jmac + kmac: Altar of the Fatherland + an evening wandering.

After we spent the morning at the Colosseum and Roman Forum (I'll post more on the forum later!), we walked the streets of Rome until we arrived at The Altar of the Fatherland. Which was basically the most magnificent thing ever--that I didn't even know existed before this trip. (Sad but true! haha)

But isn't that the whole point of traveling?? To learn about and see things you never knew of before? To just be there to soak it all in--and just pinch yourself over and over that it's real? That was me. Pretty much all day long.

We absolutely loved the giant fountains outside of the monument, and spent so much time just sitting by them and talking. They were MASSIVE, and each fountain was decorated with the most ornate detail.

The Altar of the Fatherland (or Altare della Patria) is a giant monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel the second, who was the first king of unified Italy. You better believe I had to google all of this to learn more, because I was just blown away by the place. It really was just majestic.

^Incredible.^

Fun fact: No one is allowed to sit on these steps leading up to the monument's entrance. Not even for a second! There were literally two women in uniform who went around and yelled at people to stand up if they sat down at all. I won't lie to you, it was pretty entertaining to watch!

We would watch some unknowing person sit down and say to each other "Oh dang!! Here she comes!!" as the lady in uniform marched over to bark at them. We were cracking up haha.

Jordan was already familiar with the history of this monument (he is the smartest guy. I'm serious.), so it was fun to see him get to visit something he knew so much about.

He is the best travel companion.

(and he's also super hot.)

^I love him.^

***

Later that night, we headed out in search of some dinner. But first, the Pantheon!

Since our hotel was literally steps from the Pantheon, I took a thousand photos of it every time we walked past. But I mean, how could you not??

^It seems so weird that we just casually snapped this selfie in front of such an amazing building. Such a dream.^

For dinner, we ended up at Antica Grattoria da Pietro al Pantheon, a tiny authentic restaurant tucked into an alleyway by the Pantheon. The owner ushered us in, and sat us directly next to another couple (almost at the same table as us). You really just get used to tight seating at places like this in Italy--it's all part of the experience. And hey, it's a great way to make friends! haha.

^Carbonara pasta & crusty bread^

The pasta was okay, but definitely not our favorite meal. I liked the overall experience of the restaurant, but just wished the food was a little bit better.

Also random side note, the couple we were sat next to ended up being from UTAH COUNTY (where Jordan and I are both originally from). What a small world!!

After dinner, we walked over to Piazza Navona.

The large fountain in the center (La Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi) was so beautiful all lit up at night, and we loved watching the artists paint by the dim light next to it.

We also wandered into the Sant'Agnes church in the piazza, and listened quietly to the organ as people silently shuffled in and out, stopping to pray or drop a donation in the wooden box.

^Such a romantic place to be!!^

While in the Piazza, we made sure to hit up a gelato place that came highly recommended by a friend: GROM.

This place was SO GOOD. I got the speculoos flavor with speculoos cookie bits...and it was amazing. (Think cookie butter made into gelato. Holy yum.)

Then we decided to walk along the Tiber River to see everything all lit up at night, and holy cow.
It was breathtaking. It felt like a postcard.

We crossed the river to see the Castel Sant'Angelo, which was so enormous and beautiful. I later learned that it is essentially a mausoleum that one of the Roman Emperors used for himself and his family...which is a little bit creepy. Haha. But it was still stunning.

We held hands on our way back over the river, and we talked about how perfect the night was. It was brisk and clear and the lights were reflecting on the water, and I seriously don't think it could have been any better.

Before we went in for the night, we obviously had to stop at the Pantheon again. It's impossible not to stop and gawk at it--especially at night!! It's just magnetic. (If you've been there, you know what I mean.)