Sphere Within A Sphere
QuickTime Video of Gold Ball or link to the video on Facebook
In the Courtyard of the Pinecone on the grounds of the Vatican Museum, you will come across a large gold sphere. This is called “Sphere Within Sphere” (Sfere Con Sfera) and it was created in 1990 by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Pomodoro. What it is meant to signify is open to interpretation – I’ve heard that the inner sphere is supposed to reflect Earth and the outer sphere reflects modern day society (also saw reports that it was supposed to signify today’s Christianity). Apparently, Pomodoro has made quite a few of these bronze spheres – they can be found at the UN in NYC, at the University of California in Berkeley, at Trinity College in Dublin as well as in Spain and D.C.
The bronze sculpture rotates periodically and it acts as a magnet to the many tourists who were walking from one wing of the Vatican Museum to the other on the day of our visit.
You can view the sphere with any general admission ticket to the Vatican or during a guided tour (with a group or private). Regardless of how you choose to explore the vast Vatican Museums (on your own or with a guide) its highly advisable to book your tickets in advance – or be ready for LONG lines! I can assist you with these reservations (see below for contact info).
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Want to visit the Vatican Museums and/or other parts of Europe? Just fill out a Travel Request Form or send me an email. I am a travel agent who specializes in travel to Europe. Check out my main website: GoYourOwnWayTravel.com for more info!
The Colosseum in Rome
It is highly advised to pre-plan your visits to the three most popular ancient sights in Rome – the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill – or expect to wait in long, long lines.
There are a couple ways to avoid these lines:
- Take a tour. While guided tours are not everyone’s cup of tea, it is recommended in order to be able to “skip the lines” – especially at the Colosseum. I have a source for small group tours (max 25 pax per guide) which depart twice daily (once in the morning and once in the afternoon). The tour includes a headset so you can hear the guide without having to be in the front of the group (great for those who like to snap photos along the way). The tour is 3 hours and includes about 90 minutes at the Colosseum, followed by about 90 minutes in the Forum and the Palatine Hill (for those who like to wander around on their own after the Colosseum can do so – just return your headset to the guide once you are inside the Forum/Hill). Just email me for more information and to make a reservation!
- Private Tour – if following a group, even a small group, doesn’t sound appealing but you want the information that a guide can provide, a private tour is a good way to go – especially for those traveling with 4 or more people anyway. Just email me for more information!
- If you want to explore on your own, it is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance or at the entrance to the Palatine Hill/Forum instead of waiting in the always-long-lines at the Colosseum. One ticket covers all three areas. Once you buy it, you can “skip the line” at the Colosseum by entering in the prepurchased ticket line. There are also a couple different passes you can pre-purchase which will also allow you to skip the long lines. Just email me for more info!
What to expect at the sights?
- Stairs – lots of them. The sights are not very wheelchair-friendly although there are a couple elevators at the Colosseum.
- Crowds at the Colosseum – Almost every visitor to Rome wants to see the Colosseum so you can expect crowds. The Forum and the Palatine Hill are more spread out so its much quieter and more peaceful.
- Ruins – lots of them! There’s not much left at the Forum or Palatine Hill – so don’t expect full buildings or palaces – they just aren’t there anymore! The Colosseum was also half destroyed in an earthquake which gives it that fragment look that has made it famous.
- Water Fountains – Buy a bottle of water (or bring your own) and fill it up as you go. Public water fountains with drinkable (and cold!) water are found throughout Rome, including these Ancient Sights. Great way to get refreshed on a hot day!
For more information about visiting Rome or to receive assistance with your travel plans (accommodations, transportation, tours and more), please just email me or fill out a Travel Request Form. I am a travel agent who specializes in Europe.
Happy Travels!
