Rome

Rome, known as the eternal city and the capital of Italy, is steeped in history, architecture, art, and religion.  But Rome also has so much more to offer.  They city is vibrant, boasts fantastic shops, offers amazing cuisine and fantastic scenery so even if you never venture inside a museum there will still be enough in Rome to amaze and enthral visitors.

Situated in Italy’s western side and a short train journey from Naples, Rome even has it’s own state, the Vatican, which is the smallest state in the world with only 920 occupants! Inside the Vatican city is 11 Vatican museums, the restored Michelangelo Sistine Chapel, and the world famous Vatican gardens.  This little state also has it’s own radio broadcasting station, a television station, it’s own daily newspaper and stamps, plus shops and offices.  It is of course ran by the pope and is guarded by the Swiss Guard at all times which makes for quite a surreal feeling when wandering around enjoying the sites.  The Vatican really is the centre of Christianity and no visit to Rome is complete without exploring this fascinating little state.

Rome has an array of accommodation, from budget to superior.  You can eat delicate Italian cuisine or enjoy other exotic dishes in some of the worlds finest restaurants.  Sightseeing in Rome can be as varied as you wish.  Below are a few suggestions of some great attractions that Rome has to offer.

The ‘Piazze’  (Great squares)

The squares of Rome truly are magnificent.  There are many dotted around the capital but roughguide2 recommend:

• Piazza del Campidoglio - this is the square based on capital hill and is the headquarters of the Italian Government.
• Piazza Navona - the Navona displays some awesome Baroque architecture and is one of the busiest squares in Rome.
• Piazza di Spagna - this square dates back to the xviii century and is home to the world famous ‘Spanish steps’.

Fountains

• Fontana di Trevi - this fountain is one of the most beautiful crafted fountains in all of Rome. Definitely one not to be missed.
• Fountain of Four Rivers - This fountain was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and is situated in Rome’s famous square, Piazza Navona.  It’s magnificent monument towers above all the other buildings around the square and really is one of the most eye catching fountains in the world.

Ancient Rome

• Roman Colosseum - This has to be Rome’s most famous monument and building from ancient times.  It was built in AD72 and has 80 entrances that could hold over 55000 visitors as they watched gladiators fight and combat for entertainment and punishment.
• Arch of Constantine - The arch was constructed to celebrate the victory of Constantine over Maxentius.  
• Roman Forum - This was the central area of the city where ancient Rome was developed.  The Forum was the heart of the communal life within the city.  Within the Forum is The Arch of Titus, The Temple of Saturn, The Temple of Vesta and the church of San Luca e Martina.  The Forum has a road running through it called the Sacra Via and this links all of the buildings within the forum together.
• Roman Pantheon - This building is the most preserved and influential one in ancient Rome.  This is mainly due to the fact that it was given to the Pope and has always been used as a church.  The exact original use of the Pantheon is unknown but it is believed to have been used as some kind of temple.

Other places of interest in Rome

• Roman Catacombs - these are a series of underground burials that can be traced back to the second century.  The ‘Via Appia’ (a long stretch of road) hosts three of Rome’s main catacombs, Catacombs of Praetextatus, catacombs of San Sebastiano and the catacombs  of San Callisto.  Tombs, paintings, artifices and carvings can all be seen around the catacombs and they are well worth a visit despite it’s morbidity.
• Baths of Caracalla - the remains of this building is immense.  Some of the mosaics, tiling and marble still remain but the majority of it has been placed in various museums around Rome to preserve it.  Like all public bath-houses in Rome they were lavishly decorated and the baths of Caracalla would have held up to 1600 bathers.  During the summer months opera is performed around the Baths of Caracalla and this is one experience roughguide2 recommend you don’t miss! Sitting outside on a balmy evening in one of the most magnificent areas in the world listening to Italy’s most famous form of entertainment.  A truly awesome thing to tell your friends back home.

Shopping and Nightlife in Rome

The Piazza di Spagna is where some of the best boutiques can be found, but if you are looking for Italy’s top designers such as Prada or Gucci then head for Via Borgogona.  Rome also host an abundance of Markets that take place around the city Monday - Saturday from 7am - 1pm.  These are large, colourful and crowded so take care while browsing around.  

Nightlife in Rome can be quite quiet compared to other European cities as the Romans prefer an open air meal followed by a few leisurely drinks around one of the Plazzas.  There are an abundance of bars and restaurants all over the city and if you do want to dance the night away most of the nightclubs can be found around the area of Testaccio, but a lot of the clubs close down over August as they relocate to seaside towns.  Many of the bars however often stay open until the early hours and some have live music or a resident DJ, especially at weekends.