Rome

Rome is one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world. Otherwise known as the “Eternal City”, its amazing wealth of monuments bear witness to its 27 centuries of history. As the capital of Italy, Rome has a population of almost 3 million people.

Rome is a large, sprawling city but its historic center, where most of the attractions lie, is relatively small. Chararcterized by the mythical 'seven hills' and divided by the Tiber River, this vivacious, atmospheric city offers visitors a huge selection of activities.  Explore the wonders of its ancient history, marvel at the awe-inspiring art and architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque, saunter through the exclusive shopping district, or simply sip a cappuccino at one of the numerous outdoor cafès and watch the world go by.

TOP HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS:

The Colosseum-the wonder of Ancient Rome and the symbol of the city today. Built by Emperor Vespasian between 72 and 80 AD, this enormous amphitheater was a huge statement of power and glory.The gladiator games and wild animal fights which took place inside were a highlight of the Roman social scene and the building could seat 50,000 people with access through 80 arched entrances/exits. Now under half of the original structure still stands but it remains an imposing and beautiful reminder of Rome's illustrious past.

The Roman Forum-was the political and economic center of Ancient Rome for over 1,000 years until it's eventual abandonment and was the blueprint for the modern day town. Set in a valley, the Forum was home to the Curia, where the Senate would convene, the Imperial Roster, where great orators such as Cicero would address the public, and a host of other builidings, temples and monuments which chart the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.

The Pantheon-this spectacular temple was originally dedicated to 'All the gods' and later became consecrated as the Church of St Mary and all the Martyrs, as it remains today. Architectually astounding, it was built by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD and today it is the only great Roman building to remain entirely intact, more than 2000 years after it's completion.

The Circus Maximus- this huge stadium was built for the Romans' favourite sport, chariot racing. With a capacity of approximately 250,000 spectators, this was the largest stadium ever built for entertainment. Nowadays it retains little of the original structure but gives a hint of the scale and extravagance of the ancient city.

The Palatine Hill- according to legend, the city was founded here by Romulus on 23rd April 753 BC. Many affluent Romans lived here during the Republic, the Emperors adopted it as the site of their lavish palaces, and a Pope even selected this area for his summer house. Now a park dotted with staggering ruins from its varied history, the Palatine offers exceptional views of the Roman Forum and the rest of the city.

The Vatican Museums-one of the greatest museums in the world displaying a spellbinding array of art and artifacts collected by the Popes throughout the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Whether you want to see Egyptian mummies, Emperor Nero's bathtub, exquisite tapestries or works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Da Vinci, the Vatican offers all this and more. Don't miss the sublime Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes will take your breath away.

St Peter's Basilica-the largest church in the world and the center of Christianity. Built between 1506 and 1626, the jaw-dropping size and detail of this spectacular church is certain to impress. Make sure you see Michelangelo's moving sculpture 'Pietà' and take a trip to the top of the dome to get sensational views from Rome's highest point.

Castel Sant Angelo-originally the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, this circular buiding was later converted into the Pope's fortress to which he could flee along the a passeway that links directly to the papal palace.  Now a museum, walk to the top to admire the large statue of the Archangel Michael and get great views of the city.

The Trevi Fountain-this ravishing fountain was built in 1762 and depicts Neptune in the centre flanked by two tritons with horses. The theme of the scene is 'The Taming of the Waters. The fountain is perhaps best known for the iconic image of Anita Ekberg wading through it in the Fellini film 'La Dolce Vita'. Make sure you throw a coin in to guarantee your return to the Eternal City.

The Spanish Steps-built in 1725 to link the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom to the French church of Trinità dei Monti at the top, the 135 Spanish Steps make up the most elegant staircase in the world. Walk to the top at sunset to appreciate the panorama of the cityscape.

Piazza Navona-built on top of and following the form of Emperor Domition's stadium, this delightful square features Bernini's impressive Four River Fountain in the center. A delightful place to relax in one of the many cafès and soak in the Roman atmosphere.

The Victor Emmanuel Monument-named after the first king of unified Italy, Vittorio Emmanuel II, this huge white marble monument is often referred to as the 'wedding cake'. Home to the eternal flame of the city and the tomb of the unknown soldier, nowadays this is one of the most prominent features of the city. Head to the top for great views of the Forum and Colosseum.

The Capitoline Hill-in ancient times this hill was the site of the Temple of Jupiter.  During the Renaissance it was transformed by Michelangelo who designed the graceful staircase up to a harmonious square at the top. The square is home to 3 delightful palazzos. The Palazzo Senatorio is Rome's city hall and often the location for weddings. The other two buildings make up the Capitoline Museum which house a staggering number of ancient art and artefacts.

The Borghese Gallery-situated in the peaceful Borghese Park, north of the city, the Borghese Gallery is a wonderful museum containing a number of divine Baroque sculptures by Bernini and many beautiful and famous paintings by the likes of Caravaggio, Raphael, Rubens and Titian.

The Mouth of Truth-located in the portico of the quaint Greek Orthodox church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Mouth of Truth is best known for a scene in Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The legend says that if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie the jaws will clamp shut. A great photo opportunity. If you have time, go inside the church to see the relic of the skull of St Valentine.

The Bath house of Caracalla- are the remains of what was once one of the largest and most elaborate bath complex ever built. It dates from the early third century AD and could fit up to 1500 bathers at any time, getting through an estimated 15,000 - 20,000 cubic meters of fresh water a day.

The Crypt of the Capuchins-underneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione, this crypt features the skeletal remains of 4,000 Capuchin friars which have been artistically arranged on the walls and ceiling. A grotesque and yet respectful reminder of the fleeting nature of time.

The Catacombs-outside the city walls of Rome, the ancient Christians buried their dead in these underground galleries and tunnels. These tranquil places of rest, now empty, contain some beautiful examples of early Christian art and are well worth visiting for an insight into the daily life of Ancient Rome.

TOP SHOPPING AREAS:

Piazza Navona, Campo de Fiori and Pantheon-The narrow winding streets between these three sights play host to some fantastic shops and boutiques. Go to Via Governo Vecchio for second-hand clothes shops and jewellery. Head towards Via del Monserrato and Via Giulia for art galleries and antique shops. Via dei Coronari is home to a spectacular selection of furniture and antique shops.  Every May and October the shops here stay open late and the streets are lit with torches for Rome's Antiques Fair.

Spanish Steps-The area around the base of the Spanish Steps is home to Rome's most exclusive and expensive shopping area. Streets like Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and Via Babuino are brimming with names such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, Valentino, Ferragamo, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton, and fashion, homeware, shoes, art, jewellery are all on offer. The fashion elite come here to see and be seen and the area also offers a great range of stylish bars and restaurants.

Via del Corso-Rome's main high street is the long road between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Venezia. Featuring a range of mainly reasonably priced chain stores selling fashion, bags, accessories, jeans and shoes. Halfway along you can find the recently built Galleria Alberto Sordi, a small shopping mall with some well known stores and a cafè.

Vatican-Apart from the plethora of shops around St Peter's which sell religious items, rosaries and trinkets, there is also Via Cola di Rienzo which stretches between Piazza Risorgimento and Piazza del Popolo. Here you can find a great range of stores selling clothing, housewares, gourmet foods, books, shoes, bags and even coins, along with some street corner stands.

Via Nazionale-A busy, wide street leading downhill from Termini Station to Piazza Venezia with a selection of shops including leather stores, shoes stores, luggage retailers and also several stylish boutiques.

Porta Portese-Rome's big flea market takes place every Sunday morning from very early to around 1pm. It takes place on the left bank of the Tiber, on Via Portuense between Porta Portese and Trastevere Station. You can find most things here including clothes, books, homewares, stamps, coins and accessories. The second-hand clothing stalls are popular, with the clothes sorted by type (leathers and furs, jeans, coats, children’s clothes, etc) and piled on large tables with everything at the same price.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN ROME:

Rome's buses, trams, subway and suburban railways are all part of an integrated system and the same ticket covers all forms of transport. It is important to buy your ticket before boarding and to stamp it in the yellow validation box either at the entrance to the subway or on the bus or tram as being caught without a valid ticket can lead to a hefty fine.

Tickets are available at newspaper stands, 'Tabacchi' shops (indicated by sign with a white T on a blue background) or in subway stations. A variety of tickets can be purchased as follows:

BIT-Integrated Time Ticket-€1

This ticket can be used for one journey on the subway or for a total of 75 minutes after validation on the buses and trams.

BIG-Integrated Daily Ticket-€4

This can be used for unresticted journeys on the bus, subway and tram until 24.00 on the day of validation.

BTI-Integrated Tourist Ticket-€11

This can be used for unrestricted journeys on the bus, subway and tram for a period of 3 days.

CIS-Integrated Weekly Ticket-€16

This can be used for unrestricted journeys on the bus, subway and tram for a period of 7 days.

The city's Metro subway service is the quickest and easiest way to reach most sights and has two lines which cross at Termini train station. It runs every day between 5.30am and 11.30pm. On Friday and Saturday the last train is at 1.30am.

The A Line (red) has stops for the Trevi Fountain (Barberini), the Basilica of San Giovanni (S.Giovanni), the Spanish Steps (Spagna), Piazza del Popolo (Flaminio) and St Peter's and the Vatican (Ottaviano).

The B Line (blue) has stops for the Colosseum (Colosseo), the Basilica of St Paul's outside the walls (Basilica di San Paolo) and the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo).