Today is the day to go to Rome, so we woke up around 10 a.m., had breakfast and went to the station.
How much is the train ticket from Castellammare to Napoli?
The train from Castellammare di Stabia to Napoli costs €3.00.
Arriving at the station around 12:30 p.m., we went for lunch. Right in front of Napoli station there are several restaurants where you can eat very well. We went to one of those on the left and had pasta, ordered two carbonades with a soft drink and paid 37 euros.
From Naples to Rome
After lunch, we went back to the station to catch the next train to Rome. As we had already bought our tickets, all we had to do was get on. Unfortunately we missed the train because the man who controls the entrance to the train told us to go to the end carriage, so we walked on, when he suddenly left with the train. So we went to change our tickets to catch the next train to Rome. We took a train to Latina and then changed trains for Rome.
The ticket from Napoli to Rome cost a total of 24.60 euros, 20.50 euros from Napoli to Latina, and 4.10 euros from Latina to Rome. In this case, it was necessary to change trains in Latina and take another one to Rome.
We arrived at Roma Termini station and then took the Metro to get to the hotel. The metro cost no more than 2 euros. It’s interesting to note that the entrance to the metro turnstile and the restroom at Rome station can be paid for with a Wise card, directly at the turnstile, which made our lives much easier.
Visiting the Trevi Fountain
We left the station and walked to the hotel. Rome has such facilities, the city is all very well connected by public transport, so I wouldn’t worry about that when visiting Rome. It took about five minutes to get from the station to the hotel. We arrived at the hotel and didn’t even shower, we went straight out. We went to the Trevi Fountain, took pictures and had dinner nearby. We had Lasagna Bolognese and I had a wine, which cost 39 euros. It was a very romantic dinner just one minute from the Trevi Fountain.
After dinner, we went for a walk and arrived at Plaza di España, where a woman was singing
Then we went back to the Trevi Fountain to see what it was like at night, but it was more crowded than during the day. Yes, there were many more people there at night than during the day. From there we went to the bus stop closest to the hotel, and as soon as we arrived we went straight to take a shower and go to sleep, it had been a long day.
The next day…
First Impressions Visiting the Vatican
The next day we visited the Vatican. There’s not much to it, you just have to look up the nearest metro station on google maps and when you get on the metro, you’ll see the route and stops at the top of the door. Just follow it and you’re off to the Vatican. As soon as we arrived, we looked for a food stall, ate a very shameless slice of pizza before going to the Vatican and I was still hungry. Then we went to the Vatican, walked around, took lots of photos, I bought an antique medallion, it seemed unique, so I decided to buy it, I paid 4 euros.
Visiting the Basilica of San Pietro
We decided to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, also called in Latin ‘Basilica Sancti Petri’, in Italian ‘Basilica di San Pietro’.
Entrance to the Basilica is free, but you have to be patient to wait in a huge queue. We took photos and I made several videos there. It’s an incredibly beautiful place and it’s well worth spending some time inside to get to know every detail. We went underneath the Basilica, where the tombs of the former popes and leaders of the Catholic Church and important people are located, but be aware that in this part, underground, no photos or videos are allowed.
After that, we went for pizza next door, where we spent around 35 euros. This time the pizza had a burnt edge.
Vatican City: The Catholic Church’s greatest religious symbol
The Vatican, a sovereign city-state located within the heart of Rome, Italy, is one of the most fascinating and unique places in the world. It’s the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is renowned for its historical, cultural, and religious significance.
One particularly intriguing aspect of the Vatican is its remarkably small size. Encompassing an area of just over 44 hectares (110 acres), it holds the distinction of being the smallest independent state in the world. Despite its size, the Vatican wields considerable global influence due to its role as the spiritual seat of the Pope and the Catholic Church, which boasts a massive worldwide following.
The Vatican is also home to some of the world’s most iconic art and architecture. St. Peter’s Basilica, an awe-inspiring Renaissance church, is the centerpiece of Vatican City. Its grand dome, designed by Michelangelo, dominates the skyline of Rome and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
The Vatican Museums, another jewel within this city-state, house an unparalleled collection of art amassed by the Catholic Church over centuries. From priceless classical sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces, these museums offer a journey through human history and creativity. The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, is famous for Michelangelo’s extraordinary frescoes, including the iconic “Creation of Adam.”
Perhaps the most renowned attraction within the Vatican is St. Peter’s Square. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the square’s distinctive colonnades embrace visitors in a symbolic gesture of the church’s inclusive embrace. The central obelisk, an ancient Egyptian monument, adds a touch of antiquity to this grand space that serves as a gathering point for thousands during significant events and papal addresses.
The Vatican’s status as an independent state brings with it unique privileges. Its own postal service, radio station, and security forces, known as the Swiss Guards, contribute to its distinct identity. The annual election of a new Pope within the Vatican, marked by the release of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, is a globally anticipated event.
Beyond its religious and cultural significance, the Vatican plays a vital role in diplomacy and international affairs. It maintains diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, acting as a bridge between religious and political realms.
In summary, the Vatican is not merely a religious destination; it’s a living testament to history, art, culture, and diplomacy. Its blend of spirituality, artistic splendor, and global influence makes it a place that continues to captivate the hearts and minds of people from around the world.
Then we went back to the Vatican, bought the leather bag and caught the bus to the Colosseum. When we arrived at the Colosseum, there were no more tickets for sale, so we took pictures and left. Ingrid ordered a milkshake and I ordered a sandwich. We then headed towards the Vittorio Emanuelle II Monument, as there was a bus stop right next to it in the direction of our hotel.
Tips for taking the bus in Rome
We got on the wrong side of the bus stop, so we went in the opposite direction. We got off the wrong bus to catch the right bus on the other side of the road. Same bus number, but on the opposite side.
Here’s a tip: In Rome, buses with the same number usually pass along the same street, or similar streets, but on opposite sides of the street, meaning that if you’re at a bus stop, there will probably also be another bus stop on the other side of the street, and a bus with the same number as yours will pass by, for example, N32. The point is that you need to know which way you’re going so you can get to the right stop, which side of the street it’s on, you know? So when you look up the bus on google maps, pay attention to the direction it’s going. If it’s going in one direction, you should be on one side of the street, if it’s going the other way, you should be on the other side. Does that make sense? I hope so 🙂
So we got to the hotel, ate at the pizzeria opposite and went to the room to shower and sleep.
