Enjoy walking around the quirky backstreets in Rome
In short Rome is beautiful, busy and … expensive.
Nothing is quite like the archaeological immersion of exploring Rome. Everywhere you go there are historic gems as far as the eye can see – from Roman to Renaissance. Rome is buzzing; street performers compete with waiters and with ice-cream sellers desperately trying to steer busloads of tourists following umbrellas to their businesses in the crowded, narrow alleys. It is busy and it is touristy, there are queues and it is loud in a way that is all too Italian. It has a frenetic energy that is all too easy to get swept up in. Rome is a place enjoyed slowly.
No visit to Rome is complete with seeing the incredible Colosseum
Explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
A visit to the Colosseum is almost a prerequisite for any first time visitor to Rome. Adjacent to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
When construction was completed on the Colosseum in 80 AD it was the largest amphitheatre built in all of Rome and could house over fifty thousand people! The engineering skill and technology of the day was pushed to its limits by its construction and design. The stadium was even designed to be flooded in order to provide for mock navel battles.
It is incredible to see, but be warned, unless you have read up – there is little to do other than take part in an audio tour. And, as with many attractions in Rome, expect to queue.
Piazza Della Rotunda, in the shadow of the Pantheon
Enjoy the Piazzas
Enjoy a drink in one of the many café’s and watch the world go by. There are numerous to choose from – and none are necessarily better than others. However Piazza Della Rotunda, in the shadow of the Pantheon is certainly worth spending some time in. Do note though, the unbelievable price differences between the cafés located in the Piazzas and the ones around the corner – sometimes worth a look at the menus beforehand if on a budget.
St Peter’s Square. Vatican City…Note the snaking queue
Take in the Vatican
Can you go to Rome and not go to the Vatican? Situated on the west bank of the Tiber, just across from the city centre, the Vatican City was established as a sovereign state in 1929. Open to the public is the breath take-taking st Peters basilica and the Vatican museums – which is possibly the richest and most compelling museum collection in the world. Even the least cultural cannot help but be impressed by the sheer array and abundance of art and architecture. And of course there is the famous Sistine Chapel – by the time you arrive you may be quite knackered, even so, the majesty of the place is really quite something.
Note, queues can be large and there seems not to be a gentleman’s code. Pushing in occurs often, so be prepared to make a fuss!
Castel St Angelo. Pretty awesome right?
Don’t forget Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, on the west bank of the Tiber river not far from the Vatican, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive sites in Rome.
On the ground floor the winding ramp designed for the funeral cortege is an impressive piece of Roman engineering, whilst on the upper floors, features include a display of ancient weapons.
The building was also used as a prison, and one can still see the tiny, dank cells which once held many unfortunate prisoners, including Giordano Bruno, the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini, and the eighteenth-century fraudster Calgliostro. At the top of the Castello, there are some wonderful views out over the city.
The best way to get to Castel Sant’Angelo is probably by foot across the elegant Ponte Vecchio.
And of course, don’t forget to learn the lines from the recent ‘Angels and Demons’ – so you can run around pretending to be Tom Hanks*
*Optional
Pucker up for a kiss on the Spanish Steps
Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain
The Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain are both famous landmarks of Rome. The Spanish Steps are a wide irregular gathering place consisted of 138 steps placed in a mix of curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces. They connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti, with its beautiful twin tower church dominating the skyline.
The Trevi Fountain, like the Spanish Steps are certainly worth a visit – not just because it is wonderful in its own right but because of its history; The Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest water sources in Rome dating back to ancient Roman times. The fountain was built at the end point of the aqueduct, at the junction of three roads. These three streets (tre vie) give the Trevi Fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain.
The beautiful Trevi Fountain
In 1730 Pope Clemens XII held a contest to design a new fountain. Many important architects participated, but in the end Nicola Salvi won the right.
Both landmarks should be added to part of your walking tour and both are a nice place to stop and catch your breath. But ultimately it won’t take long to see – so make sure you book something else in that day.