From Lanciano, in only takes two and a half hours to get to Rome (a little longer on our bus when taking rest stops) making it the perfect distance for day trips.
Our day was full, starting with a walking tour of the historic centre in the morning. We began at the Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument.
From there, we moved to the Pantheon, where our Grade 11 Mathematics students performed some calculations to determine the height of the obelisk in the square, and our Grade 12 Chemistry students ran a presentation on concrete (suitable given that the roof of the Pantheon remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world).
The Film Studies class then presented in front of the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, explaining the significance of both locations, including a discussion about famous scenes from iconic films such as La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday.
In the afternoon, the group split into two. One headed to the Borghese Gallery to see the work of Bernini and other Italian masters. The second group met at the Colosseum for a tour of the interior, with the Film Studies class comparing the portrayal of gladiatorial battles in cinema, to the historical facts. We then took a stroll through the Roman Forum, stopping at significant ruins and learning about the history of ancient Rome.
Students then had a few hours to explore the Eternal City on their own and to do some shopping and go for dinner. We regrouped just before 8:00 pm and made our way back to Lanciano. For most, it was straight to bed after a long day of walking.