One year ago today I arrived in Rome to begin a journey around Italy. While I was excited to be exploring Italy I was a little apprehensive about visiting Rome. I’d been warned about expensive food, pick-pockets and excessively crowded tourist attractions. How wrong I was to be concerned. Rome was beautiful and trouble-free and I loved every minute of my time there.

I enjoyed visiting many of the popular tourist sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, but what I liked most was wandering around the back streets and discovering the little piazzas. Each was bursting with activity – families coming out of church, tourists taking photos of each other in front of the fountain, and groups of friends enjoying a drink or a meal together at one of the many cafes, restaurants or bars. Nightfall was my favourite time to wander and watch as the beautiful fountains, buildings and neon signs were lit up. Here are some favourite photos from my time there.