Rome, The Eternal City
Taking a trip through history, art and culture at any time of the year is made easy by visiting The Eternal City. In its streets, you find yourself in a great outdoor museum, where you can’t avoid visiting essential sites such as the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Roman Forum, the Piaza di Spagna, the Vatican Museums with the wonderful Sisteen Chapel or the St. Peter’s Basilica, among others.
Thousands of years of history have contributed to make Rome a unique city, with so many places to admire that a single visit is simply not enough. This is where the saying: “non basta una vita” (one life is not enough) comes from. Rome will captivate you with its mixture of tradition and modernity, in a somewhat chaotic large city… and full of dynamism, life and people who want to get to know it and to enjoy it to the maximum.
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Do not miss
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s frescoes, is located in the Basilica of the Vatican and is a visit that you cannot miss during your stay in Rome. It is known worldwide for being one of the most representative places of all the splendour and spirit of the Renaissance, besides being the place where the conclave is celebrated to choose the Pope.
Michelangelo began to paint the ceiling of the chapel in 1508 and to do so he constructed a scaffold from which he could paint even lying down. His representation of The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment was presented to the public in October 1512.
Where: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 69884676
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 – 16:00
Baths of Caracalla
These baths were constructed between 212 and 216 BC during the reign of Emperor Caracalla. Although at present only the ruins can be visited, they were once the most opulent baths of Old Rome. They had three basic bathing rooms: the cold water room, the hot water room and the warm water room. Besides the baths, there were areas equipped to do exercise, get a massage, as well as gardens for taking a walk and even a library.
The ruins of these baths cover a large extension of land and are in a surprisingly good state of conservation.
Where: Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52, Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 5740796
St Peter’s Basilica
Located in St Peter’s Square, St Peter’s Basilica was constructed by some of the most prestigious artists of the time. Bramante constructed the impressive central nave in the form of a Greek cross, Michelangelo designed the great dome and the majestic exterior with its impressive columns, and Carlo Maderno was the creator of the monumental façade. The interior is incredible and was decorated by Bernini and Giacomo della Porta. The best thing to do is to go up to the dome to see St Peter’s toe that has totally worn away due to pilgrims touching it, and to visit the papal tombs in the Vatican grottoes.
Where: Piazza San Pietro
Tel: (+39) 06 69883731
Opening hours: 07:00 – 18:00
Further information: http://www.vaticanstate.va
The Coliseum
With a seating capacity of fifty thousand spectators, the Coliseum is one of the most emblematic monuments of Rome and an icon of Imperial Rome. This is where the combats between gladiators took place until death, the “fight” between the fierce and slaves and different artistic representations. The entrance was free and the audience were seated according to their social standing. Although it is not well preserved, when visiting it the greatness of the monument can still be appreciated. It is recommendable to buy a combined entrance that includes a visit to the Coliseum and Palatino Hill, which is the centremost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city.
Where: Piazza del Colosseo
Tel: (+39) 06 39967700
The Pantheon
Undoubtedly, the Pantheon is one of the most surprising buildings of Ancient Rome. It dates to the year 27 BC and was built by the general and politician Marco Agrippa, although was later reconstructed by Hadrian in 125 AD. The temple remains in a good state of conservation, which makes it easy to imagine the aspect that it had in the past.
The Pantheon is dedicated to all the Gods and counts with the greatest vault of the world, with an opening of nine meters wide that allows light in, as well as it represents the symbolic union between the temple and the Gods. The remains of the artist Rafael are found here.
Where: Piazza della Rotonda
Tel: (+39) 06 6830 0230
Opening hours: 08:30 -15:30
The Trevi Fountain
No tourist can miss out on visiting the most famous fountain of Rome, immortalised in the film La Dolce Vita, with the well-known scene performed by actress Anita Ekberg. All visitors carry out the tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain to assure a trip back to the Eternal City. It is the biggest fountain in Rome, measuring almost twenty-six meters high and twenty meters wide.
Where: Via delle Muratte,
Eating out
Piazza Navona and the surrounding areas
This zone concentrates a large number of restaurants to eat well at a good price. It is an excellent option to enjoy “Italian style” food in Rome right in the city centre.
Trastevere Area
By walking along the side streets of this district, visitors will find a multitude of bars, enchanting restaurants and trattorias that serve traditional food. If weather permits, the best idea is to enjoy lunch or dinner in one of the multiple terraces in the area, and to mix with people in an animated atmosphere.
The Italian appetiser
The classic “appetiser” is famous in Milan, but in Rome you can also find places where you can ask for a cocktail accompanied by a tasty appetiser, like different pâtés, gorgonzola cheese or a wide variety of bruschettas. Appetisers are usually served from six-thirty to seven in the evening.
Di Fronte A
This restaurant is very popular, mainly thanks to its superb location close to Piazza di Spagna. The menu is simple but varied, they offer for example: pastas, pizzas, salads, etc.
Where: Via della Croce, 38Tel: (+39) 06 6780355
Pizzeria Baffetto
This is a highly recommendable option for dining out if you want to try an authentic Italian pizza with pleasant service. The atmosphere is cosy and homely and its location is excellent, just a hop away from Piazza di Spagna.
Where: Via del Governo Vecchio, 114, 00186 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 6861617
La Tana dei Noiantri
Located in the Trastevere area (an area filled with pizzerias, trattorias and restaurants), it offers authentic Italian food at a very good price. With the arrival of good weather, it is very pleasant to eat out on their small though well-transited terrace.
Where: Via della Paglia, 1-3
Out shopping
Piazza di Spagna and the surrounding area
In Piazza di Spagna and the streets surrounding it, such as Via Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona, are the fashion stores with the top brands. Particularly, in Via Condotti is where the world famous designer boutiques are found, such as Armani, Prada or Versace, among others.
Via del Corso
This is a pedestrian street that goes from Piazza del Popolo to Piazza Venecia, and is one of most popular streets to go shopping in Rome, since it offers a great variety of stores all in the same mall. It’s an ideal place to take a stroll and wander in the city enjoying the spectacular store showcases, like for example the Ferrari or Swarowski Crystal boutiques.
Porta Portese Markets
This is the most famous outdoor market of the city and takes place every Sunday in the Trastevere area. It’s an ideal place to spend all the morning among almost four thousand stalls with antiques, falsifications, clothes, footwear, etc. Since it is such a popular market, it’s best to be aware of pickpocketers.
Where: Viale Trastevere
Opening hours: 08:00 – 14:00
Piazza Vitorio Emanuele Market
This is the biggest outdoor food market of Rome and the most popular among locals. It takes place from Monday to Saturday and here you can find fruit, vegetables, fish, and meat stalls, and more.
Viale Marconi
This is one of the most popular streets among the Roman crowd aiming to “be in with the latest”. This is where the stores where you can be up with the latest trends are found. Although it is a little way out of the city centre, it’s worth the trouble to take a look around if you’re looking for something different.
Nightlife
Enjoying a night out in Rome is easy since there are clubs and bars distributed all over the city. Nevertheless, there are certain areas that concentrate more of these establishments and by all means, fashionable nightclubs.
Corralejo area
Being a place filled with people who are attracted by its famous market during the day, Campo de Fiori turns into one of the most cosmopolitan locations of the city at nightime. It is a meeting point for young Romans, a large number of tourists and students from the different American schools in the area. The atmosphere is very lively, with bars and pubs in all styles and people of all generations.
Trastevere
This is one of the most picturesque and bohemian districts of Rome. Over the last years, it has become a meeting place for the international audience, with lots of restaurants for dining out and a multitude of small bars where you can have a drink afterwards.
Testaccio and Ostiense
In these two areas, the greater number of nightclubs are concentrated, where you can dance til dawn. The majority of the clubs are in Via di Monte Testaccio.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is the university zone par excellence, which is reason why most of the pubs of the area are filled with people under thirty years old. In the square, a multitude of young people meet to have a drink whilst they chat animatedly in a casual and easy-going atmosphere.
Pinciano
This is where the famous Villa Borghese park is located, where many Romans spend their free time. The area is lively, mainly in summer, and it is possible to enjoy outdoor concerts and shows whilst trying the famous appetisers at the local bars.
Events
Rock in Roma
This summer, when in Rome, those who love rock music will be able to enjoy amazing concerts with a line up of artists such as The Chemical Brothers, Franco Battiato, Ben Harper or Jamiroquai, among others.
When: from the 18th of June to the 29th of July
Where: Ippodromo delle Campannelle. Via Appia Nuova, 1245, Roma
Festival I Concerti nel Parco
The first edition of this festival took place in 1991 in Villa Doria Pamphilj thanks to the initiative of pianist Teresa Azzaro together with other young Roman musicians. The main objective was to bring art and music together in places where people usually congregate. Besides musical and theatre performances by famous artists, the festival pays special attention to the up-and-coming young artists, giving them the opportunity to get themselves known.
When: June – July
Festa de Noantri
This festival takes place in the streets of the famous Trastevere district. It starts on the 16th of July with the procession of the Virgin of the Carmine that goes from the Church of Santa Agata to the Basilica San Crisogono. The celebrations are held over two weeks and the streets fill with theatre music, activities, markets and, above all, many people wanting to have a good time.
When: last two weeks of July.
San Lorenzo Patron Saint celebrations
This festival makes honour to the martyr San Lorenzo. Over several days, different public celebrations follow one after the other… fireworks, concerts, and more.
The majority of the acts take place around the crypt of San Lorenzo.
When: August 2011
Tourist Information Offices
Get further information from the tourist offices in Rome.
Spanish Tourist Information
Where: Via del Mortaro, 19, Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 49711
National Tourism Office
Where : Via Marghera, 2, Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 49711
Regional Tourist Office
Where : Via Parigi, 11, Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 488 991
Italian Facts
Language: Italian | Money: Euro | Electricity: 220 volts at 60Hz | Time: GMT -1 | Country code: +39
Documentation: Passport or valid identity card required from EU residents. For citizens of other countries, a visa is required.
is required.
Tuesday 2 August 2011 11:54 | Published by Hotelopiauk | Categoriy: Travel News
