Today was a story of three halves.

In the morning we travelled out to Ostia Antica, the old port of Rome which is not only now silted up but the path of the River Tiber which was so important has changed its course and now does not run as close to the old town as it used to.  Until recently (well, without delving into history books I believe the early part of the 20th century) almost all of the ruins were covered.  Now they have been excavated, forming a massive set of remains of an old Roman town.

We finished out tour with Mass before having lunch and returning to Rome, where we first went to see the Piazza Navona, where there are three famous fountains; the Fountain of the Four Rivers, sculpted by Bernini, is the centre-piece.

Next Caravaggio, with paintings in the churches of San Luigi Dei Francesi and then the Basilica of St Augustine.

Finally we visited the Pantheon, which is impressive at many levels.  Built in the second century, it is a marvel of engineering; the open oculus being the only light in the building shows how efficient this design is; finally, with the tombs of Raphael Santi amongst others, this is a special place.

We are going out for a meal tonight, so I must finish here for now.  Ciao!