New Years Day in Rome

Took a walk in one of the few directions I have not yet taken. Past the Colosseum in a generally easterly direction.  This structure was my intended destination.  It is off the beaten path and not generally on the tourist itineraries - but a beautiful structure.  4th century, so the history books say.  The name of the place is Tempio di Minerva Medica,  and it is also called a Nymphaeum. Where the nymphs hang out as I gather.

The city has grown around this spot unflatteringly.  Behind it are the lanes of tracks that feed Termini station, in front and to the sides, a grittier bit of Rome.

With no particular destination, I walked south and ended up at Porta Maggiore and the Tomb of Eurysaces the Baker.  These gates, part of the aqueduct system that served Rome, were also incorporated into the Aurelian Wall.

After a walk through a playground (where the Blue Slide appeared) I found myself in the Piazza di Porta San Giovanni.

This a vast space where the basilica that calls itself the "mother church" of all Catholic churches can be found.  Exploring that will have to be left for another day....