Italy

This week our adventure across Europe continues with a trip to beautiful Italy. One of the reasons I have wanted to go to Italy is to see the coastline. If the place I am visiting has a beautiful view that takes my breathe away then more than likely I will never want to leave. From what my grandparents have told me, this is true for Italy. The country borders the Adriatic Sea as well as the Ionian and Tyrrhenian. It is made up of a the Italian Peninsula which is in the shape of a boot.  Our first stop is Rome which is the most visited city in Italy. The city is known for its beautiful architecture.

One of the most visited tourists attractions in Rome would include the Colosseum. This is a large amphitheater built in 70 AD. The Roman Empire would use to hold gladiator contests, dramas, animal hunts and even executions here for the public to watch. Today the Colosseum is Rome's most popular tourist attraction with over a million visitors each year.

The Trevi Fountain is the most popular fountains in the world and is often depicted in movies such as The Lizzie McGuire Movie and When in Rome. Legend has it that a young beautiful woman helped a Roman solider find clean drinking water and this was the site where she led him. He then constructed the fountain at the aqueduct so the water could supply all of Rome. Of course, many people throw coins into the fountain and make a wish. It is estimated a 3,000 coins are thrown into the fountain daily.

Vatican City State, home to the pope, is a city within Rome. Within Vatican City, there are many museums and chapels but St. Peter's Square is where I would want to visit. It is a large plaza in front of St. Peter's Basillica. The plaza is paved with cobblestone and is breathe taking. The plaza was built with large space in front of the Vatican Palace so that "the greatest number of people could see the Pope giving his blessing, either from the middle of the façade of the church or from the window of Vatican Palace."

Another city I would like to visit would be Pisa. This is home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa. The towers lean was unintentional and began during construction due to a lack of foundation and one side of the ground being softer than the other. The tower leans at a 3.99 degree angle and has steps up to the seven floors of the tower for tourist to enjoy the view.