Rome
Travel Guide > Europe > Italy > Rome
Introduction
Located in the central part of Italy, Rome is its capital. It is one of the most important cities in the world in terms of history and culture, as it was at the heart of the Roman Empire and is the centre of one of the world's major religions. Although it has relatively 'new' attractions like the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, the city is mostly known for its older magnificent buildings and ruins, like the Colosseum and the Forum.
And if that is not enough, you can always visit another country, right in the middle of the city: Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, which is known for its huge basilica, St. Peter's.
Of course, like any other Italian city, you can enjoy good cappuccinos, pizza and pasta in Rome as well. Or just sit down and relax for a while enjoying a fresh beer or good vino (wine!), after walking from one highlight to the other, because that's what Rome is all about.
Neigbourhoods
Sights and Activities
Museums and Galleries
- Museum of Galleria Borghese
- Galleria Colonna
- Modern Communal Gallery
- Gallery of the National Academy of St. Luca
- Dora Pamphilj Gallery
- Modern National Gallery
- Spada Gallery
- Barberini Palace and National Gallery of Antique Art
- Corsini Gallery
Ancient Rome
- Colosseum is not the oldest, but the biggest Roman arena. An extraordinary piece of engineering.
- Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome, and the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world
- Roman Forum is where deals and commerce happened in ancient Rome.
- Palatine Hill is where Augustus, Cicero and Romulus and Remus lived
- Trajan's Market, Trajan's Column and the Forums of Nerva, Julius, Augustus and Trajan
- Capitoline Museum (Museo Campidoglio) has an important Roman collection, including the statue of the wolf that symbolises Rome. Not to mention a couple of Caravaggios.
- Museo Nazionale delle Terme has a brilliant collection of Roman art, sculpture and mosaics
- Baths of Caracalla is the size of a cathedral
- Baths of Diocletian is a good example of a traditional Roman baths.
- Domus Aurea was Nero's Golden Palace, currently undergoing renovation
Vatican City
While Vatican City is an independent sovereign state, it happens to be located entirely in Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber. You don't need to show a passport to enter, but you will have to pass yourself and your bags through X-ray scanners. And be prepared to queue.
- The Sistine Chapel: Known for Michelangelo's two most famous masterpieces: the ceiling, depicting numerous scenes from the Old Testament - such as the moment of Creation - together with various sybils and prophets; and the Last Judgement, occupying the entire wall behind the altar. But while you're there, don't forget to look at the other frescoes, by Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and others. The Sistine Chapel is also the meeting place of the conclave, which elects each new Pope.
- Vatican Museums: Even ignoring the Sistine Chapel, these are some of the most important museums in the world. The Vatican has a superb gallery, excellent Roman and Etruscan collections, and plenty more. Worth at least two days if you have the time.
- St Peter's Basilica is the centre of the Catholic faith and the largest Christian church in the world. Built on top of the remains of St Peter, it also houses Michelangelo's Pietà. The views from the top of the dome, 130 metres above St Peter's Square, are wonderful.
Other
- Castel Sant'Angelo was built to be Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, it was used by the medieval Popes as a castle and prison
- Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: With mosaics dating from the fourth century
- Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome's cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of Rome
- Church of Santa Prassede has good ninth century mosaics
- Piazza Navona is still in the shape of a Roman circus
- Trevi Fountain
- Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo, it stands between the two buildings of the Capitoline Museum
- Villa Borghese
Passes
- Archaeologia Card: is a 7 day pass valid at Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, Baths of Diocletian, Colosseum, Foro Romano and Palatino, Baths of Caracalla, Villa dei Quintili, Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella. Adults: € 20 + € 2 (For exhibitions). Reduced Fee: € 10 + € 2 (For exhibitions)
- Roma Pass is a pass that allows a traveller unlimited access to public transport, free access to the first 2 sites and half price at the rest. Roma Pass Basic: € 20 for three days access to Rome public transport, first 2 sites free and half price at the others. Rome & Più Pass: € 25 for three days access to the public transport system of the Province, first 2 sites free and half price at the others.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
Rome's Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport (FCO) is located 26 kilometres south-west of the centre and is the city's primary international air hub.
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is the city's second airport, located about 15 kms south-east of central Rome. It provides charter flights and regional European flights. Budget airlines, including Ryanair and Easyjet use Ciampino Airport.
By Train
Termini Station is Rome's rail hub, providing connections throughout Italy and to neighbouring countries. Intercity train services in Italy are good, and the eurostar services are very good. Services leave very frequently to other cities such as Milan and Naples.
By Car
If you plan to drive into Rome, it is advisable to leave your car somewhat outside of the city centre because congestion and Italian driving habits can make it a challenging city to navigate for anyone from out of town.
By Bus
By Boat
You can reach Rome by boat from Toulon (France) using GLD Ferries, 3 times a week.
Getting Around
By Car
Attempting to navigate Rome by car is a brave move.
By Public Transport
Rome's metro has two lines; the red A line and the blue B line. Both go through Termini Station, which is the hub of Rome's rail and metro network. The metro is a convenient way, depending on your starting point, to get to the Forum and Colosseum.
The central bus station is just outside Termini Station. You can pick up a map from the kiosk in the bus station, but you have to pay for it. Buses (and trams) are frequent, and much of Rome's population uses buses to commute. There is also a night network.
Tickets are valid on buses and the metro. You can get tickets from metro stations or tobacconists. If you are there for any length of time, get a weekly or monthly card from a tobacconist.
On buses, you don't buy tickets. If you have a single ticket, you should validate it in one of the stamping machines on the bus, otherwise you will be considered to be travelling without a ticket.
By Foot
Much of Rome can easily be navigated on foot. Provided you aren't too weary from sightseeing, this is a highly advised way of getting around, as it also gives you the time to take in the scenery along the way.
By Bike
Eat
In Rome, tourists ask for a menu but locals ask "what are you serving today" (but in Italian of course). This is the only way to gurantee that you are eating what is fresh and recommended by the locals. If you only have time and money to eat at one place in Rome it must be Sora Margherita.
Sora Margherita
Don't blink because you will miss it. Also, it doesn't have a sign on the outside - only blue ropes hanging in the doorway. It is open for lunch from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. and then for dinner on Friday and Saturday night but reservations are required.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/italy/rome/where-to-eat/17216
Eat everything they give but especially do not miss their Roma-Jewish style artichokes, meatballs, zucchini quiche and whatever they recommend for dessert (it is guranteed to be delicious).
Drink
Work
Learn
If you are the type of traveler who enjoys learning about the history, legends and scandals of the sites you are visiting, then you may want to check out Roman Candle Tours. A number of tours are offered and conducted in English by English mother tongue guides throughout the City of Rome and the Vatican.
This is version 38. Last edited at 16:33 on Sep 30, 08 by Lavafalls (+7). 31 articles link to this page.
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