Rome is one of those places you always dream about visiting. You see it in the movies, on TV shows, in pictures, but can't really fathom what it would actually be like to visit. Then one day, you are given that opportunity, and not only does it completely exceed all expectations, but it also feels as if you are being transported back into a time - long, long ago, during a time when Ancient Rome still existed. During my week long stay in Rome, I can honestly say that it felt like a dream. I grew up learning about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, watching movies like Gladiator and Troy, and fantasizing about making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. Rome was beyond magical, and if ever I have a chance to go back and visit, I most certainly will! FACTS ABOUT ROME ACCOMODATION We arrived to the hotel a little earlier than planned and couldn't check in until our scheduled time. They were nice enough to let us leave our luggage behind the counter while we took a stroll around town and had a quick bite to eat. The hotel itself was a beautiful, elegant, European style 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city - about a 15 minute walk to the Vatican, 10 minute walk to the Pantheon, and a 5 minute walk to the Piazza Novanna. Antica Dimora Delle Cinque Lune Hotel features luxurious rooms complete with free wireless internet, A/C, and an American style breakfast buffet on the rooftop. All guestrooms look out on the city with beautiful views. ANTICA DIMORA DELLE CINQUE LUNE Location: Via Giuseppe Zanardelli, 23, 00186 Roma RM, Italia Cost: $$ (average) About $100 per night) Hours: Reception is open 24/7 Website: http://www.ilburcardo.com/en/ MY TOP 8 PLACES TO EAT WHILE IN ROME You can't go wrong when choosing a place to eat in Rome...I mean, after all, it is ITALY! The problem with eating in such a tourist drawn city is that you might not always get quality food, as well as facing over-priced and over-crowded restaurants. Below is a list of places that I deemed worthy of good quality food. Although some are still located in the heart of the city, I can assure you that you won't be disappointed. TOP ATTRACTIONS / PLACES TO VISIT IN ROME 1. FONTANA DI TREVI A dramatic Baroque masterpiece, Rome’s Trevi fountain is considered to be the most famous fountain in the world. Each year, over 7 million tourists make their way to Rome. It's no surprise that both day and night, crowds of tourists flock to the iconic fountain for a visit. With that said, you should try and visit at least once during the day and once at night. However, if you're aiming for that perfect photo opportunity then I would suggest waking up very early (around 5 a.m.) and heading to the fountain. This is what I did, and there were only about 2 other people out during that time and it was already light out. Either way, you can't go wrong when visiting this magnificent masterpiece. 2. PANTHEON Located in the square called the Piazza della Rotunda, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient artifacts in Rome. The word Pantheon means 'all Gods', making this temple dedicated to all of the Roman Gods. However, as time passed, the Christians took over and the Pantheon became a place for Christian worship. It is now also known as the Santa Maria Rotonda. Inside the Pantheon, astonishing architecture and artifacts can be found - such as the tomb of Raphael. Once you are inside the Pantheon, you can see that in the center of the dome there is a perfectly shaped circle shining through. Outside the Pantheon are magnificently tall pillars that add the uniqueness to this structure. It was free to enter the Pantheon, but you must be dressed appropriately. 3. COLOSSEUM The Colosseum is a massive structure, the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and in the world today. Being able to seat close to 50,000 spectators, it was the premier venue for wild beast shows and bloody gladiator combat. During the inauguration games (that lasted 100 days and nights) about 5000 wild animals were slaughtered. Rhinos, crocodiles, bears, elephants, lions, tigers and giraffes were victims of the animal hunt shows that took place in the Colosseum. Tips for visiting the Colosseum:
4. ROMAN FORUM / PALATINE HILL The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill each have their own entrance, but the sites are connected, so you won’t need to exit one and then stand in line again to enter the other. Lines tend to be shortest at the entrance to Palatine Hill. (FYI – Entrance into both sites is included with your Colosseum ticket!) Both the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are entirely just ruins, which definitely keeps them feeling authentic vs museum-like, but doesn’t help you out much if you aren’t even aware of what you’re looking at. HIGHLIGHTS AT PALATINE HILL
5. VATICAN CITY Have you ever wondered what it is like visiting Vatican City in Rome? Yes, there are crowds and long lines but there is also the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica, the awe inspiring ceiling of the Sistine chapel and people from all walks of life gathered in one place to peacefully take it all in. So before you plan a visit, here are a few facts you should know before visiting Vatican City in Rome:
6. SPANISH STEPS / PIAZZA DI SPAGNA The Spanish Steps are a series of 135 steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church. In the 16th - 17th century there was a growing trend for Romans to create competitions for sculptures to design monuments. Following a competition in 1717 the steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis, construction began in 1723 and completed in 1725. The Piazza di Spagna Square, located at the foot of the Spanish Steps, takes its name from the Spanish Embassy. The Spanish Steps have been restored many times over the years, with the last restoration being in 1995, there is actually a rule in place that you are not allowed to eat food on the steps in a bid to keep them clean. I actually broke this rule by sitting on the steps eating a gelato out of a cone...opps! 7. PIAZZA NAVONA There is something for everyone in the beloved Piazza Navona situated in the center of Old Rome. One of the largest piazzas in city, visitors and Romans alike gravitate to Piazza Navona to dine or wine. While meandering the Piazza Navona I suggest you find a spot on one of the benches that line the piazza and appreciate the theater of tourists, Romans, and artists. At night, after the sun has gone down and the weather is cooler, will be most pleasant to do this. Within its graceful oval, determined by the Roman amphitheater that once stood here, stand three lovely fountains, the central being Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini with its dramatic figures. There are amazing restaurants on the piazza, like famous Tre Scalini that also sells, even for take-away, gelato and much more. On a parallel street Da Baffetto pizzeria has a cult following. There are several fine gelaterias on the north side of the piazza and parallel Via del Governo vecchio, just look for the queues. There are restaurants of every kind, such as Cul de Sac that has one of the most extensive collections of wine I have ever seen. One note is that there are some pretty mediocre restaurants sprinkled among the fine ones, so make sure to always look at reviews. 8. ST. PETER'S BASILICA St. Peter's Basilica is the biggest church in the world! When visiting St Peter’s Basilica you get the chance of seeing some of the best European art. There are statues, dozens of them, standing tall in niches high above the stream of visitors. Saints and founders of orders, popes and virtues. All carved in white stone and simply stunning in their lifelike appearance. St Peter’s Basilica is a fascinating church which really shouldn’t be missing in any Rome itinerary. If you get the chance and happen to visit early enough, make sure to sit in on one of the many masses that is taking place in almost every language. It is such an incredible experience. 9. CASTEL SANT'ANGELO While Castel Sant'Angelo is now a national museum, it was initially built between 123 and 129 A.D. as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. Since then it has gone through a number of changes and has served many different purposes. It has been a prison, a fortress, and even a residence for the pope. There is also a secret (at the time) passageway (Passetto di Borgo) connecting the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo that the pope could use to flee from danger if the need arose. The Castel is rather easy to get to since it is located fairly close to Vatican city. There are a number of buses that will drop you off close to the entrance. Admission is €10, but it can be visited as one of the museums with the Roma pass.
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AuthorWest Coast blogger with a love for traveling and adventure seeking. Archives
July 2018
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