Rome: Da Vinci Museum, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Aventine

On our fifth day in Rome, July 20, we had a few optional activities in the first part of the day.  Some students chose to visit the Da Vinci Museum exhibit, a hands-on exhibit conveniently located near our hotel.  Also, many students chose to visit the Spanish Steps.  Some students did both!  

Later that day, we gathered as a whole group to visit the Pantheon.  It was built in the early generations of the Roman Empire, and is important architecturally and historically.  It has served many purposes over the the last (nearly) two thousand years.

Before we entered the building we paused to briefly make observations and guesses about the building, and we had a short lesson on the story of its construction.

Once inside, we spent time walking around independently.  Students could choose to follow one or more of the instructors around the Pantheon, and as instructors we each offered a different perspective and different facts, stories, and analytical contributions.  They could also explore on their own.  Most students combined those approaches.

The dome of the Pantheon is massive--a tremendous feat of engineering.  JJ and Griffin, both of whom have expressed strong interests in architecture, were most impressed.

After visiting the Pantheon, we went to a park in the Aventine.  Justyna, our coordinator, had invited Max, Nila, and Emila to help to select and gather items for a picnic dinner in the park.  They brought delicious traditional Roman foods, including the artichokes which Rome is famous for, and they even brought a game to play.

 It was a perfect night for a picnic, and the park we visited was beautifully situated, with a view of much of the city of Rome.  After working hard to prepare the picnic, Nila and Emila enjoyed the view with Chloe.

Cora, Claire, Alex, and Alexis also enjoyed the scenery, and chatted animatedly together about the trip so far.

 The park not only had a great view, it had a special secret nearby.  The "Aventine keyhole," located in the entrance of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, is cunningly placed to offer a beautifully framed view of the dome of St. Peter's.  If you look through the keyhole, this is what you see.

It's difficult to get a picture that captures the view through the keyhole, but Hannah, our staff photographer, managed it!  She was able to give tips to some of our avid student photographers, who also tried to get pictures through the keyhole.  I think Claire succeeded!

Photos by Hannah Welch