It’s hard to say what you’ll find most breathtaking about the Eternal City – the arrogant opulence of the Vatican, the timelessness of the Forum, the top speed of a Fiat Bambino, the gory resonance of the Colosseum, trying to cross a major intersection, or the bill for your caffe latte.
With over two thousand years of history crammed into its ‘Centro Storico’ Rome is full of contrasts – on one hand renowned for its wealth of art and architecture, on the other a thriving modern capital with a unique and vibrant contemporary ambiance.
The main tourist season starts at Easter and runs until October; peak periods are in spring and autumn, when the tour buses pour in and tourists are herded around like cattle. Numerous outdoor festivals and concerts and the fact that Romans desert the city for the beaches and mountains, which means very light traffic and a less-crowded city centre, makes summer almost worth the heat. If you do visit in summer, try to hit the sights early, take a long lunch and a nap, and then head out again around 18:00 to take advantage of the cooler evening. Be aware some restaurants and shops close for the month of August.
The Colosseum is properly one of the most famous of Rome’s ancient building, as you gaze upon it for the first time it takes your breath away, a feat of engineering that is still not rivaled today, it had the ability to hold 50,000 spectators, played host to the gladiatorial games, hosted re-enactments of famous land and sea battles it was possible to flood the arena for the sea battles, a testament to the greatness of Rome.
Legend has it that the Pantheon was built on the place where Romulus the founder of Rome was carried off as he died by eagles to take his place with the gods in the skies, when Michel Angelo looked upon the building he felt it was the work of angels, with its domed ceiling (the first on record) and amazing decoration, rebuilt after 2 fires it now stands proud as Rome’s oldest building, and a must see on a trip to Rome.
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s many city squares, originally the place of the roman circus, now a place to take a coffee in one of the many cafes lining the square as you marvel at some of the most amazing statues and fountains, like the Fountain of the four Rivers with its Egyptian obelisk, the piazza has been a back drop to many films like Angels and demons and catch 22, during the night the square takes on a completely different look as all the fountains as statues are lit up ( don’t forget your camera )
Originally built by emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family, Castel Sant’ Angelo has been a fortress, a palace for popes, and princes, a prison, and military barracks now it serves as a museum that is home to many collections, of paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and an armor, you easily spend 2 or 3 days wandering round this building and not get bored.
Built on the site of the Spanish embassy, Piazza di Spagna is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, and home to the world famous Spanish Steps, Europe’s widest and longest staircase with 137 steps, differently a place to make an entrance, but remember if you get hungry on the way up the steps not to stop the eat your sandwich as you can get fined for this it is illegal.
St. Peter’s Square, is one of the most beautiful and famous in the world, surrounded by Bernini’s imposing colonnade with its 284 columns. In the center stands a 26-meter tall Egyptian obelisk from Heliopolis; at its sides two beautiful fountains, in the background the massive structure of the Basilica its self it really takes your breath away. It is worth planning to spend time here on your trip, after you have seen the Basilica it’s time to take a look at the Vatican public art and sculpture museums which display works from the extensive collection of the Roman Catholic Church. The complex houses a 500-year-old art collection, and with more than four million visitors each year it’s a must visit when in Rome.
The legend is that it is lucky to throw three coins with one’s right hand over one’s left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain some think that if you do this then one day you will return to Rome, the Trevi Fountain is Rome’s most famous fountains and properly the most stunning. The backdrop for the fountain is the Palazzo Poli, a must see during the day and at night.
You could spend your entire trip to Rome exploring the Villa Borghese with its 148 acres of landscaped gardens and many building hosing some of Rome most famous artworks, the history dates back to 1605 when work started to transform the once vineyard into what you see today. Don’t miss this place on your trip to Rome it is bound to make you want to come back to explore more of it hidden delights.
The street in front of the two cafe-bars Coming Out and My Bar, Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, which is sometimes called Rome’s Gay Street is where all of the action takes place in the city!
Offering stylish rooms with free WiFi, J.K. Place Roma is located in the heart of Rome with the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon each a 10-minute walkaway.
The Artemide is in a 19th-century building on the vibrant Via Nazionale. A free minibar and free Wi-Fi access are available in each of the elegant rooms.
UNA Hotel offers contemporary design and bright interiors, plus a private parking garage and air-conditioned rooms with hardwood floors.
Set on a quiet street just 183 m from Rome’s Termini Station, the boutique Yes Hotel has contemporary rooms with satellite TV and air conditioning.
