Highlights of Rome

The eternal city, Rome is a living museum which displays the greatest collection of Classical antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, Baroque churches and Roman archaeological sites in the world. At every turn, world-famous attractions and works of art by Bernini, Caravaggio and Michelangelo are visible.

The other side of Rome is one of a cosmopolitan metropolis; frantic and exciting. It is a city that never sleeps; a paradise for shopaholics and a gastronomic delight. The city is also an inspiration for artists and a real-life film set.

Films
Thousands of films have been shot on location in Rome including Fellini’s ‘8 ½’, William Wyler’s ‘Roman holiday’ and Negulesco’s ‘Three Coins in a Fountain’. Recently, ‘Angels and Demons’ featuring Tom Hanks and ‘Eat, Pray and Love’ with Julia Roberts have used the city as a backdrop.

The historic centre
Bordered by the River Tiber to the west, the centre of Rome has a high concentration of historical sites, shops and attractions to suit all interests. This is the home of Piazza Navona; the Pantheon; the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps; as well as Via Condotti – Rome’s exclusive shopping street.

Tradition says if you throw a coin over your shoulder with your back towards the Trevi Fountain you will be assured a return to Rome. Once you have been to Rome you will want to return time and time again, so our advice is to follow this tradition – we have!

For a wonderful view over the sprawling city towards St Peter’s and the Vatican, we propose a climb to Piazza dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps.

On a hot day, or in fact on any day, hide from the elements in the Pantheon, the best preserved monument of ancient Rome. Its cool interior adorned with pediments and tombs and dominated by the historic dome - wider than St Peter’s – is a spectacular sight and best of all, it is free to visit.

The Colosseum and Roman Forum
For history buffs a visit to the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is a must. It is impossible not to marvel at these structures and imagine what it was like to walk in the footsteps of Julius Caesar, Augustus, Marc Anthony or Marcus Aurelius.

Throughout the world, the image of Colosseum is synonymous with the Roman Empire and regarded as one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time (and possibly of all time). To truly appreciate the magnificence of the imposing Colosseum, inaugurated in AD 80, and to learn about the politics of the amphitheatre and the gladiatorial contests, races and mock naval battles hosted here, a guided tour is recommended.

A gentle stroll around the remains of the Roman Forum, the religious, political and commercial centre of Ancient Rome, is like stepping back in time. There is a wealth of museums, containing sculptures and art treasures excavated from the site; and the remains of a Roman civilisation - temples, villas, parliament houses and a chariot racing circuit. For a view over the Forum, then a climb up Capitoline Hill is a must.

The Vatican
The Vatican is located on the west bank of the Tiber River and, at its heart, stands Bernini’s Basilica di San Pietro. The Vatican is the smallest state in the world, the location of the papal residence, home to some of the greatest art treasures and a ‘must see’ for any visitor to Rome.

The primary attractions are legendary and include the Vatican Gardens, Piazza San Pietro (St Peter’s square), the Basilica di San Pietro (St Peter’s cathedral), Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. Due to the popularity of these sites, we recommend that visitors pre-book an entrance slot for the Vatican Museum including the Sistine Chapel (open Monday–Saturday, 09:00-16:00 and closed on public and religious holidays). For further information, please visit http://mv.vatican.va. A guided tour of the Vatican Museum is also recommended.

Probably the best view of Rome is from the dome of St Peter’s cathedral (see page 53 for a picture of this view); and possibly the best view of the Vatican can be enjoyed as you approach the state, along the Via della Conciliazione from Castel Sant’Angelo.

Trastevere
For new and regular visitors to the capital, the district of Trastevere, located to the west of the River Tiber south of the Vatican city, offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle. The neighbourhood is where Romans live, socialise and eat (a meal here is cheaper than on the eastern-side of the Tiber). This is the ‘real’ Rome.