Wine tasting on the way to Rome, March 12

On our way to Rome by bus, we stopped in the Orvieto region of Umbria at the Le Velette winery. Beautiful location on a hilltop, but the cold wind drove us inside. We first went down into the caverns, originally dug by monks, to see where the wine is stored to age.

Then up to the villa's dining room for a tasting with lunch. Two excellent whites first with light pizza, cheeses and breads. Then on to reds with meats and bolder cheeses. An excellent way to have lunch. And of course, an opportunity to purchase if you wanted. We bought a red and a white to bring to Paris.

Our hotel in Rome is just off the Plaza Repubblica, and as in Venice and Florence, near the center of the old parts of town, easy to get around. 

Regrouped at 4 for a orientation walk and dinner. Dropped in on a couple of churches along the way, looking at Rococco art and architecture. One had a Michelangelo Christ holding the cross, more muscular than the earlier crucifix we saw in Florence. 

Another had what appeared to be a dome but was actually a trompe d'oeil painting of a dome interior on a flat surface. 

On to the Pantheon, originally for many Roman gods, converted to a church in the first century AD by Constantine, the first Christian emperor. Architecturally notable for the coffered ceiling and the large oculus at the top of the dome for light. Centuries ago, there were steps up to the front. Now, you walk down to it as the ground level has risen over time. 

We stop at a nearby cafe for a glass of prosecco before dinner.

On the a walk back, the Pantheon by night, a dry Trevi Fountain under renovation. Normally each morning it's cleaned, yielding about 3000 euros, which are donated to charity.