Rome |
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Rome |
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What's it really like? Rome is a living museum and europe's treasure chest, teeming with gems from thousands of years of history. The city is so rich in art, monuments and religion it attracts millions of tourists, scholars and pilgrims from around the world and even though it's sprawled out over six famous hills, the centre of Rome can feel claustrophobic and noisy, especially during the peak months between Easter and August There's such a concentration of architectural masterpieces and classical ruins most visitors let their feet be their guide and they find simply wandering around can lead to some hidden masterpieces. At night, when most other cities slip towards slumber Rome's streets come alive with people-watchers and diners set against the backdrop of its seductively illuminated monuments.
Sightseeing: The Roma Archeologia Card is a multi-attraction pass to the nine major sites in Rome including the Colosseum and costs about €20 Smoking: Smoking has been banned in all enclosed public places that do not provide smoke extractors. Disabled: Rome's steep pavements and cobbled streets make life difficult for disabled visitors. Traffic: Rome is also renowned as the traffic-jam capital of Europe and outside the pedestrianised centre the roads are a nightmare for drivers. Take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off tourist buses that circle all the best bits, including the Vatican. Crime: Watch your wallet in crowded places. St Peter's Basilica The largest church in the world with its 218 metre
long nave and a dome, designed by Michelangelo. The lift only reaches the halfway point, from where visitors have to climb 20 more stories up a narrow stairway to the top. Vatican City Every trip to Rome should include a trip to the Vatican and now visitors can see the tomb of Pope John Paul II Most of the crowds flock to see the Michelangelo frescoes of the Old testament in the Sistine Chapel which have been restored. NB: credit cards are not accepted anywhere within the Vatican. Pantheon The Pantheon's monumental eight columned entrance is one of the most recognisable structures in the world and was originally built as a Roman temple before it was consecrated as a Catholic Church. Throughout the day the circular room's marble and granite structure is alluminated with dazzling patterns as the sun enters an unglazed window in the centre of the dome Admission is free. The Colosseum The Colosseum is the most popular monument in Italy and every visit begins with a queue. It wasn't always like that, though. The amphitheatre originally had up to eighty entrances so the crowds could enter and exit quickly. 31 have survived and some have been restored. It was designed to hold 50,000 bloodthirsty spectators, eager to see the gladiators fight to the death. Many were slaves or prisoners who were thrown in, sword in hand, to kill another unarmed foe. Many parts of the Colosseum can be accessed by people in wheelchairs and there's a lift to the first floor on the northern side. Roman Forum This site is the remains of a city built by Caesar's adopted son and heir after the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra The Forum became the business area and marketplace of Rome and later grew to include temples and law courts. Despite being buried and forgotten for centuries many of the columns of the temples have survived along with the arches of Titus Septimius Severus which are in good shape. In Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony made his famous speech in this forum. Admission is free and there are tours of the area. Piazza di Spagna The elegant Spanish Staircase consists of 137 steps over twelve different flights and at busy times they are covered by the bottoms of hundreds of tourists. A climb to the top is rewarded with the sight of a beautiful French church located on a hill overlooking the small piazza della Trinità dei Monti. From this square, you have an nice view over Rome. The steps lead down to Piazza di Spagna which is one of the most popular meeting places in the city and a stone's throw from one of Rome's most fashionable shopping areas Fontana di Trevi According to legend, throwing a coin into the water is guarantee of a return to Rome. At times, when there are no police about it also causes a stampede of beggars who frequent this beautiful square and blatantly go fishing for the cash. Otherwise the money is collected and distributed to charities. The calm tranquility of the running water can't always be heard above the hustle and bustle of the crowds during the day. The atmoshere is more relaxing (and romantic) in the evening when the fountain is less busy and beautifully illuminated. The water's no longer safe to drink.
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