Another day in Rome, the ancient capital of the world! What better start than at the City Council. Built on top of the ruins of the senate of the Roman Empire, this place breathes history.
...almost ready...
...our team arrived at the scenic place...
SPQR: the senate and the people of Rome...
The President of the City Council, On. Valeria Baglio, gave us a warm welcome...
...a quick group picture at the feet of Emperor Marcus Aurelius...
...and a few symbolic steps for peace! Mrs. Baglio launched our today's Run. Thank you for the nice meeting!
A glimpse of the near-by national shrine, the "Vittoriano" Monument.
Two "carabinieri" escorted us on their motorbikes through the capital.
...as we made our way through the streets of Rome, people greeted us from all corners. Honking seems to be a national sport in Italy...
...Castel dell'Angelo...
Thanks for the help!
...we arrived at the Vatican City. Our next meeting: a public audience with Pope Francis. (and 50.000 pilgrims!) What a sight!
...we took our special seats in front of St. Peter's Church near the Pope. You have no idea how big the church is unless you stand right in front of it!
...we were blessed by a blue sky...
...Pope Francis greeted the pilgrims...
...Subimal, one of our team members, took his position in the section where the Pope meets the special guests...
Pope Francis blesses the Peace Torch! (Photo Credit: L'Osservatore Romano)
The Pope kindly receives the torch... (Photo Credit: L'Osservatore Romano)
...we left the Vatican City with big smiles in our hearts...
...our sight-seeing Run through Rome continued as we approached our next destination...
..the main synagoge of Rome. This historic building from 1904 marks a highlight in the Jewish tradition and presence in Italy.
The Head Rabbi of the Jewish community in Rome, Dot. Riccardo Di Segni, welcomed our runners...
...a group of children from the near-by Jewish school gave us "High Fives"...
After a short presentation we passed the torch to the Rabbi.
....kind words...
...the children passed the torch, too...
...the kids liked our Peace Run Song...
Thank you for the kind meeting!
...there is one rule in Rome: never dig! If you do, you will find definitely historic ruins and then your project comes to a halt! So the Romans just build on top...
...a short visit at the Pantheon - an architectonic marvel....
...approaching the Spanish Steps...
...climbing up to Villa Borghese...
...enjoying the view...
..shortcuts...
..our last meeting of the day: the Mosque of Rome...
...the mosque is huge - its the largest in Europe!
...well earned refreshments after a long city run...
...the great Arabic architecture is all-present - even in modern times...
..a few moments of silence after a busy day...
Abdullah Redouane, General Secretary of the Islamic Cultural Society Center of Italy, kindly received the torch....
Mr. Redouane really embraced the Peace Run and lifted our spirits...
Thank you Rome for this wonderful day! We enjoyed every step!
After this eventful day in the capital we left Rome to the North and reached Trevignano Romano, located at lake Bracciano.
