Today we woke up and walked to the University of Arkansas Rome Center. This is where we have our Art History and Studio Art classes. It is located in Campo De’ Fiori in one of the oldest palaces, Palazzo Taverna.

Palazzo Taverna is located in a complex that was built in the middle ages by a noble family. It was owned by the Orsini Family until the late Renaissance. Then it was bought by other members of the Roman aristocracy. The inside still has the original decoration from the 16th and 18th centuries. There are three “Princesses” that live on the top floor still and own the complex. So that is pretty cool. I wish I had the official title of princess.

After getting oriented with the school we went out for art supplies. The art store was insane. They had so many pigments for oil paint it was awesome. I could have easily spend my entire Rome budget in that one store, but I used self control and held back.

After that we ate lunch in front of the Pantheon and then went exploring. Everywhere you look there is a historical building that is massive and ancient.

It is almost 7:00pm here (12:00pm in Alabama) and I have walked 17,308 steps, 7.55 miles. So I can easily say I have burned off my pasta plus much more. I wish there was a Krispy Kreme over here. I could have eaten a lot of doughnuts and burn them off for all those steps. I’ll just have to eat gelato in the meantime.