Tues., Nov. 20 Roman Houses & S. M. in Ara Coeli

These are the Roman houses at the foot of Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.  The lowest level of the four levels is nine meters below today's ground level, and were discovered in the 1930s during construction work.

Seen from the steps up to S. M. in Ara Coeli, this is one of a pair of lions flanking the Cordonata, the 122 shallow steps up to the Piazza Capitoline.  I'm using photography as an excuse to take a rest from walking up the 124 steps up the Ara Coeli staircase.

This is the Theater of Marcellus as seen from the Ara Coeli steps.  My perspective is getting higher!

Now I can photograph a medieval window and the top stair.

Whew!  Inside!  Look at all the beautiful chandeliers.