Travel Italy - Rome
From LoveToKnow Travel
Rome: the name has been on the western world's lips for thousands of years. From the hub of activity in the Mediterranean to the capitol of an empire, the "Eternal City" has always been a center of culture, art, history and knowledge. Now, modern day Rome is still the definition of grandiose, harboring more ancient secrets than most western countries combined.
Planning a Roman Getaway
The key to getting the most out of Rome is proper planning. Thousands of years of history are embedded in this city's borders. You'll need lifetimes to uncover all of the gems. Spend your first few visits hitting the major sights of the city, then whittle down to the core, and see the lesser-known areas. Don't try to take all of this wonderful city in one bite!
The Sights of Rome
There seems to be an infinite number of things to see in the city of Rome. Some of the more famous sites, such as the Colosseum or the Vatican Museum, are popular for a very good reason. Once you've skimmed the city's tourist surface, spend some time getting to know the city. Take a stroll through the center of town, sit on the Spanish Steps when the sun starts to set. Let Rome embrace you and you'll surely fall in love.
Colosseum
Grand doesn't even begin to cover it. Awestruck only touches on what you'll feel. This ancient arena was just one of Rome's innovative designs, sticking two horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters together for one mega entertainment complex. Here, gladiators fought other humans, beasts or machines for in bloody battles. The sand-covered wood flooring has long since rotted away, exposing the maze-like underbelly where slaves and animals were kept, ready to be release to attack gladiators.
At the Colosseum you can opt for one of the guided tours in many languages. The guides will find you, so don't worry about missing your opportunity. You can also pick up an audio guide inside the Colosseum, or just wander near other tour groups and listen in to pieces of their speech. Do some research on the Colosseum before you go, it will make the experience much more enjoyable.
- Cost: 10 euro (combo ticket includes Palatine Hill)
- To skip the long lines into the arena, see Palatine Hill first, then stroll down to the Colosseum. See the tourists waiting in the hot Roman sun? Walk right by them and go to the ticket holder's gate inside the structure.
The Forum at Rome
Wander amongst the stones of the ancient Forum, said to be one of the original plots of Roman soil. Grab an audio guide just outside for a historical treat. From the ancient pillars still rising against the background to the crumbled bricks lining the paths,the Forum could be an entire day-trip unto it's own.
- Cost: Free
Palatine Hill
According to the ancient Roman legend, brothers Romulus and Remus stood in Rome and decided to found a city. Each brother chose a spot and began digging trenches; Romulus chose what is now Palatine Hill. When the gods showed they clearly favored Romulus, Remus became angry and leaped the trenches to attack his brother. Knowing it was a bad omen for the early foundings of a city to be breached so easily, Romulus killed Remus. The city of Rome was thus founded here on Palatine Hill. Centuries later, wealthy families built their homes atop the hill with lavish gardens and magnificent views.
- Cost: 10 euro (combo ticket includes Colosseum)
Pantheon
This ancient dome was once a temple to Roman gods and remained a house of worship through the centuries. The famous dome of the Pantheon has been copied by many designers throughout the ages and is one of the few ancient Roman structures to retain its ceiling.
- Cost: Free
Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum contains an enormous collection of artwork of all types and from all ages. The lines are long for the several mile stretch of museum. At the end is the famed Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's gorgeous paintings adorning the ceiling. You won't regret the long wait or the masses of people once you arrive.
- Cost: 12 euro
Roman Squares
The various squares of Rome (piazza in Italian) offer a thick history and a true feeling of Rome. Piazza di Spagna with the famous Spanish Steps is a popular meeting place for Roman youths when night begins to fall. In-between breathtaking museums and the awesome architectural scenes, take a walk through some of Rome's public squares for a real slice of Roman life -- both ancient and modern.
- Piazza di Trevi - Holds the famous Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain).
- Piazza di Spagna - With the Spanish Steps.
- Piazza Navona - An ancient stadium once rested here.
- Piazza Barberini - Another gorgeous Roman fountain.
- Piazza della Rotonda - Find the Pantheon here.
- Piazza del Campidoglio - Designed by Michelangelo.
Related Rome Travel Links
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