1st June 2019

Rome in a Day – A Sunrise to Sunset Adventure

Before heading to Florence for an Imagine Dragons concert, I made a stop in Rome, a city I had long wanted to visit. I stayed with a kind host through Couchsurfing, and although I only had one full day there, I was determined to make the most of it.

I woke up at 5 a.m. and headed straight to the city center. By 6 a.m., I was already standing near the Colosseum, camera in hand, soaking in the early morning light. There were already a few people around, but the city still felt peaceful and quiet. I wandered through the ancient streets, passing by Roman ruins, piazzas, and fountains, all glowing in the golden light of morning. Exploring Rome before the crowds gave everything a completely different feeling... more personal, more alive.

Later in the day, I made my way to Vatican City. I visited St. Peter’s Basilica and walked through the massive square, admiring the architecture and scale of everything. In the afternoon, I wandered through more parts of Rome, enjoying a slower rhythm, grabbing something to eat, and letting myself get a little lost in the narrow streets.

Before sunset, I went to Via Appia Antica, a historic Roman road just outside the city. It felt like stepping into another time... ruins, old stones, tall trees, and an endless path lined with history. I took photos in the warm evening light, walking quietly and feeling grateful for how much I had seen in just one day. Rome was intense, beautiful, and full of life and somehow, even in a rush, I felt connected to it.


Travel girl
I'm Ioana, a passionate photographer and software engineer, finding joy in every step of my journey.
My work is dedicated to capturing the breathtaking beauty of our natural world , while inspiring a deeper connection with nature and promoting a greater commitment to its preservation.