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The capital of Italy is
one of the world’s major tourist destinations, receiving an amazing 7-10
million tourists every year. Rome is situated on the banks of the River
Tiber, and its attraction for tourists is the incredible amount of interest
that can still be found in its numerous historical sites. Rome has a
population of over three and a half million, and it contains a separate
state, the Vatican City, population just 920.
What to see in Rome:
The Roman Forum. The monumental complex whose remains lie
between the Capitol, the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum and the Palatine.
This was the centre of the administration of the Roman Empire, and what
strikes the modern day visitor is how small it was. Don’t miss the Arch of
Titus, the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Vesta – all along the Via
Sacra, the main Roman road through the Forum.
(The Forum is open daily from 9am; the ticket is valid for two days and
includes entrance to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.)
The Capitol has remained the nucleus of Roman life for
thousands of years. On this southern summit of the Capitoline Hill were the
three most important temples in ancient Rome.
The Palatine, another historic Roman hill. The Emperors and patrician
families lived on the Palatine, which is where, according to legend, Romulus
founded Rome in the 8th century BC. Remains of fine villas can be seen here.
The Colosseum, just east of the Forum was one of the
greatest marvels of Roman civilization. This entertainment amphitheatre was
begun by Vespasian in A.D. 72 and completed by his son 8 years later. Its 80
entrances could admit 55,000 spectators, all of whom had seats. It is not,
in fact, circular, but an ellipse 188m (617ft) long and 156m (512ft) wide.
(The Colosseum is open every day and is very busy, but you can avoid the
queue by buying a one- or three-day pass in the Forum.)
Piazza Venezia (which takes its name from the Palazzo Venezia) is the
traffic-heart of Rome. The Victor Emmanuel Monument was designed by Giuseppe
Sacconi.
Fontana di Trevi. Perhaps the most famous baroque fountain
in the world, this Renaissance construction at the end of a Roman aqueduct
carries the legend that if you throw a coin in you will return to Rome. It
is in the form of the facade of a large palace decorated with statues. (The
fountain is to be found at the Poli Palace in the Trevi District.)
Not far from the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon is the most
perfect of all classical monuments in Rome. Built by the Emperor Hadrian as
a temple to “every god” (pan-theon), it was converted to a Christian church
by the pope in 609AD. (Open daily with no entrance fee, but no entry for
visitors during Masses.)
Piazza Navona occupies the place of the Stadium of Domitian, three
magnificent fountains.
Terme di Caracalla. The ruins of ancient Rome's public bathhouse, dating
back to the 3rd century.
St. Angel's Castle. On the banks of the Tiber, this former Mausoleum of
Hadrian, later used as a fortress by popes, is still linked to the Vatican
by a covered passageway. (Open daily at 9am; take bus 40 from the main
railway station or Metro Line A to Lepanto.)
Vatican State: An independent papal state enclosed by Rome,
the Vatican has been the residence of the popes since 1377. St. Peter's
Square is by far largest in Rome. The colonnade is the finest work of
Bernini. St Peter's Basilica is the greatest church of Christianity (open
from 7am every day, admission free).
The Vatican City has 11 museums, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s
great ceiling, and the enchanting Vatican Gardens.
Where to stay in Rome:
For a hotel with a view of St Peter’s Square from its roof-terrace, try the
4 star Residenza Paolo VI, five minutes walk from the River Tiber and Castel
Sant Angelo. A 2 star hotel still within walking distance from the Castel
and St Peter’s is the Angel Hotel. Each room has an ensuite bathroom and air
conditioning, and Wifi is free.
For a hostel offering good value, head for Carlito’s Way Hotel and Hostel on
Via Villafranca. This small hotel only has 8 rooms, so book ahead. Or to
experience luxury in a hotel that is more like a private house, choose the
Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a historic residence in the heart of Rome, set in
a private Italian garden and having only 12 elegant rooms and suites, with a
fitness centre and spa. The rooms are furnished with antiques and you will
be constantly reminded that you are in one of the most historic cities in
the world!
Tourist tip:
Rome is a fantastic city to visit and however long you are able to stay
won’t be enough, but it does suffer from its share of crime, so take
precautions against pickpockets and scam artists who prey on tourists.
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