Rome -Scavi

Today we had tickets to the Scavi which is the underground excavation area containing St Peter’s tomb. The kids all slept in so a small contingent checked out St Giovanni in Laterano as well as the Scala Sancta. The Scala Sancta is the marble staircase from the palace of Pontius Pilate where Christ walked the day of his Passin. Pilgrims today visit and say prayers while ascending on their knees. Included in the same place was a very cool private Papal chapel. San Giovanni in Laterano is the seat of the Bishop of Rome, AKA the Pope! Church was beautiful!

We headed to the Vatican to meet up with everyone else for our Scavi tour. Over 9 million people visit Rome each year but less than 200 people a day get into the Scavi. The history was fascinating. Our guide was an American grad student that has been living in Rome for 4 years. He really did a great job and everyone found it interesting. The tour  concluded at St Peter’s actual tomb. After the tour we planned to climb the Dome of St Peter’s; the hundreds of people in line put a wrench in that plan. Have no fear, we are more persuasive than most...After a short delay we were on our way to the top! We spent some time soaking in the incredible views (and letting our heart rates reset after the 500 step climb!) We then headed down to the Basilica to tour inside. 

Our Scavi tour guide gave us a recommendation for dinner in Trastevere. We were planning to head there anyway because it’s CJs favorite area of Rome. The 8 younger folks beat us to Trastevere and we found them in what can best be described as a “grunge bar!” Beautiful wine bars, trattorias, and flower covered cafes and that is what they chose! Happily we made a quick exit to our restaurant. After another lovely meal, we headed back to the house. Except Eileen and the kids; they headed back to the Trevi Fountain to see it lit up at night. 

Our car is scheduled for 4:45 in the morning;a midnight visit to the Trevi just doesn't seem like a good idea!