KathleenThe last time we were in Rome the forum was completely open to the public. We could wander around, climb on things, and generally frolic with a moderate amount of folks around. It seems that the crowds just grew too large for them to accomodate this and luckily we were able to nab some tickets for the day we were leaving on our overnight flight to Armenia. I don’t know if we missed Palatine Hill and above last time or if that was not open to the public before. It was absolutely my favorite part. Palaces and gardens many levels and stretching back about a mile from the main area of the forum. This is where the ceasars entertained and the wealthy whiled away their time. The entire forum is definitely a must-do when in Rome. We fortified ourselves with an early lunch including the most delicious salad of octopus and artichoke, both sliced so thin as to almost be transparent, and then on to be amazed at the forum.
I apologize in advance for all of the forum pictures, it is just impossible to resist…..
