My last two days in Rome brought some incredible experiences. I spent Tuesday with Roman locals, the parents of a friend from Austin. Giovanna picked me up Tuesday morning and we did a whirlwind tour around Rome. We began the day at The Church of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill in Rome, the oldest surviving Roman basilica.
It is famous for its cypress doors, which may date to the early 5th century when the church was built, and are said to contain the first depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus.
From there we drove to the Villa del Priorato di Malta, home to the Grand Priory in Rome of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which remains a sovereign entity. 
The Villa may be best known for a keyhole in the door
through which you can clearly see Saint Peter’s Basilica, far across the city. The first photo is from my phone; the second shows exactly what you see through the keyhole.
wiki photo
From there, we saw part of the original Roman Wall called the Servian Wall, sections of which are still visible in various locations around Rome. The Servian Wall was a defensive barrier constructed around the city of Rome in the early 4th century BC.
Next on to lunch at my “guide’s” home. What a thrill it is for me to be invited into the home of local Romans and share in their passion for all things Italian. I was introduced to Giovanna’s husband and together we shared wonderful conversation and the most delicious lunch, beginning with Champaign in the drawing-room.
From there, we moved to the dining room and were treated to Spaghetti con vongole
Sicilian artichokes and a rolled meat and cheese dish (sorry I don’t know the name!)
A beautiful vegetable terrine
Fennel salad
and homemade apple torta!
We conversed easily in both Italian and English and spent a great deal of time talking about places and treasures to visit in Italy.
After lunch, more of my tour. First up was a ride along Appia Antica, or as you may know it, the Appian Way. 
From there we drove to the Pyramid of Cestius, built around 18BC-12BC as a tomb for magistrate Gaius Cestius. At the time it was built, it lay in the open countryside as tombs were not permitted within the city walls.
The pyramid was incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, close to Porta San Paolo.
Up next, La Bocca della Verità, aka The Mouth of Truth. This ancient Roman marble disc displays a carving of a man-like face and is thought to have been part of a first century fountain or even a manhole cover. Legend has it that if you tell a lie, and put your hand in the mouth, it will be bitten off. So be warned! During the 17th century, it was placed in the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the church which is home to relics of St. Valentine.
And finally, on to ancient temples before heading home.
What an amazing day I had, with my ever hospitable and knowledgeable private tour guide and now new friend.
And to think we did all that in this:
Giovanna, grazie per una giornata meravigliosa e una ricorderò sempre!
That was Tuesday, and I still had one day left in Rome. What better thing to do than attend a Papal audience. So that I did, Wednesday morning, along with about 12,000 others, but who’s counting!
Arrivederci Roma once again. You never fail to amaze. Till next time.
Ciao,
Judy
Blogging In Italy 