The Victor Emanuel Monument, or Vittoriano - we took a leisurely stroll down to the monument this morning, a mere 1km away while the temp was at it's lowest of 28 degrees (10 am). This was built to commemorate the unification of Italy after the Risorgimento, celebrates the patriotic and military values which had triumphed to forge Italy into a single Nation. When there is heat like this you need to be sitting in a swimming pool somewhere with a cocktail in hand...

Villa D'Este - one of the many fountains. Must say it was really cool sitting here, considering how hot the day was!

Villa D'Este - fountain of Tivoli

Villa D'Este - one of the most beautiful residence of the Renaissance. It has over 300 fountains set in the most exquisite gardens. Many, many steps down only to have to climb back up again. Well worth the strain. Well done Elise you did we'll, especially considering the temperature.

Tivoli (Adriana) Villa - this villa dates back to Roman Times. Based at the foot of the Tiburtini hills is the famous spa town of Tivoli. This town is dominated by vast quarries of travertine marble. This villa is only ruins so we can only imagine the grandeur of the place. The 'ponds' were beautiful and full of fish an terrapins. It was a really awesome site, but big was it hot, only a mere 36 degrees.