Fiumincino

Today is Saturday. We arrived in Rome airport around 1300 on Friday. The overnight flight was very smooth. We were well looked after. Unfortunately, neither of us slept. Arrived feeling not too bad.

This was good, as it took over 2 hours to get thru passport control. The Uber that I'd pre-ordered cancelled as they had to wait so long. Got another taxi that took us to our accomodation in Fiumincino. Le Boutique Luxury Rooms.

Small, yes. Luxury not so much. After an afternoon walk and early pizza and salad dinner, we both crashed asleep by 2000. Awoke again around midnight, then slept again until the alarm rang at 0730 this morning.

It was a good decision to spend 2 nights here. Gives us some time to adjust prior to the anticipated business of Rome.

After breakfast, we walked to an archeological area called the Ports of Claudius. Fascinating to walk through the ruins of what was a bustling port with warehouses to accept all of the goods that the City of Rome imported.

Built by the Emperor Claudius in 42 AD as the Imperial Harbour of Rome, it was enlarged over time by the succeeding Emperors until the 4th Century. Interestingly, a community of the early Christians was established here, as they were not permitted to live within Rome as they refused to bow down to the Emperor and acknowledge him as God.

Fiumincino started as a fishing village and was enlarged by the Emperors thru building impressive structures that were intended to impress visitors arriving at the port with the glories and wealth of Rome.Read more