Pictures from Rome — 3 Days in Rome: Colosseum Arena Floor, the Vatican, and the Back Streets of Monti

Arch of Constantine

The triple Arch of Constantine beside the Colosseum, medallions and attic inscription in full sun.

Arch of Titus — Spoils of Jerusalem

The interior relief of the Arch of Titus showing the triumphal procession carrying the menorah from the Temple in Jerusalem.

Colosseum, looking up

The travertine arcades of the Colosseum stacked against a blue summer sky.

The hypogeum

The maze of corridors and lift shafts beneath where the arena floor once stood.

Inside the Colosseum

Wide view from near arena level — hypogeum, seating tiers, and the outer wall in the summer haze.

Across the Forum

A triumphal arch seen through the trees and tall grass of the Roman Forum.

Over the Forum rooftops

Looking out from the Palatine over ancient brick, pines, and the domes of the city.

Domes and the Vittoriano

Baroque domes in the foreground with the winged victories of the Altare della Patria behind.

Trevi Fountain

Oceanus on his shell chariot, tritons and sea-horses over the travertine rockwork, in strong afternoon sun.

Piazza Navona — obelisk and Sant'Agnese

The hieroglyph-covered obelisk of Piazza Navona with the dome and bell tower of Sant'Agnese in Agone behind, mid-restoration scaffolding and all.

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The golden 12th-century mosaic and Romanesque bell tower of the basilica where we lit a candle.

Side-street lunch

Grilled stuffed flatbread with melted cheese and a pile of fresh arugula — the kind of lunch you find one street off the main drag.

MICHELANGELO

Roman street art: Michelangelo in a Ninja Turtle mask. The Renaissance fights back.