I have vivid memories of Rome from age-17. Four friends driving into the city in a rented orange Volkswagen Van early Sunday morning to avoid traffic.
Returning 50 year later, a few of the famed tourist attractions looked familiar.
Of course, the Colosseum is unforgettable. This time I stayed at the nearby Ostello Bello Roma Colosseo.
Under renovation for years, there’s no scaffolding in 2026.
The Colosseum is PACKED, even in winter.
Check out the cop car helping with security.
Surprisingly, I couldn’t recall the massive Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Considered modern (1885 to 1935) / tacky by some, I was impressed.
Trevi Fountain looked familiar. Of course I’d seen it in movies and documentaries over the years.
Similarly, the Spanish Steps looked exactly as I remembered.
Not like that postcard, of course. Like this. 😀
The Pantheon? … It looked vaguely familiar.
One of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings, in large part because it has been in continuous use throughout its history.
Similarly, Castel Sant’Angelo (Mausoleum of Hadrian) looked impressive, ancient, … and vaguely familar.
There are huge line-ups to get into many of the attractions. Even if you’ve purchased tickets in advance online.
BUT St. Peter’s Square is open to the public.
Huge. But not as massive as I recalled from 1976.
In those days of lax security, we teenagers snuck into the Vatican City gardens. Great fun.
Happily, I never found any of the attractions too crowded in low season. Traffic was not terrible, either.
I purchased not one ticket. Instead doing 4 different long walking tours on the (flawed) GPSmyCity app.
Addio Roma. It's doubtful I'll get back again, so not arrivederci
Rick McCharles 