Day 3 Catacombs of San Callisto and Hadrian's Villa

We did see a cloud (one very small one) briefly today, but normal service was soon resumed and the day was again molto sollegiato (very sunny I think). The visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto was incredibly moving. As we weaved our way through the myriad tunnels past seemingly endless tombs (many very small) it was impossibly not to be overwhelmed by a profound solemnity. These intricate tunnels exist as as a kind of underground monument to faith and perseverance in the face of persecution...a special experience.

Hadrian's Villa was equally entrancing, but in a very different way. The sheer scale of the opulence and decadence on display here is mind blowing. The excavated sections represent only a fraction of the over 100 acre estate (more like a private city in scope and scale) which we spent the afternoon wandering about and marvelling at the sheer majesty of the structures. Such a wonderful site to appreciate the skill and mastery of the Ancient Roman architects, builders and craftsmen, as well as to soak in the absurd extremes of indulgence and decadence that characterise the lives of the Emperors.

Some photos...please note photo of world's best pizza by the slice shop (as voted by students - and thanks to our excellent bus driver who took a special detour so as we could avoid being ripped off at tourist restaurant and instead buy a slice of deliciously simple pizza by weight, average cost 1.90 euro) contrasting with world's worst example of parking ie. double parked and blocking a disabled space!!