Day 7 Rome: Pantheon and Food Tour

The Pantheon was always on our list to see but we did not have a scheduled time to see it as it was always just open to the public. That was until July 3rd, 2023. So after spending some time in Florence figuring out how to get tickets, we had a set time to go to the Pantheon. Using the good old 8Bus once again, we were on our way to see all gods temple. Using the Rick Steves audio tour, we wondered around for about an hour. The free Rick Steves Audio Europe app was invaluable as we walked around Rome.

It was so amazing to be inside something that was first built in 27 BCE with 16 40-foot-tall columns and a dome that would be challenging to build today. The tomb of Rapheal was a highlight to be sure. We also got to see the tome of Umberto the first. His wife was the namesake of the Margherita pizza. Apparently, after his death the family fell in with a bad crowd (Mussolini) and is now not well liked. Now the family has to pay for a full-time guard at the tomb.

After an afternoon nap to avoid the 100-degree heat, we got back on the bus to go on a Jewish Ghetto food tour. We started at the Turtle Fountain and learned that the fountain was rebuilt by Pope Alexander VII to help the people of the Jewish Ghetto have a source of drinking water.

The food tour was a great experience. We started out in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto learning some history and seeing some ruins. Then we ate, and ate, and ate. We started out with some appetizers and wine. Moved on to Jewish Style Artichokes, which were fried artichokes. So yummy. Our main courses were served at the Costanza Hostaria which is located in the ruins of the Theatre of Pompey (61 BC). Then it was on to desert. We had the best tiramisu in Rome, some espresso and Gelato. Tish and I even got adventurous and tried Gorgonzola Chocolate. We had a great group on the tour and it was a very fun night.