Italy 2004 - Rome, Part 2 of 2

This ceiling in the Vatican Museum looks like it is covered with sculptures, but the designs are actually two-dimensional paintings.

The huge crowds make it difficult to move, see, or take pictures.

Rosemary and a friendly lion in the courtyard of the Vatican Museums.

As you stroll through museums and cathedrals, never forget to look up.

In the foreground, a cosmetically-enhanced, official portrait of the emperor Claudius. In the background, a more realistic look.

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world. It is filled with works by some of world's greatest artists. The dome was designed by Michelangelo.

Tradition tells us that throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain will assure our return to Rome.

This entrepreneurial fellow will take your digital picture
and print it on the spot.

"Roman soldiers" can be found at most crowded tourist areas,
working the crowd for photo opportunities.

The Spanish Steps rise from the Piazza di Spagna (named after the Spanish embassy that is near here) and are approached through one of Rome's most fashionable and expensive shopping districts.

The view from the top.

You don't have to be Spanish to enjoy the Spanish Steps.

With the Colosseum's floor gone, we can see the corridors and dressing rooms below.

These tiny "Smart" cars are barely big enough to carry two adults (without any baggage). They are popular in Rome and other Italian cities with narrow streets and limited parking.

Michelangelo designed the Piazza del Campidoglio, but did not live to see it finished.

We enjoyed lunch in this sidewalk restaurant on the Via Veneto.

The Palazzo Massimo is a national museum known for its fine collection of sculptures, mosaics and frescoes. This discus thrower is a Roman copy of an ancient Greek sculpture.

This elaborate sarcophagus dates from 180-190 A.D.