size
There are also antiquities on display within the Colosseum
On the upper levels you can get some great views of the nearby surrounds
The Arch of Constantine was built to commemorate Constantine I's victory over Maxentius in 312AD.
This is the largest of the three remaining arches in Rome.
This is the Arch of Titus built to commemorate the victory of Vespasian and Titus in Judea in 70 AD.
It is situated next to the ruins of the Temple of Venus and Rome.
Behind it you can see the Romanesque bell tower of Santa Francesca Romana, one a number of churches that were built among the ruins of the Forum.
If you look closely you can see the approach of a rather shonky looking centurion - if you visit, stay clear of them. They appear in your photos and then demand payment!
Our next stop is another Roman classic - the Trevi Fountain
Though you won't see it in any of the photos I've taken it seem to be full of hawkers selling these ridiculous bubble blowing plastic pipes.
The Pantheon is also very close by but we leave almost immediately - between flashes and loud chatter, it's amazing the church goers could hear anything the priest was saying. To say it was disgusting behaviour doesn't go far enough.
Nearby we find the lovely Sant'Ignazio di Loyola (St Ignatius) well noted for its breathtaking illusionist ceiling - we decide to take in the service and take a seat at the back of the church. The church is divided by partitions so that late comers and tourists don't disturb the legitimate church goers. It's quite a surprise during the sermon when the priest gives it in English and in a broad Australian accent!
During the mass we witnessed another act of unbelievably bad behaviour - three tourists strolled down the main aisle and stopped half way down at a gate. They then proceeded to pose and take photos of each other WHILE THE MASS WAS GOING ON! What are people thinking that they think that is okay to do?
After all this we finally find refuge in a lovely little restaurant where we have a wonderful authentic lunch free of tourists!
Well satisfied we decide to walk back to the b&b via the Forum.
Piazza Venezia home to the Monument of Victor Emanuel II (Il Vittoriano) - built between 1855-1911 to celebrate the unification of Italy.
The honour guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which is situated at the top of the stairs of the Monument.
The equestrian statue of Victor Emanuel II stands near the Altar of the Nation - on the top of the corners of the monument sit two statues of the Goddess Victoria riding quadrigas.
Statue of Romulus and Remus with the Wolf.
A view across the Roman Forum.
The three remaining columns of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus
The ruins of the Temple of Saturn
The Arch of Septimius Severus
View to the Colosseum and Bell Tower of Santa Francesca Romana.
Temple of Castor with Arch of Titus in background
Church of Santi Luca e Martina
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina with the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda built into its remains.
Ruins of the Temple of Venus and Rome.
Arch of Titus
Church Santa Francesca Romana
During our trip through the Forum, I have reached a milestone - the nikon n50 clicks over 10000! I can't believe that I have taken that many photos on this trip - all I can say is thank god it is digital!
For dinner tonight we check out another wine bar near our b&b and once again it's a great find
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